Escape to Ojai

Quick Tips:

2. If you hate to leave your pet behind, the inn welcomes pets!

Best Way To Get Around:

Although you may not want to leave your room, the spa, golf course, and restaurants are a very short walk away, and you'll want to spend lots of time at all of these places. There is an adult pool by the spa (ages 16 and older) that has underwated speakers and another pool area specifically for families. (There is also a children's camp, which we've never taken advantage of.) We also took some complimentary exercise classes (which range from yoga and tai chi to spinning and dance), worked out in the gym, and went horseback riding. (We didn't have time for the art classes or nature walks/hikes.) If you feel like shopping, a lovely gift shop has cute clothes, shoes, jewelry, and skin-care products.

Evenings at the inn are magical, starting with the pink sunset over the verdant mountains and ending with a star-studded sky that you never get in Los Angeles. The summer months allow for alfresco dining at the Oak Grill. You won't want to miss a dinner here.

A weekend at the Ojai Valley Inn is definitely worth the splurge. You will be pampering your mind, body, and soul.

The trail ride take adults and kids aged 8 and older through the Los Padres National Forest. It's definitely a single-file trail ride, which might be boring for some. But the scenery is very nice, the guides are friendly and helpful, and the horses were beautiful and easygoing.

The facility itself is breathtaking, with Spanish tiles and fountains, gorgeous chaises, and luxury amenities. The women's section has a steam room, sauna, and indoor and outdoor whirlpols. The showers have three showerheads each and delicious-smelling shampoo/conditioner/shower gel. The men's section has all this, plus a cold plunge pool and a TV in the locker area. The robes are thick, white, plush... trust me, you'll want to take them home with you.

Now, about treatments: I'll tell you about a few I've had. Last weekend, I had the SEASONAL BODY MASK ($120 for 50 minutes). After having my entire body massaged with an oatmeal/avocado exfoliating scrub, my feet were wrapped in hot towels, a heating pad was placed on my stomach, and I was wrapped in a blanket. Meanwhile, I received a hot oil treatment and scalp massage. Ahh... It was heavenly. After a rinse-off shower, my entire body was massaged again with a finishing citrus oil. You can imagine how soft my skin felt afterwards. Ask for Ismael; he was amazing!

I've also had several massages here, and they really vary according to the therapist. Don't be shy to let them know what you like and what you don't like. And I would actually recommend the golfer's massage or the aromatherapy massage. ($110 for 50 min)

There is an extensive menu of treatments, so everyone can find something simple or spectacular to enjoy at this spa. Indulge yourself! You're worth it!

Take the path until you get to Libby Park. Libby Park has tennis courts and an amphitheater for summer concerts and plays, but your kids will want to head straight for the playground. There are lots of trees, so this is a nice spot to relax on a hot, summer afternoon.

Across from the park is the main drag of Ojai. There are antiques shops, two bookshops, a cute English shop that has a tea room, clothing boutiques, and (best of all after a bike ride) an ice cream shop. There's also a small-townish department store called RAINS, a pharmacy, a movie theater, and a toy store. All this in one block! (You might also be interested in checking to see when the local/weekly farmer's market occurs.)

After some snacks and shopping (the Inn will provide you with bike locks), you can head back to the Inn (it's about a 15-minute leisurely ride) and take a dip in the pool. Summertime, and the livin' is easy...