A Tropical Oasis Awaits You...Right Here in Woodinville

It was a cold, wet summer day – one of many this year – when I stopped by . Stepping through the door, I was transported to a tropical island resort. Dark wicker ceiling fans spun lazily above, palm trees and pineapples were sprinkled throughout the décor, and the thermostat was set at a comfortable 72 degrees. I felt myself relaxing immediately.

That “getaway without going away” look and feel is exactly what spa owner Michelle Michael is aiming for. It’s the Tommy Bahama “weekend every day” idea, she says, adding that she brings her favorite things home from travels to island locations such as Hawaii and the Bahamas to decorate the spa. 

As appealing as the ambience is, it is only the beginning. Oasis offers a full range of spa and salon services, and has won numerous awards for doing so in a first-rate way. Most recently, Oasis was named runner-up in the best spa and best facial categories in 425 Magazine’s annual Best Of issue. 

“I just love the fact that somebody can come in here knowing that they are going to feel good, and (that they can) leave feeling great,” says Michael. In fact, she adds, guests sometimes bring a spouse along who will sit and read in one of the lounge areas while they wait. They get the “same relaxation type of experience,” she adds.

Like the full-service European-style spa that it is, Oasis offers its pampering services in a sophisticated, yet low-key setting. Clients receive robes and slippers and enjoy the amenities of a well-appointed locker room. A relaxation area is available for lounging before and between services.

Spa offerings cover “everything head to toe,” says Michael. Oasis features body wraps and scrubs and has a hydrotherapy room for therapeutic baths. Signature services include caviar facials and cocoa butter massages, she notes, adding that she works closely with product manufacturers to stay up-to-date with trends in the industry. “You have to change things up,” she adds. 

In the salon, manicures and pedicures are always popular, says Michael. Teenagers often have their hair styled for senior portraits or prom nights. A retail area sells skin care and beauty products. “Everything we sell we pretty much use in our services,” she explains.

Oasis, which shares a building with , first opened its doors in 2003. At that time, it was primarily a tanning facility. But, says Michael, “the spa end just really took over.” In 2007 she expanded the spa and added the salon. “Sunless” tanning is the only tanning option now.

Michael, who has worked in the health and fitness industry for 25 years, credits Oasis’ success to her “very sophisticated” and highly trained staff. They have a regular clientele, she adds, some of whom “have been with us since day one.” It’s not unheard of for clients to come in two to three times a week for different services.

When it comes to advertising, “the best dollar is spent on our internal guest,” says Michael, explaining that most of her business comes through word-of-mouth. An Oasis points program encourages recommendations, rewarding clients for every referral.

In fact, 2011 has been a good year for Oasis, says Michael. Whether it’s clients in search of stress relief or those trying to look good for interviews, or people deciding to “get out and start living again,” business is up. Gift cards sales have increased, as well.

A Woodinville native, Michael hopes to extend her health-related offerings to the community by opening Balance Yoga Studio later this year. “Outer beauty begins with inner peace,” she says, adding that the studio will have classes tailored to various age groups and interests.

“People are getting back to basics,” says Michael. They are taking care of themselves, paying attention to nutrition and working out. Spa and salon treatments can be a part of that she adds.

“It’s not a luxury,” she adds. “It’s more of a lifestyle commitment you need to make to yourself.”

Now there’s some health advice I’m happy to take.