Post-Holiday Spas: Finding A Good Fit
It’s January, and chances are you feel the need to visit a spa. What better way to recover from holiday indulgence and the stress of the season? Just be sure to take the time to find the right place. Spas are like shoes: no matter how beautiful they are, if they don’t fit, you won’t be comfortable.

The Oaks At Ojai
Located 35 miles southeast of Santa Barbara, this is the place for women who like to work out. (Men are welcome, too, but are very much in the minority.) The Oaks offers a daylong schedule of classes, which ranges from the 6:30am Advanced Mountain Hike to the mellow 4pm Relax, Stretch, & Yoga. In between, Water Works and Aqua Tone are taught in the pool, and a variety of strength, stretching, and cardio classes take place in a large room with a comfortable spongy floor, clouds painted on the ceiling, and a picture window overlooking the garden.

When my sister Patti joined me here last Labor Day weekend, neither of us expected a life-changing experience. In fact, I thought we’d focus on getting catch-up conversation and maybe have a spa treatment or two as time allowed. However, the classes were so good that we took them back-to-back and the low-calorie meals were so satisfying that we started keeping notes on easy eating changes we could make at home. To this day, I’m still benefiting from a mid-morning broth break, and Patti continues making 50-calorie fruit smoothies in the afternoon.

Fitness pioneer Sheila Cluff revolutionized the world of low-impact aerobics back in the 1950s. Today she owns The Oaks at Ojai and The Palms at Palm Springs, teaches at both places, leads Health Holiday cruises, and lectures extensively on nutrition and exercise. In spite of being chronologically advantaged (her term), her Ball Stretch class was the most challenging I took during our stay.

Over meals, Patti and I met guests who are regulars at The Oaks. Everyone commented that they liked the low-key atmosphere and the lack of pretension. “I’ve done Canyon Ranch,” one woman told me, “but I prefer it here because I don’t need trendy work-out clothes.”

Another woman, a Hollywood agent, said she’s been coming here for 20 years “because if I follow the plan, I lose five pounds in three days.”

Comments on spa treatments were also very positive. A New Yorker said she’s had facials “all over the world” and the one at The Oaks was “definitely the best.” (Patti and I both loved our Extended Rock Massage and still joke about getting stoned together.)

Then there was the lawyer from DC who said she chose The Oaks over Rancho La Puerta because the latter doesn’t have TVs and she’s a news junkie.

My only caveat about The Oaks is that the rooms in the main building are too small to share. If you go with a friend, either get separate quarters or request a Mini Spa Suite or a Double Courtyard Suite. If you go alone, you’ll enjoy the friendly atmosphere. (www.oaksspa.com)

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
Unlike The Oaks, this isn’t a residential spa, but if you’re traveling with family, it’s a good alternative. The Ojai Valley Inn is a large resort with an 18-hole golf course, riding stables, tennis courts, an activity program for children, swimming pools, and multiple dining options.

Their Spa Ojai offers a wide range of massages, wraps, facials, and body treatments, as well as a fitness center and weight room. Unlike most resort spas, they conduct a full schedule of mind/body classes – ranging from Pilates Matwork to Musical Sunset Stretch – throughout the day.

This isn’t the place for a girls’ getaway or a solo retreat, so if hubby and/or the kids want to share your post-holiday spa experience, this spot should be able to keep all of you happy. (www.ojairesort.com)

The Westin Casuarina, Las Vegas
This is not a place to lose weight. Chef Jorge Lopez takes a healthful approach to food preparation, but it’s not meant to be low-cal. On a recent visit I enjoyed his Chilean sea bass on a bed of Yukon Gold mashed potatoes. Unfortunately, I also enjoyed his warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and fresh raspberries.

This is also not a good choice for those who must exercise. The fitness center is small and uninspiring, and Las Vegas just isn’t the place to walk or jog.

Then why do I mention The Westin? Because this is a great spot for a self-indulgent spa experience. This is where to go when you want to spend your days in the spa or lounging in a poolside cabana, and your evenings taking in shows. This is the place when your only desired aerobic activity is shopping.

