Ojai Valley Inn and Spa

Ventura, CA Print   Leave a comment

Description

Ojai Valley Inn and Spa is a wonderful place to linger a while. There's a lot to explore. If you have an eye for beauty, you will enjoy each and every curve of the magnificent Spanish architecture. Everywhere you look there are chunky white archways, curling ironwork, carved wooden details, and colorful tiled stairs. The hotel buildings tumble down the hillside like an Andalusian village. From every angle there is a stunning view of the forested mountains that surround Ojai. And at night right before sunset, the highest peaks, the Topa Topa range, light up pink during Ojai's famous Pink Moment. Ojai Valley Inn's banquet hall for weddings and functions is the most beautiful hall I've seen, with its Spanish stylings.
As you stroll about the property, make sure you check out the herb garden. Here, you will feel like you're in the French countryside as you look out on the mountains, and enjoy the wispy wonderful plants all about you. There is a pergola with glistening vines, and plenty of chairs to relax on.
Dining: It's very pleasant to stroll the grounds and then grab a drink under the huge oak tree at Jimmy's Pub. Jimmy's Pub has good burgers. For lunch, if you can afford it, enjoy the fine dining at Oaks Grill- it's lovely to sit outside and look out at the huge oak tree. The table settings look magical with all the greenery behind.
Maravilla is the most upscale restaurant and is breathtaking inside as well as on the balcony overlooking the hillside.
For Kids: Near the reception area, there's an aviary with Australian parrots. One of them likes to say "hello" and this thrills kids. Also fun for kids is to walk down the pretty stairs that grace the hillside between the hotel buildings. If you come to eat here with kids, bring along some tiny plastic golf clubs because there is a small green in front of Jimmy's Pub that is fun for little tikes to play on. If you're lucky enough to be a guest, you can enjoy the beautiful family pool, which is warm enough to swim in in the evening. There's also a baby pool and jacuzzi, all with mountain views. There's no lack of mountain views in this magical place.
I've fallen in love with how there is a circle of stones around many of the marvelous oak trees. Also, in the evening I love to sit on a bench under the oak tree in front of Oak Cafe and enjoy the sunset. Kids are mesmerized by the height of the oaks at Ojai Valley Inn- I think it's the most beautiful place in Ojai.
The Spa: If you can't stay at the hotel, you could come for a day at the spa. It's also a gorgeous Spanish building with exquisite decor. Try the Kuyam treatment, which is an unusual treat. I felt so relaxed afterward! With several other women, you sit in a heated tiled room with blue stained glass windows. You wear a wrap and apply mud from the Dead Sea to your body and then rest to a recorded meditation. It feels marvelous when the attendant comes and places a cool lavender-scented towel on your forehead and sprays you with lavender water. Then you walk naked (this was unexpected!) through a cold shower to your own warm shower. Once clean and cozy in a large white robe, you go out to a sunny walled patio called a loggia and sip tea while looking up at the birds in the oaks. It's very relaxing and you can stay as long as you want, with no one in the world to bug you! You might end up talking to the other women about your expectations and experience, which is fun. Of course, there are many other types of treatments at the spa, as well as the facilities which are available free to you with your treatment.
The Artist's Cottage: The artist's cottage is another special place to recuperate from the harsh world. Here, you can play with a myriad of media, from oil pastels and watercolors to feathers, colored sand, and crinkly paper. Renate, a kind soul, makes you feel at home and helps you find the right techniques so you can create what you want to make. You can make a mandala, paint a silk scarf, create your own fragrance in the apothecary, or whatever your heart desires! The cottage itself is so beautiful with a cozy fireplace, lavender scents, and an arched window looking out on the friendship tree.
The Surrounding Area: While you're in Ojai, take a peaceful drive through the orange groves, or take in the great vista at Ojai Valley Lookout. Grab an icecream in Ojai Town. If your kids need to burn off some of their climbing energy, take them to Soule Park, where there are fantastic unusual play structures.

[continued...]

Photo Gallery

Click on photo to see large version

Spanish buildings and hillside.	The view as you drive up to the reception area.	Spanish balcony decoration at the reception area.
The exquisite detail in the lobby.	Pretty setting at Oak Cafe.	Peaceful spot under an oak...
Jimmy's Pub, a lovely setting.	One of the hotel buildings near the spa.	Colorful stairways abound...
Wispy flowers in the herb garden, reminding me of France.	The hillside herb garden.	Little picnic areas in the sunny herb garden.
The pergola at the herb garden...trés bon!	Oh, the wonderful curves of Spanish architecture!	Colorful walkways...
Maravilla Restaurant's pink ceiling and Spanish star chandeliers.	Hillside buildings as seen from Maravilla Restaurant.	Sweet Spanish courtyard.
The buildings are so lovely they're almost edible!	The artist's cottage and apothecary, where you can be in touch with yourself.	Renate, at the artist's cottage, painting patterns in colored sand with friendship tree behind.
A place to rest.	The stones surrounding the magical oaks.	Spa Ojai.
The family pool, very pretty and peaceful.	The fountain and mountain view at the family pool.	The baby pool and curved bench.
Looking back at the pool area from the pathway...	Lovely details everywhere...	One of the huge oaks...I love them!
The Pink Moment lights up the Topa Topa range, as seen from Ojai Valley Inn.	Ojai Valley Inn in the evening.	Balcony of Maravilla Restaurant in the evening. Bliss!
View from Maravilla Restaurant in the evening.	Oak tree with lanterns in the evening near Oak Grill.	Oak Grill in the evening.

Directions

As you approach Ojai from either Ventura or Santa Barbara, you will pass Hermosa Rd on your right. The next street on your right is Country Club Dr. Turn right here, and then turn right into the driveway for Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. You will drive up the driveway and can then either valet or self-park.

This is an interactive map, you can zoom and move it.

Visitor Ratings

Overall Visitor Rating:

Charlene 10/22/2009 19:25

dec 16, cant wait.

Sorry comments disabled due to excessive spam.