45th birthday friends trip for 4: $2000 ish budget, 4 nights

[Anonymous]

Title says it all- my best friends from middle school (!!) and I do an annual weekend getaway. This year we're looking at the end of April/ beginning of May for 3 or 4 nights, depending on how far of a flight it is.

One friend suggested the Spa at Lake Austin, which will run us $3250/pp for 3 nights. That's a lot of money, I suppose I'm willing to spend it if it's AMAZING, and it does include spa treatments, activities and all meals. It doesn't include flights or a hotel in Austin if we spend a day there too.

I'd like to come up with some other ideas, closer to the $2000 price range, excluding flights. Any ideas welcome!

Other parameters:
- we're flying from DC, NYC and Chicago. Nonstops preferred
- can be domestic or international, but not too long of a flight
- we've done Napa and loved it. Don't want to do a wine trip this time
- we want spa, good food, hiking, relaxing. Not as interested in a city/touristy trip for this one (maybe next year)

[Anonymous]

I loved the Lake Austin Spa with a friend, but it is expensive and I wouldn't do it if you are cost conscious. The price does not include spa treatments, which are expensive, and other things add to the bill, too (wine, certain activities). It's lovely but it'll be a lot more than you want to spend.

[Anonymous]

To clarify - 2000 each, or total?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To clarify - 2000 each, or total?

Sorry, $2000 each.

To the pp who went to Lake Austin- I've never done a spa vacation like that before, but I can't wrap my head around what you get for the money. We can go hiking and do water sports and yoga at many other places for 1/2 the price. What makes this so worth it? Alternatively, where can we do something similar for 1/2 the price?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To clarify - 2000 each, or total?

Sorry, $2000 each.

To the pp who went to Lake Austin- I've never done a spa vacation like that before, but I can't wrap my head around what you get for the money. We can go hiking and do water sports and yoga at many other places for 1/2 the price. What makes this so worth it? Alternatively, where can we do something similar for 1/2 the price?

It's a lovely environment on secluded beautiful grounds. The food is delicious and beautifully presented. The service is lovely. When you go for a hike with the guide they bring along fruit and water to give you....that kind of thing. It's like, why stay at a luxury hotel when you can stay at a Hampton Inn--it's just nicer. But it is a total splurge.

I don't know where you can do a similar thing for less--spas tend to be very expensive. Maybe look at Red Rock in Utah? We thought about going there and I think it was somewhat cheaper.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To clarify - 2000 each, or total?

Sorry, $2000 each.

To the pp who went to Lake Austin- I've never done a spa vacation like that before, but I can't wrap my head around what you get for the money. We can go hiking and do water sports and yoga at many other places for 1/2 the price. What makes this so worth it? Alternatively, where can we do something similar for 1/2 the price?

I went to Lake Austin two months ago and it was fantastic. Two things made it- the facilities and the service. Most importantly, the setting was stunning. They really go out of their way to make absolutely everything luxurious and relaxing. I thought it was well worth the money..of course that is subjective based on individual financial circumstances.

To clarify though, OP- spa services are not included. Access to the spa is free, and I spent a ton of time in their relaxation room just chilling. But if you want a service, you'll pay extra.

[Anonymous]

We are planning a 40th birthday trip to Arizona. Lots of spas.

[Anonymous]

Canyon Ranch Lenox in the Berkshires might be worth a look. There is one in Tuscon, but the Bershires location may be more within your budget.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Canyon Ranch Lenox in the Berkshires might be worth a look. There is one in Tuscon, but the Bershires location may be more within your budget.

That’s a tough place to get to for a weekend trip from your points of origin, OP. All the rental cars and extra day off/connecting flights would probably make it as expensive as Austin, if not more.