The Oaks at OjaiA Spa in Shangri-Laby Valerie SummersLost Horizon, the classic tale of paradise found, otherwise known as Shangri-La, was filmed in the Ojai Valley in 1937. In a temporary refuge from the stresses of everyday life, guests at The Oaks at Ojai retreat into their own Shangri-La in this relaxed, low keyed atmosphere. Tucked away in the quiet artists community of Ojai, between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, The Oaks fulfills the need for pampering, rejuvenation and a program for promoting good health without having to take out a second mortgage.
Dining at The Oaks is one of the guests favorite activities. Not only are the low calorie, healthy meals incredibly delicious, mealtime gave me an opportunity to meet and mingle. Each time I have visited the Oaks, I have made friendships which extended beyond the bounds of the spa…regularly e-mailing a new friend who calls Alaska her home or visiting with fellow Angelenos back home. I met regulars and newcomers from all parts of the country…who, though mostly women, also included several men. Although my chosen routine called for a maximum of activity, interspersed with pampering facials and massages and an occasional yoga class, other guests preferred to just veg out or indulge in personal services offered by facialists, masseuses, hairdressers and manicurists. Pampering body scrubs, glycolic and oxygen facials, paraffin treatments, back facials, and scalp massages were available. Personal Wellness Training Services provided one on one sessions with certified trainers for an extra motivational boost. The options were plentiful. A variety of entertaining and enlightening evening programs included slide presentations and talks on beauty, healthy cooking, psycho dynamics and handwriting analysis. The team at The Oaks always had something interesting scheduled. Although many guests never step foot outside of the grounds, there is no need to stay on campus. A movie theater, just across the street from The Oaks, and a visit to the galleries and shops in this charming town made for pleasant outings. I particularly enjoyed the unique glass art at the Primavera Gallery just down the street. For guests looking for something extra, The Oaks offers special theme weeks each year including: Holistic Health Week, Tennis Week, His & Her Discount Week, Spa Cuisine Cookery Week and Holiday Shapeup Discount Week. Shiela Cluff regularly leads fitness cruises to exotic destinations on luxury ships. Participants enjoy the adventure without weight gain….a problem many cruise passengers fear. The Oaks all-inclusive rate, with the exception of personal services, included all spa cuisine, a choice of 18 fitness activities and hikes, comfortable accommodations which included TV, phone, hairdryers and ample closet space, evening programs, lectures and cooking demos and off-campus tennis. It’s a bargain with rates beginning at $145 per night. Without breaking the bank, I headed back to Los Angeles, relaxed and revitalized and already checking my calendar to book the next visit to my Shangri-La, The Oaks at Ojai. For information: The Oaks at Ojai |
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I have visited The Oaks on several occasions and happily found that it just keeps getting better. The ninety minute drive along the coast from my home in Los Angeles, began the unwinding process. I welcomed the sight of the spa, situated just off Ojai Avenue and after checking in made my way to my comfortable room in a quiet one-story building. Reviewing the printed schedule I chose from two hour long guided mountain hikes, one hour brisk morning walks, water aerobics, dance, stretch, body sculpting and low back conditioning classes. Founder and fitness guru Shiela Cluff’s hands on approach assures guests that their needs will be met by the highly qualified staff who not only make classes beneficial, but fun. Energy permitting, I planned to supplement the classes with individual work outs on fitness equipment taking a walk on the treadmill and a ride on the stationary bicycle. I signed up for everything that I could fit into the timetable. By mid afternoon, after several classes, the refreshing outdoor pool made swimming those laps under the warm California sun in the middle of winter a sheer delight.