Earlier this week, we were honored to attend a Grand Opening ceremony for Olivia’s Oasis – a relaxing spa at Give Kids The World. Designed especially for parents and caregivers, Olivia’s Oasis offers SolaJet® dry-hydrotherapy beds, therapeutic loungers, calming ambient lighting, a hydration station, and more.
During this exciting ceremony, we got to tour Olivia’s Oasis, try out one of the new SolaJet® beds (spoiler alert: they are amazing), and learn all about this brand new venue for Wish Families. Thank you, Give Kids The World, for inviting us out! Now, let’s take an in-depth look at Olivia’s Oasis:
What is Give Kids The World?
Give Kids The World (also known as GKTW or The Village) is a nonprofit organization located in Kissimmee. Dedicated to providing weeklong, cost-free vacations for critically ill children and their families, Give Kids The World is a magical, 89-acre resort full of whimsical attractions, nightly entertainment, and lots of delicious food! You can find out more about Give Kids The World and their important programming at gktw.org. And make sure to follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for all the latest updates.
Olivia’s Oasis
Open 365 days a year, Olivia’s Oasis is available for both current Village guests and Alumni families (returning Wish Families). The spa offers multiple tranquil spaces, each equipped with one of the dry-hydrotherapy beds, a scented eye mask, and noise canceling headphones (with Bluetooth capabilities). Families can make reservations in 20 minute increments for these relaxing rooms.
I got to try out one of these SolaJet® beds, and they are amazing! Offering a variety of easily adjustable pressure settings, massage zones, and pausing abilities; guests will be able to customize their experience based on their own personal needs and preferences.
“SolaJet® is committed to fulfilling its company mission to “help make the world feel better” by commercializing the very best massage-like experience internationally and to expand its “Human Kind” program which makes Dry-Hydrotherapy systems available to those with limited resources and are challenged with need. We celebrate the opportunity to play a small part in helping to support GKTW in its like-minded mission of touching lives in a significant way,” said SolaJet® Technology Founder Todd Howe.
Before or after their massage, caregivers can enjoy the therapeutic loungers, relaxation area with foot massagers, or hydration station – equipped with fruit-infused water and a selection of coffees.
“Olivia’s Oasis is for the fearless grown-ups trying hard to keep the faith…a place to rejuvenate the spirit so these beautiful parents can continue to be there for their children. As the flight attendants always say, you must put on your own oxygen mask before you can help others,” says Angie Patrick, whose daughter, Olivia, is the spa’s namesake.
Olivia’s Oasis is made possible by the kindness and generosity of donors like Infinity Massage Chairs, Scrip Companies, Core Products, Benefect, Harmony Salt, Oakworks, Inc., Himalayan Secrets, Hand & Stone, and Amy Perrault. It will be maintained and staffed by The Village’s attentive and dedicated volunteers.
“We appreciate the support of all of the wonderful in-kind donors who are working together to make Olivia’s Oasis a very special place for wish parents and caregivers,” said GKTW President & CEO Pamela Landwirth.
Other New Projects at Give Kids The World
The improvements never stop at Give Kids The World! In addition to Olivia’s Oasis, The Village is working on several other new projects and venue enhancements.
Mayor Clayton’s WonderLab
Opening in 2024, Mayor Clayton’s WonderLab will be an immersive STEAM (science, technology engineering, art, and mathematics) venue. The WonderLab will be divided into 6 unique rooms with fun activities like a giant marble run, animatronic workshops, and creative cardboard construction techniques!
Amberville Game Center
With over half a dozen beanbag chairs, two PlayStation 5’s, and two 50-inch LCD screens, this new addition to Amberville is the perfect hideaway for gaming enthusiasts.
Villa Renovations
With designs created by Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Give Kids The World recently renovated 142 of their guest villas. The stunning improvements include new furniture, theming details, an upgraded children’s room, and more. Take a look at these beautiful rooms:
How You Can Help Give Kids The World
As a nonprofit organization, Give Kids The World relies on the gracious support of individual and corporate donors. Learn more about volunteer opportunities, fundraising events, and other ways you can support Give Kids The World’s important mission at gktw.org!
