Earlier this month, we offered some highlights of some of our favorite spots to unwind and relax as we enter into a new year.  As there are many days to come in 2024, there are more options for you to finally set aside some ‘me’ time that you have earned and deserve.  
On behalf of the entire family at LeMontreaux apartments in Austin, we encourage you to cross off a day a month to reward yourself with a day at one of the top spas in Austin.

Mokara Spa at the Omni at Barton Creek 
For a true escape, head to the Omni Resort to unwind in their unimaginable spa overlooking the lush hillsides of Austin’s Hill Country. With 13,000 square feet to spoil you to your core, you may want to return as often as your busy life will allow. It’s a sanctuary that lets your mind slip away with a design that mirrors the region’s waterways, creeks and springs.  As their website notes it best … the focus is on restoration of the mind, body and spirit.
In addition to traditional spa services, check out their ‘restorative personal journeys’ to help you ease into 2024.

Miraval Resort
Taking every cue of the character of Austin, the Miraval Resort offers a 360-degree approach to wellness throughout their hill country setting. This is by far a ‘must experience’ for those who have a deep appreciation for your mind, soul and body. 
Their creativity flows throughout their “Body Renewal Rituals.”  All are restorative in nature with exfoliating scrubs, nourishing wraps and other ‘rituals’ that await your escape. 
Here are some of our favorites that we highly recommend:
•    Kokoro Ritual 
•    Ginger Healer
•    Hammam
•    Flourish
•    River Flower
•    Serenity

Miraval offers more than most of the spas in Austin with acupuncture, Thai massages and crystal energy treatments.

Spa Sway
With a mantra that prioritizes physical and mental health, the all-female owned and founded Spa Sway is another favorite of ours. Voted “Best Day Spa” time and time again, you can rest assured you are in for a well-deserved treat. They have over 25 body and facial treatments that were created through their persistence to offer only the most innovative and enriching spa experiences.  

For those who can’t afford some of Austin’s most luxurious spa resorts, this is your place to unplug and plug into a lifestyle that everyone should experience.  Promising ‘nothing but the best,’ it’s by far the best value to be found. 
 

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Ahhh, it’s a new year that awaits a new you to do what is best for your mind and soul. Thankfully, our great city of Austin has more spas, yoga and massage facilities within a short drive from our apartments for rent at Le Montreaux than most to get your body balanced and ready to begin a new year ahead.

No matter where one lives throughout the region, we have the luxury of being surrounded by opportunities to push our bodies to their limits. The best part is the end result – slipping into a local spa as our greatest reward. Below you will find our favorite places to pamper our bodies after a delightful day in the great outdoors. 

Top Spas in Austin, Texas

Viva Day Spa
Based on the belief that a premier day spa should provide the finest services in a relaxing and inviting environment, the Viva Day Spa proved its dream.  Since 2005, this locally owned establishment has offered the latest techniques and treatments through their all-natural facials, skin care, massages and other spa services.

Hiatus Spa & Retreat
With eight locations across the state of Texas, the owners of Hiatus Spa & Retreat continue to set new benchmarks for some of the finest spa services state-wide. Fortunately for all of us who live at Le Montreaux apartment community, we only have a short drive to spoil ourselves with their impressive spa services. Hiatus is the first spa in the USA to offer a ‘monthly wellness program” that offers discounts on all their spa services.  Check it out the next time you indulge yourself in a massage or any one of their MedSpa treatments that include: Botox, Dysport, dermal fillers, DermaFrac, dermaplaning, chemical peels, and micro-needling treatments all complete with a high-touch experience that is personalized from start to finish.
 
Milk + Honey Spa – Retreat – Shop
Born and bred in Austin, the owners of Milk + Honey have always believed in serving their neighbors and offering only the finest treatments and natural and organic products.  Since day one, their philosophy has always been focused on healing, wellness and relaxation.  They continue to offer one of the best spa rewards programs in Austin which they offer in all four of their Austin locations: 2nd Street District, Hill Country Galleria, Arboretum, and South Lamar.
 
Fairmont Spa Austin
Located in the vibrant corridor of downtown, the Fairmont Spa Austin is lauded for its luxurious environment and lavish spa services. They have nine treatment rooms that include two ‘couples’ suites.  All have floor-to-ceiling views of the Austin skyline, saline soaking pools, a eucalyptus steam grotto and a dry heated sauna. Reservations are a must as this is a very popular spot to settle in for an ultimate day away from your everyday life.

