Internationally known fitness expert and spa owner Sheila Cluff provided park visitors and staff with inspiring words of encouragement during her Fourth of July weekend visit to Hot Springs National Park.
Cluff, the owner and founder of the destination spa The Oaks at Ojai, in Ojai, California, presented a motivational talk entitled “Beyond Fitness – A Question of Lifestyle” for the general public, participated in a book signing event at the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center, led an early morning four mile power walk and participated in a brown bag luncheon with park staff.
During her three-day visit, Cluff graciously offered to assist the park in marketing the historic leasing opportunities available on Bathhouse Row and to introduce superintendent Josie Fernandez to industry leaders who are looking to expand their businesses. She also invited the superintendent to attend the International Spa Association’s annual conference in Las Vegas in November.
“Sheila is one of the most dynamic people I’ve met in a long time,” said park superintendent Josie Fernandez. “She has been successful for over 50 years in the spa and fitness industry and she is generous with her expertise and connections. I’m looking forward to learning from her as we move forward with leasing the historic bathhouses.”
Cluff expressed her support for the Bathhouse Row renovation project while touring the facilities.
“The restoration of the bathhouses to their original elegance has revitalized downtown Hot Springs,” she said. “I look forward to seeing spa-related businesses occupy these beautiful buildings: a fitness health club, day spas, medical spas, holistic health practices, cosmetic surgeons or a doctor of complementary medicine, all would be ideal and tie in beautifully with the spa theme.”
Hot Springs National Park invited Cluff as the keynote speaker for the park’s second annual health and fitness weekend. Eastern National provided funding for Cluff’s visit. The Eastern National store, located in the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center, carries two of Cluff’s books and her most recent fitness DVD.
