Boldly Go Solo

In Ojai, a charming old California town crammed with art galleries, is a spa called The Oaks. Margaret Lukens, from the San Francisco area six hours away, booked a visit for this month, having so enjoyed her first trip. Though married with grown children, she often travels solo, especially to spas.

The Oaks is gracious but also casual, she says. "No competition for the latest designer workout gear here." Sounds good to me.

Last time, Lukens stayed in the main building with its Spanish style decor. This time she treated herself to a small private cottage and brought along books to indulge in during her down time.

Lukens, who does business coaching and consulting, takes relaxing spa classes, such as yoga, and less typical ones, such as West African dance and qigong, (which is spelled any number of ways, but has to do with working with the body’s energy). The spa offers up to 16 exercise classes a day.

Lukens enjoys the early morning hikes the spa provides. Last time, she met a young woman she stayed in touch with after they left the spa. Opportunities to meet fellow
guests continue at breakfast. It’s cafeteria style, with seating at large round
tables. People come and go, college dining-hall style.

Lunch and
dinner are in a formal dining room. Most tables seat four.
Guests are likely to be seated with new people, providing more
chances for conversation.

Evenings
activities vary. The spa offers a variety of programs from cooking demonstrations to a class on gemstones. Or you can pass on all that and melt into the sauna. Or turn your weary body over to the hands of a skilled masseuse.

Or, you can stroll down the main street of Ojai. Scenes from the area were used to depict Shangra-La in the 1939 movie, "Lost
Horizon." Imagine being in the mystical, harmonious valley portrayed. The name now is synonymous with an earthly paradise. Not a bad place to end up for a week or so…

Photo: Hiking at The Oaks, Ojai, California.