Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites

For generations this venerable world-class spa in Ojai, California has kept women, and their daughters coming back for more. It is considered the best spa value in America. The entire concept was the brainchild of owner and world renowned health authority Sheila Cluff, who continues to oversee every detail of the successful running of “The Oaks” as it is referred to by guests.

Although the spa is located in the center of Ojai life, across the street from the only movie theatre in town, and some wonderful designer shops and art galleries, guests rarely leave the property. The balanced schedule of outstanding fitness classes, swimming workouts and educational lectures on health, fitness and the joy of living keep guests quite busy.

A staff nutritionist interviews guests and discusses their challenges during a visit at the spa. She assists with menu selections, and an appropriate workout schedule, depending on individual needs. The food at “The Oaks” maintains a controlled calorie count for guests. Breakfast includes cereals, fresh fruit, organic coffee, tee, hard boiled eggs and home-made bran muffins. The lunch menu varies daily, and offers fresh salads, with healthful entrees, along with low calorie desserts that taste great, served poolside in warm weather. Dinner is always delicious, and it never ceases to amaze me what really tasty entrees and desserts are offered in the formal dining room. Each morning there is a warm soup break, and at 4:30 a fresh vegetable with yogurt dip is served. Guest I spoke with who were staying for a week or two said they never felt hungry, and were surprised by the quality and preparation of their meals.

The accommodations at “The Oaks” are beautiful. Guest

cottages have living rooms with working fireplaces, and can sleep up to four people comfortably. They also have private patio areas for relaxation, and some have beautiful indoor Jacuzzi’s. Guest are welcome to enjoy meals in their room with prior notice to the front desk.

A bevy of outstanding massage and body treatments await you at this inspiring ‘get it together’ destination. Not only can you plan a workable weight loss agenda, and select every physical activity you wish, but you are invited to begin or end your day with an unforgettable treatment at the spa. The massage I experienced was one of the best of my life, and included a collection of varied massage techniques. For body treatments, skin care, especially facials “The Oaks” offers wonderful products from the Collin Company in Montreal, Canada. Naturally, there is a charming salon offering hair care, manicures and pedicures when needed...

Sheila’s years of experience truly benefit her guests. The workout and nutrition programs were all planned by her to allow guests to absorb at “The Oaks”, and take home to continue a plan of healthful living and weight control It was good to see women my daughters age so impressed with their experience at “The Oaks” and I remembered why I have always loved to visit this oasis of healthy mind, body and spirit in the center of Ojai.

Sheila also offers amazing trips for her spa visitors to participate in during the year. I attended one of her Costa Rican adventure trips and will never forget it. Go to the www.oaksatojai.com site and you may want to tag along to France,

Italy

or some other divine destination, while working on your good health as you travel.

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