A girls’ weekend in Austin, Texas

If I lived in Texas, I’d live in Austin. It’s a vibrant green patch famous for its tech start-ups, music scene and food trucks that serve items like Navajo fry bread tacos, jerk chicken and curry goat. It’s a very cool place.

Actually, it’s a very HOT place, often reaching the 100s in summer. Air con, and a swimming pool, are a must-have.

One of my very best and oldest friends is in Austin. When I first arrived in London in 1990, she opened the door to the BUNAC youth hostel on Store Street. We bonded when we discovered we both had internships in the city. We’ve been friends ever since. 

Our lives have taken very different turns (I have nothing to do with finance!) but we still get together each year for a weekend of wining and dining.

Austin’s the perfect place – We visit our favorite spa, and then make full use of the foodie scene. Bliss. Did I mention I left the kids at home?

Check out my pics/social posts. And if you want to indulge in a little Austin yourself, all details are below.

Awarded #1 Spa in the US, the Lake House Spa in Austin is a great place to unwind. Enjoy the facilities (two swimming pools, beverage bar, Blue Room, and loads of soaking options). I hung out here before having my “Day Dreaming” lavender and chamomile oil massage and wrap.

Iced green tea #Austin #lakehousespa #bliss

This place is totally #awesome Austin @lakehousespa #texas

Hanging out the Austin @lakehousespa on a #Friday afternoon #Texas

IF YOU GO:

Lake Austin Spa Resort 1705 S Quinlan Park Rd, Austin, TX 78732 +1 (512) 372-7300. lakeaustin.com Awadred #1 Spa in the US, the Lake House Spa in Austin is a great place to unwind. Enjoy facilities (two swimming pools, beverage bar, Blue Room and load of soaking options). I took full advantage before my “Day Dreaming” lavender and chamomile oil massage and body wrap

Hula Hut 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703 +1 (512) 476-4852 www.hulahut.com Mexican food with a Polynesian twist right on Lake Travis. Make sure you try the Queso and don’t even think of ordering anything other than a mango/strawberry margarita.

Barley Swine 2024 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704 +1 (512) 394-8150. barleyswine.com Features small plate offerings from local farmers. $75 per person gets you an evening of culinary delights, such as Duck custard, basil, long beans; Melon soda: Corn muffin, country ham, field peas, cucumber pickle.

Lick 2032 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704 +1 (512) 363-5622  ilikelick.com “Honest” ice cream with flavours like Texas street cake (chocolate-pecan icing swirled into a delicate chocolate ice cream base) and Carmel salt lick (homemade caramel elevated with just a hint of sea salt).

Perla’s Seafood and Oyster Bar 1400 S Congress Suite B100 Austin, TX 78704 Cross Street: Gibson +1 (512) 291-7300 perlasaustin.com Yummy and reasonably priced seafood in the trendy South Congress area.

@BarleySwine in #Austin offers small plate offerings from local farmers. $75 per person gets you an evening of culinary delights, such as Duck custard, basil, long beans; Melon soda; Corn muffin, country ham, field peas, cucumber pickle #awesome #foodie

Brunch at Perlas #southcongress #austin #texas #seafood

Checking out the ice cream at Lick in #Austin #Texas

Street musician on South Congress #austin

Queso, salsa fresca, mango/strawberry margarita #HulaHut #LakeAustin

We spent much of the weekend with a large iced tea floating in the swimming pool! #hot #austin #picoftheday #photooftheday #igersaustin

A selfie at #HulaHut, a happening Polynesian/Mexican eatery on Lake Austin. Don’t even think of ordering anything other than a mango/strawberry margarita and queso #austin