The Westin Casuarina, about a ten-minute walk from the strip, has neither dancing fountains nor tigers on display. It is small by Vegas standards (850 rooms) and is unique because the staff is very personable and helpful — unlike the big hotel casinos where they often seem weary and disinterested.

This kindness is best experienced in The Westin’s Hibiscus Spa. My first treatment, the Hibiscus Island Paradise, started in a wet room where I was applied with a papaya and pineapple scrub, which was then washed off with the multiple heads on the horizontal Vichy shower. Then I went into a dry room for a Swedish massage using coconut milk and kakui oil. This left me feeling smooth and relaxed, but the best was yet to come.

At this intimate spa, guests don’t request a particular facial. Instead, estheticians analyze each face and tailor the treatment accordingly. The prescription for me included microdermabrasion with sea salt crystals and jojoba oil. I was also given a mask that went on as liquid and pulled off like a sheet of rubber. I almost never buy anything in the retail area of a spa, but after this experience my skin felt so soft that I couldn’t resist picking up a jar of the crystals — Epicuren’s Micro/Derm.

Impressed with the quality of these treatments, I opted to also try cranial sacral therapy. This healing-touch procedure involves no lotion or massage. Instead, hands were placed gently on strategic places on my body to open up the flow of energy to my brain. At the time, it didn’t seem like anything was happening, but afterwards I noticed a positive shift in my mood. But then again, who wouldn’t be in a good mood after a self-indulgent spa experience? (www.westin.com/lasvegas)

The Venetian, Las Vegas
If it’s hubbub you must have, then you’ll love the Canyon Ranch Spa at the 5,067-room Venetian. The staff here handle up to 1,000 clients a day, so you won’t get the personal touch, but they do offer some unique treatments. For instance, the Rasul Ceremony (a Middle Eastern cleansing ritual) takes place in a domed room with a heated floor and seats. Every surface is covered with ornate, handmade tiles, and fiber optics provide a starry sky.

Canyon Ranch also offers a daylong schedule of classes — including Salsa Dance, Funk Aerobics, and Venice Power Walk — and health lectures at noon daily. Guests can also use the indoor rock climbing wall, a fleet of stationary bikes, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

In addition, spa cuisine is served in the Canyon Ranch Café. Here, calories, fat grams, and fiber grams are listed on a complete menu for breakfast and lunch.

Hmmm…lots of exercise and low-cal meals. Does this sound familiar? It should. Sheila Cluff of The Oaks inspired founder Mel Zuckerman to go into the spa/fitness business.

However, their spas are very different in style and size — like shoes. Choose carefully and enjoy. (www.canyonranch.com)

— Elizabeth Hansen, photography by Adams/Hansen Photography

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Take A Swing At The Central Coast
In recent years, the golf vacation has proven to be a perfect getaway for anyone who likes the sport and loves to travel. Many California towns rich in courses now offer special packages that are true steals. Take Santa Maria Valley for instance, nestled in the foothills of Santa Barbara County — in just a few driving miles of one another, there are at least seven public courses, some of which rank in the top 100 in the nation. One, Marshallia Ranch Golf Course, exists on an Air Force base and is ranked the third toughest military course in the country. Another, La Purisima Golf Course, has earned a spot amongst California’s top ten championship public courses and top 100 in America by Golf Magazine. Weekend golf packages in Santa Maria are as low as $400, and include luxurious lodging and food. The great thing about golfing in mid-coastal towns like Santa Maria, aside from beautiful country settings on the water, is that they are growing as respected wine regions. Think about it — even the ugliest double bogey doesn’t seem so bad after some good merlot. (805/ 735-8395, www.lapurisimagolf.com) — Ryan Thomas

Davis Cup Returns To San Diego
It’s been a decade since the Davis Cup was played in San Diego, but it’s back this year, with the first round pairing the Americans against Romania at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, February 10 through 12.
Representing the U.S. will be none other than powerhouse team Bob and Mike Bryan, and current tennis superstar Andy Roddick, all three of whom were integral in catapulting America into the cup with a win over Belgium in the playoffs. Roddick has one of the fastest serves in the history of the game, the kind of speed you have to see to believe, and the Beach and Tennis club is the perfect setting to see it up close. Though America lost in the first round two of the past three years, they beat the Romanians the last five times they played them. The Davis Cup is the world’s largest international team tennis competition with 134 teams competing in over 15 countries. Tickets are being sold as a three-day series, with prices ranging from $100 to $500. (888/484-USTA) — Ryan Thomas

Around The Country For Wine
Wine tasting is fun enough as it is – but getting to travel in order to do so is even better. For the next few months, a flurry of wine festivals abound. So pack your bags, along with teeth-whitening toothpaste, and enjoy the many wines our country has to offer.

