In 2021, Oklahoma’s premier golf destination will soar to new heights as a destination with a lot more than golf. Construction is nearing completion on a new $10.5 million activity park adjacent to Shangri-La Resort’s luxury resort hotel. Best known for its 27-holes of championship golf and luxury 119-room resort hotel, Shangri-La is continuing to expand its amenities to provide the ultimate year-round destination

The new activity park, opening May 2021, will include a new racquet club facility with outdoor tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball, sand volleyball, fire pits, a fishing pond, an outdoor event area, and a mini-Fenway Park replica which will offer Wiffle Ball, providing fun for kids of all ages.

Another important outdoor feature is a replica of one of the original anchors from the USS Oklahoma battleship, which was the inspiration for the name of the new activity park, called The Anchor. It will stand proudly across from the new facility and display the names of the 429 personnel who served our country on this vessel when it was attacked at Pearl Harbor in 1941.

The outdoor facilities are just part of the picture, though. The 11,000-square-foot indoor facility will feature Hologate’s state-of-the-art virtual reality golf simulators, shooting simulators, escape room games, arcade, pop-a-shot basketball, billiards, ping-pong tables, shuffleboard, darts, several sporting event video screens, and the most inviting indoor-outdoor lounge area on Grand Lake.

The golf simulators allow golfers to play all 27 holes of Shangri-La’s legendary course. There’s no need to worry about sudden inclement weather. If the weather does inhibit outdoor play, the entire Shangri-La course will still be available for play indoors!

The Activity Park construction will bring the total investment of the resort facility to more than $75 million since Eddy Gibbs purchased the property in 2010. This addition of facilities at The Anchor will enable the resort to offer corporations more indoor space after their meeting sessions for team-building activities, entertainment, and extreme year-round enjoyment without being impacted by the weather. Currently, Shangri-La has 9,000 square feet of meeting space with a variety of outdoor venues for weddings and events.

“We are expanding the recreational offerings to add to our popular championship golf course,” said Shangri-La President and CEO Barry Willingham. “We are also focused on providing more indoor entertainment options for our members and our hotel guests to make Shangri-La an attractive year-round destination for business groups and families.”

Shangri-La’s hotel facilities are busy throughout the year with its luxury hotel rooms, meeting, and convention space. Additionally, we offer a full-service medical spa, fitness center, steam room, and sauna, indoor pool, and a huge sprawling outdoor resort pool with splash pad, tanning ledge, hot tub, food and beverage services, and fire pits.

Pool and lake from roof

The resort also offers casual family-dining food and beverage services at Doc’s Bar & Grill, fine dining at The Summit Restaurant and Buffalo Bar, alfresco lakeside food and beverage service at the seasonally-operated Eddy’s Lakeside Bar, and a relaxed atmosphere at the Monkey Grind coffee shop, a proud purveyor of Starbucks coffee.

At the full-service Shangri-La Marina located adjacent to the resort hotel, Sail Grand also offers yacht charters, boat and personal watercraft rentals, and parasailing adventures.

Shangri-La has been honored as Oklahoma’s #1 Golf Destination by Midwest Golfing Magazine and to the list of Outstanding Lodging in Oklahoma by the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association. The addition of The Anchor activity park in May 2021 makes it the perfect destination for any corporate event, golf outing, weekend getaway, or family vacation. There is truly something for everyone at Shangri-La Resort!

Last month I wrote about the importance of assembling an outstanding team. This month I am happy to announce we have done just that. We have an amazing group of motivated, ambitious young team members that will make up the part-time/seasonal staff of the Anchor Entertainment Team. They will be led by two equally ambitious and extremely talented individuals comprising our full-time staff: Chase Kreutz & Winston Watkins.

Chase should be a recognizable face to anyone familiar with the Shangri-La marina, having worked there multiple summers before jumping at this opportunity. He grew up in Grove in a family that is intimately involved throughout the community. His father, Bobby, is the assistant principal at Grove High School. Chase is about to graduate from Oklahoma State University, also with his B.S. degree in Sports Management, and is eager to get started at The Anchor. His hobbies include hunting & fishing the Grand Lake area, cheering on OSU athletics, golfing at Shangri-La, & watching the New York Yankees. A huge baseball fan, he is most excited about the mini-Fenway WIFFLE Ball park & the tournaments & home run derbies to be hosted there in the future. When asked about what he can bring to the table in his prominent role, he states, “showing that The Anchor has something to offer for everyone, from indoor to outdoor activities. I want to showcase the capabilities of what The Anchor is going to bring to Shangri-La.”

