Calgary's hard-working male population has discovered a remarkable resource that it once believed was strictly reserved for the ladies. Men as well as women are learning to love the special care and treatment they receive at the spa.

We're not talking just any spa. Only five minutes from downtown, the Oasis Wellness Centre and Spa has set an incomparable standard for customer service since opening its doors10 years ago and Calgary residents - male and female - have responded enthusiastically.

In fact, working men who wear hard hats and business suits are finding out that life becomes more pleasurable when the experts at Oasis Wellness Centre and Spa help them to soothe their aching muscles while calming their over-active minds. Expensive? Not necessarily.

"We do a tremendous amount of massage here and new customers are sometimes surprised to learn that the cost of their visit may be covered by their benefit package at work," explains proprietor Peter Smed, who celebrated the 10th anniversary with a series of top-shelf renovations at the facility in Mount Royal Village. Naturally, the time-tested Oasis customer-service model remains exactly the same. How do you improve on perfection?

Proprietor Peter Smed says the Oasis Wellness Centre and Spa has added several new and improved features for customers to enjoy.

Among the additions:

* State-of-the-art pedicure stations, featuring luxury seating and jetted tubs, all to be enjoyed in an atmosphere of utmost privacy;

* A new and upgraded manicure room;

* Luxuriously expanded women's changing facilities.

In response to growing traffic, Oasis has installed twice as many lockers, while adding new shower and washroom amenities; and

* A well-appointed relaxation space, including a library and an area for quiet reflective reading.

"There was a time when a trip to the spa was perceived as a luxury. But our guests regard a trip to Oasis as a key component of their personal health-and-wellness regimen," says Smed. "Visits here have been fully integrated into their lives as part of a lifestyle-maintenance program."

In an accelerating world that never seems to slow down, nobody is immune to the pressures of the daily grind.

People seem to be working harder than ever.

But a restorative visit to the spa doesn't have to interfere with your crowded daily schedule. Smed's regulars have discovered that 90 minutes can be plenty of time to drop by Oasis for a steam or hot-stone massage before returning to the office feeling fully refreshed. Stop by at lunchtime or after work.

One of the comfortable massage rooms.

More men are taking advantage of a broad spectrum of effective stress-busting and life-enhancing techniques.

Here's how a typical visit to Oasis might unfold. You cross the threshold 20 or 30 minutes early, to be escorted to comfortable men's and women's changing areas where you're given a locker, fluffy robe and slippers.

In the change rooms, you'll find shower facilities, a dry sauna and a eucalyptus steam room.

"As you can imagine, you'll be feeling dramatically relaxed when you emerge," says Smed.

From there you proceed to your spa treatment, whether it includes therapeutic massage, body wrap or sea-salt exfoliation. Which is best? That's for you to decide.

At the Oasis, visitors are encouraged to explore, because every service has something unique to offer.

"Our whole model is designed to encourage leisure and relaxation," says Smed.

Group attendance is encouraged, by the way. During the last few years, Oasis Wellness Centre and Spa has become a favourite destination for corporate groups seeking team-building retreats that promote health and wellness. Think of it as a creative and holistic alternative to the traditional company golf tournament.

The Oasis includes a roomy conference room ideally suited to corporations, their employees and their most valued clients. As Smed explains, the conference room doubles as a yoga studio.

"When we get large groups, we divide them in halves," he says. "We send half the group through the spa while the rest of the group enjoys yoga, then everyone trades places. Afterwards, we send the whole gang upstairs to the Metropolitan Grill for a terrific lunch. It makes for a real nice day. Our corporate clients tell me it's a tremendous way for team members to really get to know each other."

It's all about learning to feel the best you can feel. And it all happens in an immaculately clean and hospitable atmosphere. At Oasis, you're placing yourself in the finest possible hands.

Oasis Wellness Centre and Spa is located at 880 16 Avenue S.W. in the Mount Royal Village shopping centre. To arrange a tour of the new facility or for more information please contact: 403.216.2747. Check the website for details: www.experienceoasis.ca.