Urban Oasis, One Playground

A new wellness destination has arrived in Surry Hills, a place to find personal space amidst life’s hustle and bustle. We gained an insight into the new Urban Oasis from Shelley Allen - PR & Communications Manager at One Playground.

1. What is the Urban Oasis, and what inspired its creation?

The Urban Oasis is a wellness destination found on the corner of Holt Street in the heart of Surry Hills. It is a sanctuary dedicated to nurturing body, mind and soul, allowing people to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and step into an oasis of rejuvenation and recovery. Our Urban Oasis facility houses three wellness studios, as well as a recovery suite and luxurious amenities.

The creation of the Urban Oasis was inspired by the needs of our ever-growing member base. Wellness classes have become our most popular classes, with members craving relaxation and recovery within their busy lifestyles. One Playground is a superboutique, where members can find the best fitness and wellness experiences, all under one roof. Creating the Urban Oasis was key to strengthening our position as a superboutique, and furthering our mission of ‘inspiring change’ through creating unique environments and experiences that empower our members to achieve real results.

2. What sets the Urban Oasis apart from other recovery hubs?

We believe that our strongest point of difference is our value proposition. For just $31.95 per week, members have access to all of the One Playground locations, as well as over 250 wellness classes (including Reformer Pilates), per week at the Urban Oasis, and they have recovery services included in their membership.

As well as this, our love for experiential design shines through. As soon as you enter through the doors of the Urban Oasis, you are transported to a place of serenity and calmness. We have a multitude of live plants positioned around the space which help to add to the feeling of stillness and relaxation, as well as purifying the air for optimal health.

3. What unique features and services are offered at Urban Oasis?

Our most unique offering is our new Semi-Private Pilates offering. This is a new concept designed to bridge the gap between private training and larger group training environments, offering an affordable middle-ground for those who want personalised training and results for a fraction of the price of 1:1 coaching. Semi-Private sessions are capped at 6 participants, ensuring a more intimate and supportive environment. Members can book their preferred session day and time and attend at the same time across the 8-week program, meaning no more having to book in for reformer sessions on a daily basis. This structure also allows members to build stronger friendships and form new relationships as the same group of people are attending each week.

The Semi-Private Pilates sessions are focused on outcome-based programming, with each program running for 8 weeks. The classes follow a specific outline that builds week-on-week to ensure progressive overload and the development of new skills.

4. What can individuals expect when they first enter an Urban Oasis class?

Individuals can expect to leave feeling better than when they entered through the doors of the Urban Oasis. Our friendly trainers are there to ensure that everyone has a positive experience and moves their body while nurturing their mind. We encourage people to disconnect during their time at the Urban Oasis, so they can reconnect with themselves and leave as the best versions of themselves, ready to conquer whatever is next.

5. What has been the most popular class at Urban Oasis, and what do you think contributes to its popularity?

Infrared Pilates is certainly becoming our most popular class, and we believe this is because there are not many other facilities within Sydney that offer this type of class. People are becoming more aware of the amazing benefits of the infrared spectrum of light, and they are keen to experience these benefits for themselves. As well as this, Infrared Pilates is a premium class offering but our members can access this for no additional cost.

6. Are there any specific requirements for activewear or equipment when attending an Urban Oasis session?

All of the equipment needed is provided. The only requirement that we have is swimwear must be worn in the traditional and infrared saunas.
 

7. How would you describe the overall experience for someone attending the Urban Oasis?

Prepare to be hooked! From the minute you enter the dreamy space, you won’t want to leave - you will feel instantly calmer. You can choose your preferred class. Ritual is a personal favorite of mine - it’s a 60-minute hybrid blend of all the best bits of wellness including yoga, mat Pilates, stretching and meditation. We have lots of classes on offer from Reformer Pilates to yoga, and meditation to breathwork, so you can choose a class that best suits your needs and wellness goals. After this, you can head to the recovery suite to relax and unwind further; a sauna and Vitamin C shower are heavenly. When you have finished your recovery session, head to the luxurious changing facilities complete with Who Is Elijah products, and Dyson hair tools. There is also a powder station with gorgeous natural lighting so it's the perfect spot to touch up your makeup. Once you have finished getting ready to step back into the real world, you can head to the wellness lounge where T2 teas and sparkling water are on offer. Rehydrate here before stepping out to conquer the day.

8. Why do you believe recovery and rejuvenation are so important, particularly in today’s fast-paced world?

People are craving an outlet for recovery and rejuvenation more than ever before. I think it’s due to people spending such a large amount of time constantly ‘on’, and struggling to disconnect and switch ‘off’. Constantly being connected to a phone, laptop and endless notifications is exhausting, and people are beginning to realise the toll that this takes on their health, in particular on their mental health. As well as this, many of our members live a busy city lifestyle amidst the hustle and bustle, so it’s important for them to take time out and find a space where they can relax and switch off. People are prioritising disconnecting in order to reconnect with themselves and look inwards.

9. What is your personal favorite aspect of Urban Oasis, and why?

My favourite aspect is the recovery space (but that’s a tough one!). The recovery space comprises of day beds to relax and read a book, traditional and infrared saunas, and cold plunge showers as well as Vitamin C showers. However, I also love the wellness lounge which is available for members to use before and after their classes. This is a space centered around community, and it gets the most beautiful shimmering morning light.

The whole space is truly so well thought out, from the class offerings to the design and amenities available - there is nothing I would change!

10. How does Urban Oasis support long-term wellness and holistic healing?

The Urban Oasis supports long-term wellness and holistic healing by creating a nurturing, welcoming environment where physical and mental well-being are prioritised. Through its carefully crafted offerings, the Urban Oasis provides a comprehensive approach to health and wellness. Through integrating a variety of wellness practices that address mind, body and spirit, each session is designed to promote balance, and enhance overall health, from Pilates to breathwork, meditation and sound healing, there is something for everyone. The Urban Oasis helps members to build wellness habits that can be incorporated into their busy daily lives. By offering a space that encourages regular recovery and long-term positive habits, the Urban Oasis helps members to foster a deeper connection to their overall health.

You can learn more about the Urban Oasis here

Insights from Shelley Allen - PR & Communications Manager at One Playground.