20th Annual Taos Winter Wine Festival
From January 18 to 29, Taos Ski Valley Resort offers a slew of wine-related activities, daily wine seminars, nightly winemaker dinners, and two grand tasting events, each featuring more than 75 wines. (www.skitaos.org)

21st Annual Spinazzola Gala Festival
Held at the Seaport World Trade Center Boston on January 27, this gala festival draws more than 125 top restaurants and expert chefs from around New England as well as 90 elite wineries from around the world. Additionally, funds raised will go towards feeding the hungry and homeless, and towards hospitality education as well. (www.spinazzola.org)

Park City Culinary, Wine & Ski Classic
From February 2 to 5, some of the best food, wine, and skiing come together to support a worthy cause in Park City, UT. Guests can learn to taste wine like a pro and dine at some of the most fabulous homes in Park City before hitting the slopes. All proceeds benefit the Underdog Foundation, which provides funding for a variety of youth programs. (www.parkcitywineclassic.com)

20th Annual Masters of Food & Wine
Overlooking the ocean in Carmel, CA from February 16 to 19, this event will feature about 30 chefs and more than 50 wineries. Elegant dinners, cooking classes with the world’s top chefs, and wine tastings will all take place within the Highlands Inn, Park Hyatt Carmel. (www.mfandw.com)
— Mia Stefanko

San Diego Boat Show
The San Diego Boat Show is here again and it has something to offer for everyone, even the kids. Taking place at the San Diego Convention Center and Marriott Marina, the boat show has been a great success for the last few years and has been known to attract a strong following from even Las Vegas and Arizona. A large realm of boats will be showcased including sailboats, riverboats, and yachts. During daylight hours, instructors will teach the skills of sailing to guests. Kids will delight to know that Twiggy, the amazing water-skiing squirrel, is back. The Big Bay Kids Area, sponsored by the Unified Port of San Diego, will offer the Great American Duck Races, a giant slide, puppet shows (on the weekend), and a variety of crafts and interactive activities. San Diego Boat Show hours are Thursday and Friday, January 5 and 6 from 12pm – 8pm, Saturday, January 7 from 10am – 8pm, and Sunday, January 8 from 11am – 6pm. Entrance fees are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 12 to 16, and children under 12 are free. (858/274-9924, www.sandiegoboatshow.com)
— Christie Heatherly

Best Spa In The World
Good things are hard to find, right? Well, according to Conde Nast Traveler, the best spa in the world holds true to this idea. Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, Ananda focuses on Ayurvedic treatments. Each stay begins with a consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor who determines your body type and creates a tailor-made individual program of yoga classes, spa therapies, special meals, and lessons with a chef. Of its specialties are yoga and detox programs designed to get your body and mind back in balance. The 21,000-square-foot spa has more body and beauty treatments than can be imagined, integrating traditional Indian systems of Ayurveda with contemporary Western spa themes. It’s pricey, at $800 per night, but if the critics are right, it’s worth it. (www.anandaspa.com) — Alicia Garcia

Nature Retreat
In need of a nature-infused spa getaway? A visit to the spa at Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY brings 2,200 woodland acres on legendary cliffs above a pristine mountain lake. Since 1869, generations of guests have found a place for recreation and renewal of body, mind, and spirit in this unique mountaintop setting. The spa is a 30,000-square-foot eco-friendly facility that uses a geothermal heating and cooling system. There is a green sod roof on one section of the building that can be used in warmer months for relaxation, mediation, and yoga, and the spa includes an indoor pool, fitness center, outdoor mineral pool, as well as 16 treatment rooms. (800/772-6646, www.mohonk.com) — Jane Shiomi