By Clyde Noel

The Spa of Los Altos is a sanctuary for women. It’s a private health club that caters to women’s wellness in the community. The only thing men can look at is the plate glass fish tank stocked with colorful fish at the entrance.

“From a conversation about dieting to weight training exercise, women like to talk about health issues with other women,” said Rosie Ruiz, co-owner of Spa of Los Altos. “A large percentage of women will not use coed facilities because of the male dynamic. Some women cannot use co-ed facilities because of religious reasons.”

Spa of Los Altos was conceived more than 40 years ago with the goal of becoming the area’s most complete health facility for women. It features many exclusive treatments, such as massage, facials, waxing, manicures, pedicures, state-of-the-art fitness equipment and an ultraviolet filtering system for the pool.

“We are not just a place to get our nails done or dance around in leotards to disco music,” Ruiz said. “We are the only place in our neighborhood where a young, 38-year-old woman, recovering from a mastectomy and chemotherapy, can undress in peace, sit in a Jacuzzi without her wig and not feel uncomfortable.”

Ruiz said chances are that the woman will sit with someone who shares her experiences. There will be words spoken, or they will be sitting quietly together. A beautiful exchange has just taken place, one that would not happen in a coed facility.

Bruce Cunningham, co-owner, helps Ruiz with the various aspects of operating a women’s health club.

The club has around 1,200 members, mostly from Los Altos and Los Altos Hills. There are also members from around the Peninsula. Many have used the spa’s facilities and services for more than 30 years.

Spa Los Altos has 12 certified personal trainers on the staff to provide a variety of programs for members. Training programs can be rehabilitation or specialized training for a marathon on the treadmill. Cunningham said they presently have an ice skater who trains on Pilates.

On the second floor is an army of fitness equipment. In addition to free weights, there are Cybex, Nautilus, Precor, StairMaster and Lifecycle machines.

“We are a place where a woman can lose 100 pounds — because she truly wants to work out, because nothing is holding her back,” Ruiz said. “She would not be judged by her size, because the club champions her cause.”

Ruiz said members exchange notes about Atkins, Zone, Fen-Phen, Ginkgo biloba, osteoporosis and arthritis, and at any time during the day, these conversations may be heard taking place in four or five languages. Women who don’t speak the same language develop friendships in the pool.

The building housing the spa was sold to the Packard Foundation in 2000. Many of the previous offices have been vacated and are now being leased by Cornish & Carey. Spa Los Altos continues in its present location, and the Packard Foundation has told the owners they can stay as long as they want.

“They have been superb,” Cunningham said. “It’s a great relationship.”

Spa Los Altos not only provides a benefit for women but a benefit for downtown retailers. Ruiz said many of the members come to work out and afterward go downtown to eat or shop.

Spa Los Altos is located at 371 Second St., with ample parking across the street. For more information, call 948-8898.