Omni Barton Creek Mokara Spa
If booking a ‘stay-cation’ is on your New Year’s Resolution list, this is the place to go. Overlooking the expansive Texas Hill Country, the 13,000 square foot Mokara Spa is a getaway that is worth the investment in you. With a focus on restoration of the mind, body and spirit, the staff offers “Austin-inspired” signature spa treatments, salon services, restorative personal journeys and more. Advance reservations are required for all their services, which include facial treatments, body treatments, massages, and hair and nail services as well. 

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Within an article on BestBabyBoomerTowns.com, the author noted many of the reasons why we love it here, and why boomer from all over the USA are now calling Austin “home sweet home.”

“Ask people what they love most about living in the Austin area, and you’ll find as many answers as stars in the big Texas sky. For some, it’s the Hill Country, with its gentle rolling slopes and beautiful vistas. For others, it’s the lakes, the creeks, and the swimming holes that offer an escape from the work-a-day world. 

Others claim that the real reason to live here is the culture, the arts, the laid-back attitude. Whether you are an Austin native or a recent transplant, Austin is a city of worldly culture where people feel welcome.

Education has always been a central concern in Austin, probably because the city’s such an educated town.”

Here's more insight about why our community in Austin, TX, is seeing such growth of the Boomer market.   US News and World Report placed our thriving city in the #4 top spot of places to retire in Texas.  Within their article it noted:

“Austin's hot job market and unique, quirky culture draw many people to the area, including retirees. The city attracted over 16,439 new residents between July 2018 and 2019, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. This state capital city is the home of the University of Texas—Austin, where seniors age 65 and older can take up to six tuition-free credit hours per semester. 

The area is also a hub for tech jobs, including Apple, Dell and IBM. Major health care providers include St. David's Medical Center and Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin. Housing in Austin costs more than in many other parts of Texas, but retirees relocating from more expensive cities with similar amenities may be able to reduce their housing costs.”

As we all continue to “grow-up” in our apartments that we rent in Austin, TX, let us all remember to get out and enjoy everything that our bourgeoning city has to offer all summer long!
 

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Where does the time go? It seemed like just last week when we shared our ideas on how to enjoy the holidays in Austin, TX!  And here we are talking about springtime in Austin.

As we all look forward to getting out of our apartments in Austin, we thought we would jump-start the spring season and share some of our favorite things to do in and around LeMontreaux apartments in Austin, Tx.

Lovin’ the Wildflowers, and SO Much More

One of our favorite things to do is to pack up the family and head out to Texas Hill Country to soak in the sun and spectacular wildflower blooms and wellness sessions at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. 

According to their website, “they use native plants to restore and create sustainable, beautiful landscapes.”

We appreciate their year-round conservation efforts and always enjoy reading and participating in their education and outreach programs.  Right now, they are requiring a reservation for all events.  

Below you will find some highlights of the events that we always enjoy.  We hope you do too!

Slow Down and Smell the Roses!

Yoga & Singing Bowls Classes in Austin, TX

Take some time out for yourself this spring and sign up for this series. Offered virtually or in person, the Yoga and Singing Bowls session promise you will ‘achieve a deeper state of relaxation and aid in reducing stress and restoring energy flow.’

Parent and Toddler Yoga in the Garden

We love this one, too.  As do our kids!  Their website notes the description best: 

“This playful, lighthearted class delights little ones and adults alike! Families find fun, laughter, and calm practicing yoga poses, and breathing exercises together.”

To register for their online or on-site classes, click on the Lady Bird Center website for complete information about dates, times, and pricing. 

Edible Native Plants, and Where to Find them in Austin, TX

With all the home cooking we have done from our apartment community in Austin, TX, we are ready to put a little more excitement into our dinner plans.  This virtual course about Edible Native Plants has us completely charged up to do so.  Here’s their overview of this virtual class.

“This class will help you reconnect with the land by learning foraging skills and how to ID native plants that are safe for your plates, such as prickly pear and Texas persimmon. Not only will you be primed to dress your salad and fill your snack bag with local native plants, but learning to forage will make your forays into nature richer as you tune in to the land around you.”

