Less than a three hour drive from Dallas, Miraval Austin is unlike any hotel or resort I’ve experienced before— an all-inclusive wellness oasis with farm-to-table food, scenic vistas, and unlimited activities for your mind, body, and soul. I’m grateful my friend chose it for the location of her bachelorette party, because I might not have discovered this gem otherwise.

They encourage you to be tech-free, with the exception of taking photos. No e-readers or laptops allowed in the public areas. A “sleeping bag” for your cellphone is provided at check-in. Luckily, no one seemed to mind me lugging around my tripod and DSLR for the myriad of self-portraits I took.

I could have probably spent the entire time in my guest room and been a happy camper. The bed felt like sleeping on a cloud. In-room dining is free, and the cozy nook by the windows was the perfect breakfast spot. I ordered three different dishes, a cup of coffee with oat milk, and spent the morning journaling while enjoying the hill country views.

A few weeks before the trip, I booked a busy itinerary ranging from crystal meditation to power flow yoga. But I ended up canceling them all in favor of spending much-needed girl time with the rest of the group at the infinity pool and hiking one of the trails onsite. I did, however, use my resort credit towards a private tarot reading (which was freakishly accurate and enlightening).

I really want to go back again and take full advantage of the offerings. It’s a financial splurge, for sure. But considering all of the meals and activities are included, and you can be on property from 11am before check-in and until 5pm after check-out, even a one-night stay felt like a decent amount of time. Miraval is also part of the World of Hyatt portfolio, so I was able to earn loyalty points.

Things have been heavy lately. It felt so good to re-center myself and appreciate the moments of lightness. I can’t remember the last morning I woke up to watch a sunrise. There is still beauty in the world and joy to celebrate, if we make the time and space.