Slow Down, Breathe Deep
Finding Stillness at Casa de Luz East
Words Codi Chen | Photo Baptiste Despois
Situated just off MLK, Casa de Luz East feels like an unexpected retreat from the constant movement and noise of the city. Walking down the stone path toward the entrance, framed by growing bamboo plants and a natural wood pergola, visitors are already being ushered into the peaceful beauty that defines this intimate space.
Inspired by the original Casa de Luz Village off Toomey Road, which has been a beloved Austin staple for over 40 years, this new Eastside location carries forward the ethos of mindful nourishment and holistic living while carving out its own identity. For manager Adriana Martinez-Eliaz, Casa East is deeply personal.
“It’s an invitation to step away from the hustle and stress of the city, breathe deeply, and simply be present.” – Robert McKee
Having grown up in the original Casa de Luz, Adriana carries its heartbeat into this new location, ensuring that its spirit of intentionality and community remains intact. Whether going for a fresh meal or for one of the handful of wellness services in the Casa complex, patrons are sure to leave feeling nourished. At Casa, the dining experience is as deliberate as the ingredients, guided by the philosophy that “Nature is our menu planner.”
Casa de Luz East offers daily plant-based meals prepared with seasonal, organic, and gluten-free ingredients. The layout of the dining room and open courtyard encourages participation, from picking up your own plate to bussing your table, fostering a sense of engagement and slowing the pace of everyday life. Soft music plays in the background, organic conversations fill the air, and the open kitchen allows diners to witness the process of food being prepared. “It’s an invitation to step away from the hustle and stress of the city, breathe deeply, and simply be present,” says Robert McKee, one of the founders of Casa de Luz East.
Beyond the dining room, the larger Casa de Luz East complex embodies a holistic approach to well-being. The space houses sixteen residential apartments and a variety of wellness-focused businesses, including a sauna with red light therapy at Contrast, cold-pressed juices from Alechemay Organics, and gentle movement at Sukha Yoga. The Ivy League Botany Club keeps the space lush and vibrant with thoughtfully curated greenery, while practitioners such as Blue Topaz Massage, GW Lux Chiropractic, and Grapler Physical Therapy offer personalized wellness services.
This special oasis in the city is a place to connect, to slow down, and to nourish both body and spirit. No matter what brings guests in—a meal, a yoga class, or a quiet moment in the courtyard—they’ll leave feeling lighter, more centered, and deeply cared for in more ways than one.
Heat, Chill, Heal
Located within the Casa de Luz East complex, Contrast offers a restorative escape with a range of wellness services. Whether choosing a private or community experience, you can refresh in the cold plunge, detox in the sauna, recharge with red light therapy, or indulge in a purifying Vitamin C shower. Designed for relaxation and recovery, Contrast provides a space to reset both body and mind.
Contact:
1915 E MLK Jr. Blvd.
casadeluzeast.org
@casadeluz_east