Winston should be a familiar face to many of you who enjoy playing golf at Shangri-La. Winston, from Dwight, IL, graduated from Oklahoma State University with a B.S. degree in Sports Management. He likes to golf, get on the lake, & occasionally sing karaoke on Thursdays at Doc’s. He is most excited about the Trackman golf simulators, knowing they will give our members & guests the ability to play a round of golf at Shangri-La & other famous courses across the world no matter the time, day, or weather. Asked what he is excited to bring to his leadership role, he states, “I’ll be bringing the same positive attitude & energy I’ve had in the Shangri-La Golf Shop to The Anchor. I look forward to seeing everyone there!”

Needless to say, I am thrilled to have Chase, Winston, & the entire part-time/seasonal crew on board. Their vision, motivation & dedication gives me great confidence that we have the right group in place to launch in May.

Stay tuned in for more details on the opening of The Anchor at Shangri-La!

By: Thea Christie and Shana Hartley

What product other than sunscreen protects us from sun damage, reduces our risk of skin cancer, prevents the early onset of wrinkles, and works immediately upon application? It’s the best kept beauty secret that’s not really a secret. Many of us already know we need SPF when we’re happily tanning on the beach in Costa Rica. But if you want to keep your skin looking radiant and healthy long term, you also need to wear sunscreen on a daily basis. Here are the reasons why:

Why Do I Need SPF? The Benefits Of Sunscreen

Reduce Your Risk Of Skin Cancer
Sunscreen protects your skin and reduces your risk of developing skin cancer and skin pre-cancers. Applying SPF in conjunction with other sun protection behaviors – like wearing dark clothing and sunglasses – reduces the harmful effects of sun exposure. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation claims that applying sunscreen with an SPF factor of 15 reduces your chance of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 40% and your melanoma risk (the deadliest skin cancer) by 50%.

Protect Against Sunburn
Did you know that sunlight actually consists of two types of harmful rays, UVA and UVB rays? UVA rays (also used in tanning booths) are mainly linked to long-term skin damage like the formation of wrinkles and are also associated with some skin cancers. It’s UVB rays, however, which are responsible for sunburn and are thought to cause most skin cancers. Not only are sunburns painful, they have a direct link to the most deadly types of cancer. According to Healthline: “Even a single sunburn can increase a person’s risk of skin cancer. This is because when the skin absorbs ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, it can damage the genetic material in skin cells.” Thankfully, sunscreen defends the skin against UV rays by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering sunlight.

Avoid Inflammation & Redness
Too much time in the sun will result in sunburn, severe skin reddening, and inflammation of the skin. According to Medical News Today: “The ultraviolet rays from the sun damage the skin, which turns red as the body directs more blood to the affected area to repair the damage.”

Prevent The Early Onset Of Wrinkles & Fine Lines
When it comes to developing wrinkles, fine lines, and crow’s feet, one of the most effective preventative formulas is sunscreen. Lengthy exposure to UVA rays prematurely ages your skin and results in the loss of collagen and skin elasticity. In fact, approximately up to 90% of visible signs of aging are caused by sun damage. By introducing SPF into your daily skincare routine, you’re warding off the early signs of aging with minimal effort.

Avoid Blotchy Skin & Hyperpigmentation
Uneven skin pigmentation (or hyperpigmentation) refers to parts of the skin becoming discolored or darkening in an inconsistent way. This can be hereditary, but it can also be caused by sun exposure. Blotchy skin or dark spots may spring up on the face, hands and other parts of the body regularly exposed to the sun.

The good news? There is a simple way to avoid dark spots (as well as sunburn, wrinkles and skin cancer) – and the solution is wearing sunscreen rain or shine, not just in summer.