Where to Go ‘Birding’ in Austin, TX

In our continued quest to get out of the house this spring, here’s an adventure you won’t want to miss.  The Lady Bird Wildflower Center also offers a beautiful trek outdoors to identify migratory birds in the region.  Here’s a profile of what will be a fanastic way to enjoy the great outdoors this spring:

“Join birders from Travis Audubon and horticulturists from the Wildflower Center on a morning walk. Your guides will help identify migratory birds and the native plants they rely on for food and shelter. Bring binoculars to see what feathered friends are passing through. This is an on-site program, so space is limited to eight participants and registration is required. Please read our safety guidelines regarding face coverings, distancing and more.”

Be sure to check out the entire class schedule for more ideas on how to enjoy springtime in Austin, TX at the Lady Bird Wildflower Center.   Check in again to this Blog brought to you from your staff at LeMontreaux apartments in Austin for addition things to do in and around your own backyard!

The post Fun Things to Do and See in the Spring in Austin, TX appeared first on Le Montreaux A Concierge Community Blog.

Ok, we know it’s the start of a new year and a statistically speaking, most of us have at least one resolution to get fit or at least get healthier in 2017. 
 
While most would recommend going to a local gym or getting a personal trainer (both of which are good ideas), we thought it would be fun to dedicate this first blog of the year to tout some of Austin’s finer heath-focused restaurants!  Now that we have your attention, here’s a great list that we recently pulled from AustinMonthly.com.  We’ll give them full credit for the great idea to keep our local business thriving while we all try to trim a belt size in the next few months.
 
Bon Appetit! Oh, and don’t forget to keep your focus on that resolution.  Working out with friends and family can always be a great way to get out of your apartment in Austin for an hour or two and get moving on a brand new you!
 
Citizen Eatery
Offering primarily plant-based fare, this newcomer to the burgeoning Burnet Road dining scene has a hearty breakfast menu, seasonal entrees, salads and a tasty selection of veggie sides. Order This: The Nest, two poached eggs served on top of fried veggie noodles. (pictured).  5011 Burnet Road, citizeneatery.com

Mad Greens
Drop by one of the three Austin-area outposts of this fast-casual chain for salads, wraps, paninis and fresh juices. The menu notes calorie, fat, sodium, carb and protein counts on each item, making it an ideal spot for dieters. Order This: Siam I Am, a protein-packed salad made with ingredients like chicken, kale, quinoa and edamame. Multiple locations, madgreens.com

True Food Kitchen
Alternative medicine guru Andrew Weil was among the founders of this chain, whose Austin outpost is located in the hip Seaholm development. The “anti-inflammatory” menu is heavy on soups, salads, sandwiches, healthy entrees and vegan and vegetarian options. Order This: Sustainable Seabass, served with broccolini, sugar snap peas and roasted mushrooms. 222 West Ave., Ste. HR100, truefoodkitchen.com

Flower Child
A hippie-approved addition to Domain Northside, this healthy spot has farm-fresh salads, soups, bowls, wraps and plenty of organic, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Order This: Mother Earth bowl, made with ancient grains and topped with savory ingredients like portobello mushroom, avocado, sweet potato and broccoli pesto. 11721 Rock Rose Ave., iamaflowerchild.com

Picnik
With a menu that eschews gluten, corn, peanuts and soy, this popular trailer-turned-brick-and-mortar eatery on Burnet Road is a haven for the food-sensitive. Order This: Harvest Hash, which boasts grass-fed beef sausage, Brussels sprouts, sweet potato and spinach. 4801 Burnet Road, picnikaustin.com

Vinaigrette
Fill up on greens at this Albuquerque transplant, located just off South Congress Avenue. Its generously sized salads are topped with your choice of protein, from flank steak to diver scallops. Order This: The Omega with shrimp, a ceviche-like salad topped with tomato, avocado, bell pepper, red onion and cilantro. 2201 College Ave., vinaigretteonline.com

Veg Out
Want to add more fruits and vegetables to your diet and patronize local farms? Sign up for Johnson Backyard Garden’s Community Supported Agriculture program. Once a week or every other week, members can pick up or receive a delivery of a box of certified organic fruits, veggies and herbs that are in season. (Past January assortments have included produce like grapefruits, beets and parsley.) Choose your own box size and frequency, and consider optional add-ons, such as free-range eggs and fair-trade coffee. Members also get access to an online recipe database. Now we’re cooking! Prices start at $22 for an individual box. jbgorganic.com/csa
 

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