The holidays are a busy time for most of us. Though we enjoy the fun and family, we spend a lot of effort and time preparing for all the events. If you stop to think about all the hours you put in decorating, cleaning, cooking, traveling, shopping, and let’s face it, maneuvering family politics, you may be amazed that you’re still standing! Even for those with time off from work for the holidays, after it’s all over with you sometimes need a vacation from your vacation! For those in the Texas Hill Country, peaceful though the living may be, you may still need to wind-down from all that hard work.

One thing you can do right now is ask Santa for a gift certificate to one of the many Hill Country spas. Thanks to the popularity and beauty of the region, the Hill Country provides a perfect location for spas that offer relaxing, nature-inspired indulgences for their guests. And for post-holiday recovery, no better way to unknot those sore light-hanging, gift-wrapping arms than a long massage. Detox from too many carbs and “special” egg nog with an herbal or mud wrap. A visit to the recently expanded spa at the Fredericksburg Herb Farm in Fredericksburg, TX means relaxing treatments using the soothing natural scents of herbal products made at the farm. An award-winning restaurant and newly added quaint cottages allow for a full spa weekend or simply a get-away from the everyday.

If you prefer spa-time with a little outdoor recreation, visit the popular Hill Country Horseshoe Bay Marriot just outside of Marble Falls, TX. Enjoy spa and salon treatments at their in-house spa, such as a soothing paraffin manicure or a Purifying Ginger Lime Clay body treatment. If your kids stayed off the naughty list this year, make it a mother-daughter day with their Just for Kids spa, for ages 12-17. Located on the shores of beautiful Lake LBJ, the resort highlights the Hill Country’s stunning lake views as well as offers a full marina. Though it may be a little chilly to jet-ski, mild winters mean fishing or just touring the lake on a boat is still an option! And with three championship Hill Country golf courses nearby, you can easily turn a day of relaxation into days of sun and fun.

If you have been really, really good this year, you deserve a visit to the world-famous Lake Austin Spa. Nestled alongside the peaceful waters of Lake Austin, the spa is a luxurious treat for mind and body. Ranked the number one destination spa by publications such as Conde Naste and Travel+Leisure, Hill Country property residents are able to utilize this amazing spa as both day guests or for longer “stay-cations” with little travel expense. And lucky for them, as this is a spa that is a true indulgence, both in treatment as well as cost. For longer stays, book a lush room with a garden or lake view. The spa offers a variety of vacation options such as Culinary Experiences or fitness-oriented vacations for jump starting that New Year’s resolution to live healthier. Or truly pamper yourself with a mixture of cuisine, fitness and plenty of spa treatments to start the New Year off with a fresh body and mind. For day guests, a la carte treatments are available such as the rejuvenating Coffee Scrub and Massage or the Lakehouse River Rock massage.

Whether visiting or living in the Hill Country this holiday, don’t forget to add pampering to the “to-do” list with a visit to a Hill Country spa.