Stop DNA Damage
Scientific studies have found that sunlight induces DNA damage and can trigger skin carcinogenesis and photoaging. Studies state: “Many of the deleterious human health effects that result from sunlight exposure are associated with a chain of events that begins with the formation of DNA damage. These lesions can lead to inflammatory and immunosuppressive processes in the epithelial tissue as well as accelerated aging and tumor development.”

Clearly, sun exposure can have a profound effect and potentially cause premature skin aging, skin cancer, and many other skin changes. If you think you can avoid the sun’s rays in winter or by sitting in the office, you might be surprised to learn about these next situations when you should still wear SPF.

5 Surprising Situations When You Need To Wear SPF

Indoors
For those spending all day indoors, UVA light can still reach you by penetrating window glass. If you’re spending the day in a room with sunlight streaming through the windows, you’re receiving a similar amount of UVA rays as you would be if you were outside.

At High Altitudes
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UVB rays can cause sun damage and sunburn even if you’re on a skiing holiday rather than a beach vacation. Snow reflects up to 80% of the sun’s damaging rays, so next time you’re on the slopes, apply sunscreen to the exposed parts of your face to protect against the increased UV exposure from the reflection.

During Winter
The ozone layer is the part of the atmosphere that absorbs the radiation from the sun. During the winter months, the ozone layer thins out, so you have less defense against the sun’s rays. The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests applying SPF to your entire body before you get dressed. At minimum, they recommend applying sunscreen to those easy-to-forget areas like your ears, neck or scalp.

On Cloudy Days
The Skin Cancer Foundation also states that even when it’s cloudy, up to 80% of the sun’s UV radiation reaches Earth. Unfortunately, that means outside activity on an overcast day can still result in skin damage.

Through Light Clothing
You would assume that all clothing protects us from sun damage, but some lightweight fabrics like silk, crepe or cotton tend to allow light through. Also, the lighter the color of the garment, the more likely sunlight will hit the skin. For example, a white cotton t-shirt only protects with the equivalency of SPF 5! For more protection, wear dark-colored, dense fabrics. Synthetic and semisynthetic fibers like polyester or rayon plus heavy, tightly woven fabrics like wool, denim, or corduroy provide the most defense.

What SPF Is Best For Everyday Use?

When choosing sunscreen, look for the phrase “broad spectrum.” This description signals that the formula protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Next, check the sun protection factor (SPF) number that rates the sunscreen’s effectiveness in blocking UV rays. For your best defense, select a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15.

Our range of four unique all mineral SPF moisturizers are formulated especially for the face and neck. Each formula is free from silicones and brimming with natural, organic botanicals and active ingredients to deliver targeted skin benefits, all while helping you stay protected from sun damage, every day.

Our all mineral SPF formulas are:

Perfect for daily use
Made with zinc oxide for all mineral SPF protection
Silicone free

1. Tropical Vanilla Day Cream SPF 40
   With a fresh tropical vanilla scent, this day cream is formulated with shea butter, vanilla, and all mineral SPF 40 protection to revitalize skin and help prevent sunburn. It’s even suitable for all skin types.
2. Red Currant Protective Moisturizer SPF 40
   For normal to combination skin types, this mattifying daily moisturizer protects against the visible signs of aging and can help prevent sunburn and control oil production. It comes complete with Youth Shield Antioxidant Complex and microencapsulated tea tree oil as well as SPF 40 all mineral protection to help prevent sunburn.
3. Bright Skin Moisturizer SPF 40
   This daily moisturizer is complete with Natural Hydroquinone Alternative and Swiss Alpine Plant Extracts with SPF 40 all mineral protection. This potent formula is designed to target the appearance of hyperpigmentation and help prevent sunburn. If you have normal to combination skin, this SPF is the one for you.
4. Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40
   This all-in-one lightweight daily moisturizer is formulated with cocoa seed extract and satsuma mandarin peel. With SPF 40 all mineral protection, this moisturizer improves the appearance of skin exposed to blue light stress and pollution.
5. Lilikoi Mineral Defense Sport Sunscreen
   If you’re looking for more than just a SPF moisturizer for your daily sunscreen, our all mineral range includes the Lilikoi Mineral Defense Sport Sunscreen and lip balm for protection from head to toe. Reach for this water-resistant sport sunscreen for face and body to stay protected during your favorite outdoor activities. Perfect for all skin types. For best results, reapply after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating.
6. Rosehip & Lemongrass Lip Balm
   Moisturize, soften and protect your lips with this hydrating SPF lip balm. This all-natural SPF 15 lip balm defends dry lips against harmful UV exposure, while soothing rosehip oil relieves dryness and rejuvenating lavender restores softness. Dry, weather-ravaged lips will be perfectly moisturized and protected from future damage.

