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![Mahjong]()
Spa-hjong by the Lake
A Relaxing “Spa-hjong” Retreat for Lovers of the Game
Beginner Boot Camp + Experienced Play
September 15 – 18, 2026
January 22 – 25, 2027
Set your tiles and settle in for a restorative, playful getaway! Whether you’re a beginner, seasoned player or just rediscovering your love for the game, our Spahjong Retreats offer the perfect balance of strategy, connection, and lakeside serenity.
Join us on the shores of Lake Austin for a few unforgettable days of laughter, fun, and friendly competition, all surrounded by natural beauty and award-winning hospitality.
See what we have planned for September’s Retreat!
Tuesday September 15
5pm
Welcome Reception + Retreat Overview
Evening Leisure & Dine
7:30–9:30pm
Mahj After Dark | Open Social Play or Beginner Boot Camp
Wednesday September 16
9:30am –12pm
Morning Mahj | Social Play
Mahj Mastery | Strategy + Tournament Etiquette with Candyce Welch
12pm
Lunch at Leisure
1-3pm
Your Afternoon, Your Way
Pool Mahjong, Social Play, Spa, Wellness & Lake Time
4-4:50pm
The Art of Styling Your Mahjong Table with Lourdes Norton
5:30pm
Mahj Mixer | The Nourishing Table at The Venue
7:30-9:30pm
Mahj After Dark | Social Play
Thursday September 17
9:30am-12pm
Morning Mahj Social Play or Strategy + Tournament Etiquette
12pm
Lunch at Leisure
1-3pm
Your Afternoon, Your Way
Pool Mahjong, Social Play, Spa, Wellness & Lake Time
Alternative Ways to Play: Siamese & Ghost Play
3-3:50pm
Curating Mahjong Munchies: Culinary Chef Demo
4-4:50pm
Mahj Mastery | Strategy + Skills with Candyce Welch
5:30pm
Evening Leisure & Dine
7:30–9:30pm
Mahj Glam Night | Wear Your Favorite Mahj Apparel or Accessories
Social Play & Tournament
Friday September 18
9–11am
The Perfect Finale
Pool Mahjong, Social Play, Spa, Wellness & Lake Time
Space is limited for all retreat dates – reserve now! Bring your 2026 Mahjong card.
Meet Candyce Welch: Lake Austin Spa Resort’s Mahjong Guide & Enthusiast!
Candyce Welch’s love affair with Mah Jongg began in 1973, when her mother brought home a set for their game-loving family of eight. A lifelong enthusiast of both games and teaching, Candyce has shared her passions in many forms—leading aerobics and fitness classes for over 15 years, teaching arts and crafts at Lake Austin Spa Resort for more than a decade, and guiding players through the intricacies of Mah Jongg both privately and at the resort for over seven years.
A true purist, Candyce follows the National Mah Jongg League rules, believing that the game’s rich complexity is what makes it so rewarding. Her newest passion is tournament play, where she embraces the fast pace, advanced rules, and strategic scoring that elevate the challenge and excitement of the game.
All Mahjong activities and tournament play with Mahjong instructor, Candyce Welch
Daily gourmet meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
Use of lake equipment, pools, fitness center, and relaxation areas
Complimentary wellness classes and curated experiences
Access to LakeHouse Spa and an array of pools, steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools, gardens and more
Wellness experiences ranging from yoga and meditation to guided hikes and group boat outings
Luxurious accommodations situated on secluded lakefront acreage
Access to steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools, gardens, and relaxation areas
A signature resort water bottle and backpack for use during your stay and take home as a keepsake
24-hour access to our extensive lakeside fitness center
Complimentary parking
Complimentary Wi-Fi
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Be Social
You can see Lake Austin Spa Resort through the eyes of our guests with our #lakeaustinspa social gallery.