Austin’s Own Spa Expert, Darlene Fiske, Shares Insider Tips on Best Treatments and Beauty Products

She has a whirlwind, jet-set life many would envy. The tall, pretty Texan owner of the award-winning Austin-based marketing and public relations firm, The Fiske Group, has been an influencer in the high-end spa and hotel resort game long before the term was even coined. Traveling the world both in concert with her clients and to consult within the competitive spa industry, we thought, with many of us resolving to live a healthier life this new year, who better to talk with than the effervescent spa expert, Darlene Fiske? 

Ensconced in her new pied-a-terre at the recently renovated W Austin, this health, fitness and spa expert with a glowing visage gave us the skinny on the high-end treatments and results-driven skin care products that really deliver. 

Laurann Claridge: As a self-proclaimed spa “junkie,” you’ve worked to promote The Lake Austin Spa Resort for decades. Tell us how this award-winning resort has evolved. 

Darlene Fiske: I literally grew up at this waterfront destination, which, back in the day, used to be a nudist colony and rodeo training camp for cowboys. Fortunately, that was before my time.

When I arrived in 1995, Lake Austin Spa Resort was a quirky, funky health spa with a colorful personality and outstanding location with no rival, as it sits on the constant level of Lake Austin across from the Balcones Canyonlands Nature Preserve. I’ve most loved watching the food evolve; what was once considered ‘healthy’ – fat-free processed everything – has been replaced with wholesome, real food, thoughtfully prepared and simply outstanding. After countless renovations and two changes in ownership, I can still say that the current leadership team has kept the soul of the place intact, and that comes through in the guest experience and the numerous awards we have achieved. It feels great to be part of a major evolution in wellness, and Austin has been a hub for it in a quiet way that’s about to become even bigger. 

LC: Today, the spa industry has developed a variety of science-backed services, from infrared saunas to cold plunge pools to LED light therapy, each of which has measurable physical and mental effects on our bodies and minds. Tell us about the therapies you’ve personally found that have had a significant effect on your well-being.

DF: Some of my favorites: 

Compression boots – Big cloudlike leg covers that contract and release pressure in the legs, increasing circulation and leaving you feeling just great. I had it most recently at Escape Spa in Houston, which focuses on recovery. 

Cold plunge – It’s all about mind over matter. My first cold plunge experience was at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, on the side of a cliff, in a clawfoot bathtub filled with ice overlooking the ocean. It made me realize I can do anything I set my mind to. Not to mention, the health benefits are exponential. Circulation, immunity, recovery, and mental resilience–go on give it a try! Now we have a natural cold pool right in our backyard at Barton Springs! Anyone can do it. 

LC: As a spa expert, you often work as a consultant to develop new treatments. What are some that you’re especially excited about? 

DF: What goes around comes around. I have seen super high-tech equipment do incredible things on the face and body, but what excites me most are functional, low-tech, high-touch, time-tested services, meaning they have an end result with a distinct purpose. Lymphatic drainage, acupuncture, face cupping, guasha, scalp health, a temezcal ceremony and Mexican Massage which utilizes ancient Mayan techniques, offered at Palmaïa The House of AïA in Playa del Carmen. I love science and getting nerdy about new developments, but nothing excites me more than old-school techniques that really work. 

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LC: Wellness tourism has been one of the drivers of the growth of the spa industry globally. When planning a wellness holiday, what features should we look for in a spa-centered resort? 

DF: There are so many choices these days. The biggest thing to decide is what you want out of your vacation. Is a plant-based, no-seed oil experiment on your gut what you crave? Or perhaps a silent retreat in nature? Or a yoga festival, like Wanderlust, which is hosted at wellness resorts around the world. Or maybe you’re looking for more of a resort experience with an incredible spa component, like La Cantera Resort & Spa in San Antonio. This is just the tip of the iceberg: first, decide what you want and then ask AI for some suggestions. Ask friends, and you can even seek the help of a travel advisor – companies like Virtuoso and Hidden Doorways have experts in wellness retreats, so check them out. 

LC: If you were to leave tomorrow to enjoy an all-expenses-paid spa and wellness retreat anywhere in the world, where would you wish to go?

DF: I have a special affinity for independently owned hotels, and there is a family-owned collection of hotels in Italy called Lefay. I visited the Lake Garda location at the Global Wellness Summit in Italy several years ago. Since then, they have opened up another location in the Dolomites. I know the quality of this brand and the family’s commitment to wellness, sustainability, and nature. They also know how to have a good time. The wellness resort is complete with a cigar bar! Some people don’t want to give up what they love on vacation–cigars, wine, an amazing meal. I absolutely love that this is part of their ethos. 

LC: Let’s talk facials. What should we know to get the most effective, results-driven facial? 

DF: That’s tricky. I’ve had facials in five-star resorts where it felt like the esthetician dropped some goop on my face, spread it around, took it off, and continued to do that over and over. I didn’t feel cared for, my skin didn’t feel great, and I could have done that at home. Before I go in for a facial, I read the descriptions carefully and look for services with some type of massage or muscle manipulation. It’s so important to move and massage the muscles in your face.

Pietro Simone in SoHo, New York, is a master at this. But you can find great face massage nationwide – you just need to ask. Face cupping also has plumping benefits; we’re introducing a new facial at Mohonk Mountain House this year that incorporates this technique.

If you really want to see results, find a spa that offers Endospheres services. It’s an Italian device that uses compressed micro-vibration to move lymph and smooth skin – you can do it on your body or your face, and people have said that they get a weekly face treatment to keep their jaw and neck tight – in place of plastic surgery. I’d focus more on techniques offered during the facials and look for true craftspeople performing these services. Ask questions when you book to learn if anyone has advanced training or special skills. Read reviews; sometimes, you’ll find some great commentary there. 

LC: Aside from spa treatments, you’ve tried nearly every skincare line out there at one time or another. What are your favorite lines and products for each that you’d buy repeatedly regardless of price?

DF: OOH, I love this topic. And I’ll admit, I am spoiled. I have been so fortunate to receive many gifts through the years, and there are a few standouts that I cannot live without. 

Natura Bisse – Diamond Cocoon Sheer 
This moisturizer was like the show Yellowstone. I tried it once and turned away, but someone insisted I try it again, and now I’m addicted. It’s hard to explain, but it’s a very thick face cream that acts as a foundation for day. When I say thick – it feels heavy – but when you apply it with a brush, it becomes sheer and your skin looks like you just had a facial. It’s the most incredible everyday base product, keeping my skin hydrated all day. 

Elemis – Cleansing Balm 
I was gifted this product at an event, and it’s unlike any cleanser; it’s a balm, making massaging my face at night when I’m taking my makeup off a breeze. It smells nice, and my face feels clean when I’m done. 

Pietro Simone Fierce Oil  
This man is a modern marvel. His products are sourced from Italy, and he’s currently serving up exosome therapy to some high-profile clients in New York. When I can’t get a facial from him, the next best thing is lathering my face in his oil – it’s lighter than most but oh so hydrating. I use it nightly and generously. 

Zafferano 1 
Although I love the Swiss-born Valmont line for their face products, I literally get stopped in the streets when I wear this fragrance of theirs. As the description says, intensely deep and distinctive. 

Saie – Glowy Super Gel 
One of the women who I work with was wearing this on a press trip and I commented on how fantastic her skin looked. Then she shared her lovely secret with me. I throw this on by itself for a quick run out the door, but I have to look somewhat alive look. Or a dab on cheeks and forehead for a later in the day pick me up. 

Lip Comfort Oil
For the final touch right before bed, a luscious lip oil from Clarins.

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