How To Apply An SPF Moisturizer

Treat skin first by applying a layer of serum or concentrate, for best results
Dispense a pea-sized amount of moisturizer on to hands
Rub hands to warm up moisturizer
Apply onto high points of the face first – forehead, nose, cheeks
Work moisturizer into the rest of the face. Apply to larger areas last – neck and chest, if needed
Add more gradually if coverage is not enough
Are you ready to incorporate SPF into your daily skincare routine? Connect with us to find out which all mineral SPF moisturizer works best for you.

Click Here To Shop The Spa at Shangri-La by our Affiliate Link today!

To book an appointment with one of our licensed professionals, try our selection of body & skincare essentials, or speak to us about our specials, give us a call at 918-257-7734 today.

Summertime is the CAMP time!
One of the things we are most excited about at The Anchor is  the variety of new amenities it brings allowing us to innovate with new events or expand on previous offerings. One such example is the annual Shangri-La Sports Camp for kids. A favorite among parents & grandparents, the camp has been moved to The Anchor in 2021 to take advantage of the tennis & pickleball courts, WIFFLE Ballpark, basketball court, fishing pond, and attractions within the building itself.

Campers will learn the fundamentals of tennis, pickleball, baseball/softball, basketball, soccer & fishing. They will also learn the value of teamwork and sportsmanship and will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the group. They will also have an opportunity for some “playtime,” taking advantage of the myriad of games and attractions inside. We just felt like it would be cruel not to allow for a little bit of that for the campers!
The camp is currently scheduled for every Wednesday in July but will likely expand to a few additional dates due to the number of early registrations. To register your child or grandchild, go to bit.ly/shangrila-sportscamp and complete the form. You can register them for as many or as few of the dates as you like. You will receive a confirmation notice and be contacted in June with additional details & to confirm your registration.
Thanks, and we can’t wait to see the kiddos there!

Clients Ask: Can Face Masks Cause Acne?

By: Marie Adamo and Shana Hartley

Masks: We love the protection they offer, but we don’t love what they’re doing to our skin. It’s likely you are asking the burning question, “Can face masks cause acne?” The unfortunate answer is: “Yes.” Face masks have become a normal part of daily life and, as spa professionals, we have solutions (and relief!) from mask-induced acne and irritation for you. To help, we enlisted some of our favorite skin care experts (our Eminence Organics International Trainers) to share their best advice on how to clear skin — even under a mask.

Masking: The Environment And Your Skin

To start, we need to chat about your masking and mask care habits. While this is a new area of self care for all of us, it’s important to get it right in order to curb the development of acne and breakouts caused by face masks.

As a Certified B Corporation, our company is proud of our commitment to the environment. For this reason, we always recommend using reusable face masks. (In fact, you may have already noticed your local Eminence Organics representatives and estheticians sporting their reusable Eminence Organics masks!) However, reusable masks do require extra care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourage “regular” washing of reusable masks, and infectious disease expert Dr. Amesh A. Adalja specifies: “It’s best to wash them after each use, [as] the mask itself can become contaminated.”

“Why Do Face Masks Make Me Break Out?”

While wearing face masks is a habit that’s essential for our safety, Eminence Organics International Trainer Jude Herrera reminds us that keeping them clean is essential for our skin and helps prevent breakouts: “Masks that are reused can harbor oils and bacteria. They also trap heat and moisture against the skin, allowing bacteria to thrive, which can cause acne and irritation.” He recommends using color- and fragrance-free detergents for lower risk of irritation. Pro tip: Don’t want to do laundry every day? Neither do we! We recommend stocking up on a few different masks and throwing them all in with your weekly load.

