100 Days of Blue and Ripple Effects: The Wellness of Water, Make a Big Splash on Memorial Day Weekend in Austin, Texas

CONTACT: Darlene Fiske darlene@thefiskegroup.com, (512) 331-7755

Austin, Texas (May 3, 2017) – For four days at the award-winning waterfront destination spa in Austin, Texas, author Dr. Wallace J. Nichols will discuss the ground-breaking science behind the positive effects of being near, in or on the water. As Lake Austin Spa Resort introduces new ways for their guests to enjoy the benefits of water this summer, Nichols will launch 100 Days of Blue on Monday, May 29 – encouraging people from all around the world to commit to doing something water-related for the next 100 days. Lake Austin Spa Resort will make it very simple for their guests to achieve, with Ripple Effects: The Wellness of Water – a new series of experiences that aligns with Nichols’ science of water wellness, utilizing the latest cutting edge water equipment and introducing overnight guests to innovative workouts, outings, meditations and therapies in, on or near the water.

As the only destination spa on a moving body of water, guests of the 40-room wellness retreat have unique opportunities to discover the healing effects of this natural resource this summer and year-round. In Dr. Nichols’ New York Times Bestseller, Blue Mind, the author explains how being close to the water can have real and impactful results on our happiness and wellbeing. Events are planned around Memorial Day weekend to explore these ideas in small, intimate sessions.

• Friday, May 26 – What is Blue Mind? Talk and Book Signing with Dr. Wallace J. Nichols
• Saturday, May 27 – Blue Minds on Water: Pedal and Paddle with Dr. Wallace J. Nichols
• Sunday, May 28 – Blue Mind Breakfast with Dr. Wallace J. Nichols
• Monday, May 29 – Ceremonial Launch Day: 100 Days of Blue

Beginning Memorial Day weekend and continuing through Labor Day, daily and weekly water themed classes for overnight stays include:

Daily 

Walk on Water | Peaceful Pedal & Paddle Lake Outings

Lake Fit | On The Lake Group Fitness Classes. Water based boot camp or interval style fitness training.

Preserve Eco-Paddles | Birding & Wildlife Exploration

Lake Austin Scenic Boat Cruises

Aqua Fit | Pool Fitness

Unlimited use of kayaks, paddleboards, pedalboards and Hydro-bikes

Weekly

Driftaway | Floating Water Meditation

Aqua Mat | Fitness Fusion – a floating mat that revolutionizes exercise on the water to increase balance, strength, flexibility and coordination.

Ripple Effects Discovery Talks | Water Passionaries who live, love and use the lake and/or water for positive mental and physical wellness impact share their stories of inspiration.

Boat and Bento Box Lunch: A Cruise and Floating Picnic

Blue Yoga | Warm Water Yoga in the Pool

Live Music Under the Stars

Mindful Morning | Dock Meditation

mindbodySUP™ | Meditative Sun Up and Sundown SUP (Paddle Board) Outings

Lake Austin Cruise & Dip | A Boat Cruise with a Swim

Lakeside Stargazing with Astronomer Michael Brewster

Additional water experiences include a Sundown Wine Cruise, Water Ski, Tube and Wakeboard Excursions, WakeSurfing and a new Water Taxi arrival service. (Additional fees apply)

Throughout the summer, several charity events are planned that encourage water immersion.

June 12: Flatwater Foundation: Dam That Cancer: Watch over 170 stand up paddleboarders embark on a 21 mile fundraising journey as they pass the resort at mile 5.

September 24: Get Out Girl Paddle Jam: Over 130 women will paddle up to 11 miles raising funds for mental wellness passing Lake Austin Spa Resort out and back on their journey.

Lake Austin Spa Resort supports both of these events, contributing to their cause of positive wellbeing, utilizing water as a catalyst for health.

Lake Austin features consistent water levels controlled by the Lower Colorado River Authority. The 40-room fitness resort rests on the shores of this unique waterway and overlooks the Balcones Canyonlands Nature Preserve, an idyllic setting to experience the benefits of a spa vacation. Water based fitness classes also take place in the Pool Barn year –round – one of three pools at the resort – which is a free-standing structure surrounded by lush Texas landscaping that is home to a Junior Olympic length lap pool.

The Ripple Effects also encourages water themed spa treatments at the Lake House Spa such as:

Quench Body Wrap

This lusciously hydrating full-body quench infuses the skin with warm organic shea butter for head to toe healing. The shea butter is brushed on the body prior to being wrapped. While you are cocooned, warm oil is drizzled onto your hair for a luxurious scalp massage.

50 minutes $160 // 80 minutes $225

Floating Meditation 

This Floating Meditation & Relaxation technique, will allow you de-stress and relax. In the tranquility of the Pool Barn, you will be given a comfortable floating mat and listen to calming music as you drift through your meditation session.  Please wear a bathing suit or other water-friendly clothing. *Sessions take place in the heated waters of the Pool Barn year-round.  50 minutes $155 

Aqua Stretch™ Myofascial Stretch 

If you are experiencing muscular pain or a limited range of motion, myofascial release in the water may be the remedy for you! This groundbreaking technique, with clinically proven results, is a one-on-one assisted stretching session performed in the warm, shallow and soothing waters of the Pool Barn.  Please wear a bathing suit or other water-friendly clothing. *Sessions take place in the heated waters of the Pool Barn year-round.

25minutes $95  / 50 minutes $155 

The luxury spa resort is known for providing a stellar experience on the shores of beautiful Lake Austin in the scenic Texas Hill Country featuring stylish interiors, an on-site organic garden which provide ingredients for deliciously healthy spa cuisine, as well as local and global inspired spa services in the LakeHouse Spa, up to 20 fitness classes and activities daily and a welcoming environment that prompts rejuvenation and relaxation. Rates start at $595 per person, per night, double occupancy in signature accommodations and include healthy, gourmet meals and unlimited fitness classes and activities.

ABOUT DR. WALLACE J. NICHOLS 

Dr. Wallace “J.” Nichols, called “Keeper of the Sea” by GQ Magazine and “a visionary” by Outside Magazine is an innovative, silo-busting, entrepreneurial scientist, movement maker, renown marine biologist, voracious Earth and idea explorer, wild water advocate, bestselling author, sought after lecturer, and fun-loving Dad. His experiences as a field research scientist, government consultant, founder and director of numerous businesses and nonprofit organizations, teacher, mentor, parent, and advisor all support his quest to build a stronger and more diverse blue movement. 

He has authored more than 200 scientific papers, technical reports, book chapters, and popular publications; lectured in more than 30 countries; and appeared in hundreds of print, film, radio, and television media outlets including NPR, BBC, PBS, CNN, MSNBC, National Geographic, Animal Planet, Time, Newsweek, GQ, Outside Magazine, Elle, Vogue, Fast Company, Surfer Magazine, Scientific American, and New Scientist, among others.

ABOUT LAKE AUSTIN SPA RESORT

Nestled along the shores of scenic Lake Austin in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, Lake Austin Spa Resort offers guests the sanctuary of a world-class spa and the warmth of a best friend’s lake house. Lake Austin Spa Resort offers all-inclusive vacation packages, which include accommodations in one of 40 charming lakeside guest rooms, three gourmet meals daily, indoor and outdoor fitness activities and classes, and a selection of spa and body treatments.

The resort has consistently been recognized for its excellence and as a result has received numerous industry awards.  Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Town & Country Magazine and Southern Living have honored Lake Austin Spa Resort as one of the best in the country and in the world. 

For additional information and reservations, call 800-847-5637, or visit www.lakeaustin.com.