Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites

THE OAKS AT OJAI FOUNDER SHEILA CLUFF AN EXAMPLE THAT WHAT YOU EAT CAN KEEP YOU YOUNG AND FIT
by Bonnie Carroll

The Oaks at Ojai, founded by Sheila Cluff, is one of my favorite spa destinations in California. Located in the center of charming community of Ojai, it has a long history for providing the latest and most effective solutions for getting fit and staying fit.

A major part of a visit to The Oaks experience is the food on the menu, that has been tested and tried since its inception. There are actually so many recipes that have been created through time that there has been enough material for several cookbooks, and they also have created their own signature condiment collection. The clever use of herbs is one tactic that is implemented at meal time to help guests overcome their desire for salt, and water with lemon or herbal tea is the drink of choice. My first stay at the Oaks in the 80s was an amazing introduction to how really healthy food that is prepared properly can taste delicious.

The best part of this unique ‘get healthy’ hide-a-way is the love that goes into the food preparation and presentation, as well as the upbeat physical activities offered. From aerobics in the pool to hiking through the hills of Ojai it is all proactive and fun, and what is really amazing is that the workout plan, diet, and positive thinking can all go with you for ongoing success. Your signature exercise routine, delicious healthy recipes, and the inspiration you get at The Oaks all goes home with you. You can take your daily experience and duplicate it at home by preparing recipes from their cookbooks, using the recommended condiment options, getting to your gym or your own pool to follow the suggested workouts, and keep remembering the other great guests you have met, and especially Sheila Cluff, to inspire you to keep going.

Sheila Cluff is currently competing in the senior figure skating competitions in California, and is an inspiration to every person who is lucky enough to watch her and learn from her example on how to stay young and healthy into your sensational senior years.

Medleys of island flavors harmonize at the Marley family’s new Natural Mystic Spa opening in May. Natural seasonal fruits such as mango, pineapple and papaya, staples of the island, are handpicked and combined with spices & seeds for extra exfoliation and deep cleansing. The natural benefits from these enzymes duet to soften & hydrate skin. www.marleyresort.com.

The Yogurt and Almond Wrap sounds like a snack, but the organic vitamin E antirust treatment is powerful to defend the body against free radical cells caused by atmosphere stress and normal body aging. Vitamin D stimulates collagen growth and is an excellent balm for the skin. Also available at neighbor property Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Spa. www.premiereonline.com.mx.

Chocolate lovers owe a visit to Aquapura Douro Valley in the heart of Portugal wine country. The fusion of chocolate and oxygen in the Karin Herzog CO-cO2 Chocolate Therapy yield advanced anti-ageing properties for hormonally stressed skin. CO-cO2 treatments transport deep into the dermis layer to deliver powerful nutrients of Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Vitamins B & C, and anti-oxidants. Experience as facial or body treatment. www.aquapurahotels.com.

Sweet & savory flavors indulge the body with the Salt & Honey Thalaterm steam dome treatment. The featured treatment at Sonesta Maho’s Good Life Spa uses crushed sea salt and warm honey exfoliate, while steam opens the pores to eliminate toxins and promote deeper absorption. A relaxing scalp massage caps off the treatment. www.sonesta.com/mahobeach.

Caviar just for tasting? No way! Just visit the Sensia Spa at the boutique St. George hotel. Valuable caviar extracts are applied after a skin cleanse. A therapeutic face, neck and shoulders massage helps the skin absorb all the beneficial ingredients of the caviar serums. Skin feels ultra rich, radiant, toned and deeply moisturized. www.sglycabettus.gr.

Jam Jamaica-style with the Yardie Brown Sugar Scrub at Negril’s Sunset at the Palms. The complete Jamaican treatment using brown sugar with Pimento oil to ease muscle aches. The Yardie Brown Sugar Scrub relieves stress while revitalizing the skin, welcoming guests into the care-free island vibe. www.sunsetatthepalms.com.

Potatoes make more than fries at the picturesque Tintswalo Safari Lodge. Essential for sun-damaged skin, the Potato Body Embalming wrap moisturizes and tones, creating a natural barrier to hold in moisture. Contains Marula Oil, Aloe Vera Oil, Rooibos extract, African Potato, may other natural key ingredients that improves skin hydration and fights free radicals. Wrap is warmed prior to application, then massaged into the skin and left for 30 to 45 minutes to absorb. www.tintswalo.com.

“Cool” is the word at Jake’s in Jamaica, from the beachcomber vibe, to the scintillating Icy Island Mint Scrub at its new Driftwood Spa. The powerful immune system stimulating and mood elevating scrub harnesses all that’s indigenous about the Caribbean. Start with Jamaican Cerassie, spearmint & peppermint leaves, green tea, organic brown sugar, honey, aloe, glycerin, grapeseed oil and Vitamin E. Swril in pure essential oils of spearmint, basil, peppermint, lemon and patchouli. Now that’s an exfoliating scrub with a simply divine aftertaste! www.islandoutpost.com/jakes.