By Cactus Jane

There’s no better way to begin – or especially end – a vacation in the Big Bend, than with the pampering luxuries at Agave Spa in Lajitas.

The itty-bitty parlor is housed on the grounds of Lajitas Golf Resort, right next to a delicious bakery. It’s a cozy, intimate setting, and can accommodate three clients at a time, so bring a friend or treat your mom!

Even the least strenuous activity out here, and one of my favorites – driving around and taking pictures – can leave one a bit fatigued.

Agave Spa treatments leave you feeling like the desert after a rain – and one of their aromatherapy offerings is from the locally sourced chaparral plant, also known as creosote.

Agave Spa offers a dozen moisturizing, relaxing, and aromatic treatments that hit the spot after a long day of sightseeing, even if that means you never left your Airbnb!

Spa Owner and Licensed Massage Therapist Regina Abbott said her most popular package is the Desert Escape, and includes the Agave Facial and a 50-minute massage, and the aromatherapy offerings are heavenly. Locals love the ultra-hydrating Desert Rain Body Wrap, and desert newbies will love it, too.

After a very dry season in the desert, my face was feeling worse than the badlands of Terlingua, so I booked a moisturizing facial, massage, plus foot soak with Regina. I wanted a little bit of everything.

Paintings by local artists adorn the walls.

I decided not to use my cell phone, which I highly recommend, and the day couldn’t have gone better. If you’re coming in from a hike, or right off the greenway, there is a fabulous shower to get started with.

My spa day started with a warm soak and light scrub for my tired trotters. So much of the experience is ambience, and the copper soaking bowl filled with smooth river rocks set the scene. Regina came in and filled the bowl with hot water twice, helping me slow down and decompress before the massage.

Extended massages are my favorite, and Regina did not disappoint. I discovered we had a few things in common and I quizzed her about her business.

Sconces and candles create ambient lighting in the treatment rooms.

Regina moved to the Big Bend specifically to work as a massage therapist on the outskirts of the park, and she bought Agave Spa a few years ago. She would love to expand the offerings for an even grander experience, but I assured her it would take a while to go through the current menu. Regina explained she only uses all natural oil blends in a jojoba base, and some ingredients are native to the region.

After the much-needed massage, it was off to the facial room for more moisturizing bliss. The Ultimate Facial included hand and foot treatments with warm, paraffin-free oil. It was so relaxing that I actually fell asleep – I could have snoozed for hours! That’s a first in spa day history for me.

The clean facial room set-up is so comfortable, you might fall asleep!

Check out all the treatments available, and book a relaxing massage on your next visit! Agave Spa