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An Ojai Oasis! San Diego

An Ojai Oasis! Print E-mail
Written by Molly
May 22, 2010

Ojai-Resort--Mountain-size-Remember watching "The Land Before Time" when you were younger? When the dinosaurs were experiencing a life-ending drought, in order to survive they needed to find "The Great Valley," a hidden valley filled with lucious vegetation, crystal waters and blue sky? Maybe celebrating my first Mother's Day weekend (baby in womb) had me nostalgic, but, much like those dinosaurs, most of us are starved for relaxtion and craving some adult fun. We are in dire need of down time and desperate to do-little. Survival for us means finding our own hidden respite, and I have discovered just that- The great valley of Ojai! It's a convenient escape from San Diego. When you get to this great valley you will finally be able to nourish your soul.

In celebration of Mother's Day my husband surprised me with a trip to Ojai... a little nurture amongst nature. For a location so remote, it had a lot to offer.

Depending on traffic, Ojai Valley is about 3 1/2 hours from San Diego, an hour outside of LA. Ojai is a weekend destination for many celebrities, but it is a far cry from posh hotels and "see and be seen" bistros... it's the country. Two lanes in and two lanes out.

In my opinion, there is only one place to stay in town- The Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. Not only is this picturesque palace reasonable in price (negotiate the rate and ask for a room with a view), it has a long list of accolades: It's a AAA Five Diamond Resort, on top of the destination list for both Conde Nast Traveler Magazine and Travel & Leisure, and is home to an award winning spa, golf course, tennis court and restaurant!

While the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa is great for a last minute escape, it is also spectacular for a special occasion. Looking to propose? Pre-order a picnic basket from the resort and head to the herb gardens with privately veiled picnic tables. Looking to refresh your marriage? Try their special "Romance Package" that includes a fireplace in the room with wine and chocolates upon arrival, a couples massage at the spa, a private unique experience at the Artist Cottage, and breakfast in bed! No matter what you do- make sure you look east instead of west for the sunset... the mountain tops blush with all the passion in the air.Ojai-Resort--Pool-200

Also, make sure to spend at least one day lounging at the pool with cocktail in hand and freshly made meals only a menu away (note: head to the spa pool for a child-free experience) or roaming around the grounds. The resort offers exercise classes, art classes, and other special events. However, if you are looking to day-trip the resort also offers a limo tour of San Ynez Valley (just north of Santa Barbara) for your wine tasting pleasure!

The little town of Ojai is great for strolling around and has several charming places for dining. Suzannes, while it sounds like the name of a local diner, is a rustic rose-sprinkled restaurant with homemade food and an entire wall removed and replaced with an outdoor garden (pictured). Suzannes-200We were also given recommendations for The Ranch House, a gourmet dining experience in an intimate outdoor setting, and Azu, a quaint Mediterranean bistro and tapas bar. If you decide to stay "on the ranch," Ojai Valley Inn and Spa has four restuarant options, including Maravilla. The resort calls Maravilla "casual dining," but it's really fine dining with sensible prices- the best of both worlds! (But ask to eat in the fire-lit dining room or on the view-tastic balcony for that fine dining ambiance.) Follow dinner with drinks at the on-site tavern if your looking for more of a social scene.

Ojai is a great place for the lazy, the lively, the wine and nature lovers... and just the lovers in general. A true hideaway, this valley will rejuvenate your spirit and tempt you to rethink your priorities. A hidden oasis, Ojai is the essence of all that is good for the soul.

For more information on things to do and events in Ojai check out this concierge website!

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