If you must use disposable masks, International Trainer Katie Rattray says specific materials should be avoided because they can cause problem skin. Specifically, she warns us to “watch out for latex, which can increase the likelihood of contact dermatitis.” Similarly, our makeup can also cause irritation and acne under our face masks. International Trainer Hector Rafael says to avoid using poor quality cosmetics, which are often comedogenic (in other words, pore-clogging).

And finally, step outside for a mask break when you can! “Taking breaks allows for a clean flow of oxygen,” says Hector, and these breaks give any bacteria-friendly moisture a chance to dry out.

Prevent Breakouts From Mask-Wearing

Once you have your mask care habits down, it’s time to adjust your skin care routine. After all, it’s always better to prevent breakouts than to wait until you need treatment.

Katie says the two most effective ways to keep mask-induced breakouts at bay are to 1) create a barrier between the skin and mask and 2) stay hydrated. “Masks seem to suck up and draw out any moisture from the skin,” says Katie. She recommends upping your skin game with facial oils during the day: “Not only will this seal in moisture, but it creates a physical barrier from the mask.” The Facial Recovery Oil is the perfect option for clients who are breakout-prone already, whereas dryer skin types will love the Rosehip & Lemongrass Repair Balm. She also recommends that hydration continues at night with richer creams for overnight use.

For International Trainer Brian Goodwin, prevention starts with the first step in any skin care routine. Brian says: “If you are using a cleanser with exfoliating beads or harsh foaming agents, switch to a gentler cleanser that won’t compromise their skin, increasing the chance of irritation.” Try the Calm Skin Chamomile Cleanser for sensitive skin and to keep the skin’s protective moisture barrier intact. For problem skin, the Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser purifies and reduces oil with salicylic acid, while yogurt moisturizes and cools.

Still, many of you are heading back to work and school, which can mean 8+ hours of mask wear. That’s a lot of time to trap oil, heat and potential bacteria on the skin. For those that require more than the typical morning and evening cleanse, try Brian’s solution — DIY on-the-go cleansing pads!

How it works: Apply the Rice Milk 3-in-1 Cleansing Water or the Clear Skin Willow Bark Exfoliating Peel to a clean cotton round. Seal it in a small bag or air-tight container and take it with you. “Use it in the middle of the day to remove residue and cleanse where the mask has been in contact with,” he instructs. “Rather than scrubbing, gently glide the pad over the skin with minimal pressure.”

Treat Mask-Induced Breakouts

Of course, no matter how well we cleanse and prepare, stubborn skin conditions can still surface. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to treat breakouts and irritation caused by face masks.

To zero in on problem areas, Brian recommends using the Clear Skin Targeted Treatment as a “Tide to go-like” spot treatment. The concentrated formula will flush out pores and improve the appearance of skin that looks irritated by mask wear. The Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer also works quickly on problem skin – plus, the cucumber in it leaves a cooling sensation that’s especially welcome after a long day of mask wear.

And while it may seem counter-intuitive, a little extra heat can also help. A spicy masque like the Eight Greens Phyto Masque – Hot creates a warming sensation on the skin, helping improve the appearance of breakouts. You can also book a series of spicy treatments — such as our Blueberry Detox Firming Peel — for a regular dose of heat and a professional exfoliation. Just remember, for those with sensitive skin, we will start with a test patch to see how they respond to the sensation.

Lastly, you’ll want to get set up with a nourishing night treatment. As trans-epidermal water loss peaks while we sleep, it’s more important than ever to hydrate. Our top picks? “The Facial Recovery Oil is a great nighttime treatment for balancing sensitive or problem skin,” says Jude. For dry skin, Katie recommends the ultra-rich Rosehip & Lemongrass Repair Balm for its protective Natural Repair Complex. And finally, the Acne Advanced Clarifying Hydrator is a powerhouse at treating acne without drying out the skin. Jude recommends mixing this award winner with your nightly serums.

Click Here To Shop The Spa at Shangri-La by our Affiliate Link today!

While the cause of mask-induced acne and irritation may be new, the skin conditions are not. We have the full range of products to help you avoid the unfortunate effects masks have on the skin.

To enhance your mask skin care routine even further, try our selection of clear skin essentials, or have a complimentary consultation with one of our licensed professionals, give us a call at 918-257-7734 today.