Oaks makes top spa list
By Kelly Feser Eells

The Oaks at Ojai is one world-class resort. But if you need a second opinion, look no further than the October, 2003, edition of "Travel and Leisure" magazine: The Oaks is number five (out of ten) "Top Destination Spas" in the world.

And local owner and founder Sheila Cluff couldn't be more proud - unless, of course, she'd won two awards, which, in effect, she did. The Oaks' "sister" property, The Palms at Palm Springs was listed as the 10th top destination spa in the world.

This was the magazines' eighth annual "World's Best Survey," and competition was stiff: not only are spa visits up across the country (nearly 27 million Americans visited a "destination" or hotel spa last year) but proprietors are expanding services like never before in an effort to stay "cutting edge."

Spas were rated in five main categories - Treatments, Value, Ambience and Accommodations, Service and Food - on a scale of one-to-five, five being "excellent" and one being "poor."

Travel industry professionals were not allowed to participate in the survey, which was conducted in association with Harris Interactive, a worldwide market research and consulting firm. Harris Interactive maintained a secure web site of responses, culled from a "select group of 'Travel and Leisure' subscribers in every zip code."

"I can't tell you how pleased we are with this award," said Managing Director Cathy Cluff. "Especially since it was not 'based on price,'" she said, explaining that, "The Oaks won this award against places that charge $6,000 per week versus our $950.

"Of course," she added, "it is our amazingly caring employees who really deserve all the praise. Without them, the readers would never have granted our 'Oaks family' such an esteemed award."
While this latest honor is one of many feathers in The Oaks' 25-year-old cap, it's clear that Sheila Cluff has no intention of resting on the 'family' laurels, so to speak, and is committed to making every visit to The Oaks "a life affirming experience."

In related news, "Travel and Leisure" magazine named "Spa Ojai" at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa the 23rd best hotel spa in the United States and Canada.

© 2003 The Ojai Valley News

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