Shop Ojai Tangerine
Ojai, California is famous for its Pixie Tangerines – the sweetest spring fruit you’ll ever taste! Find all my Tangerine-inspired picks below!
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
Rob and I traveled to Ojai Valley Inn and Spa for a 5-day work award trip in May. We enjoyed the Spa (this was part of the award and I took full advantage of booking an appointment each of the 3 full days we were there), Bike rides into town and around the property, a day of golf for Rob, a hike in the hills and eating all of the delicious & healthy seasonal foods. If we ever went back, I’d want to go a few weeks later or at the end of the summer to enjoy the lounge pool.
Ojai, California is home to the Pixie Tangerines (freshly picked and delivered to your hotel room daily) and the “Pink Moment” (a moment right before the sun sets the entire sky above the mountains glows a brilliant pink). The Inn has many fire pits and places to pull up a seat to relax on the grounds of the resort and view the unbelievable sunsets.
The Vibe
The Inn has an upscale boutique feel and is large enough that you don’t need to leave the resort grounds. If you love Jenni Kayne-like fashion, neutral California aesthetics, and valley views you will feel like you have found your home away from home here. As you walk through the property scents of lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus fill the air. The air is clean, the views of the mountains are unlike any other and the property is well manicured with exciting gardens, walkable paths, and views of the golf course and mountains surrounding the valley. You’ll feel like you’re in a place of luxury and may be accompanied by local celebs who venture away from LA for a week away. Rumor has it Natalie Portman was vacationing here and her stay overlapped ours by a few days.
Restaurants
The 3 restaurants at the resort are delicious, and healthy and deliver unique dishes and views leaving you content staying right at the resort for each meal, if you wish. Make a reservation (or two) at Olivella for dinner. Their valley-to-table dishes are unmatched and the patio views are the best for watching the Pink Moment at sunset – book your reservation time according to the projected sunset. The Oak patio overlooks the golf course, it was easy, relaxing, and always delicious. Each morning I had a unique fresh pressed juice and seasonal breakfast. The smoked salmon is a must! Lastly, Jimmy’s Pub is a more relaxed spot but just as delicious and fresh. The salads and hummus platters were among the items we tried. You’ll leave feeling lighter, healthier, and craving healthy fresh foods.
Spa
A first-class spa experience with the body scrub being my favorite treatment. I had never booked such an appointment for myself and it was such a unique and invigorating treatment finished with a cold cup of collagen drink to cap it off. I have been looking for a more serious skincare routine and if you get a facial they’ll leave you with a suggested skincare routine that will leave you feeling like you have the best plan of action for taking the best care of your skin possible. I’ve since switched to this routine and its the best! More on this to come.
Venturing Off Site
Ojai
The town is a quaint destination with a strip of small shops and restaurants. You can take a bike from the resort (free of charge) along a shaded little path right into the town. The Duchess is the quaintest little coffee shop and a must when biking into Ojai. There is also a great decor shop along the strip. I forget the name but you’ll find it if you venture along the shops.
Santa Barbara
The last night we ventured to Santa Barbara which is less than an hour from Ojai Valley. We went to AMA for sushi in The Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel. My fellow design lovers, this hotel is a MUST-SEE! Walk the ground to the pool where the yellow and white striped umbrellas and awnings meet the sea blue pool for the prettiest color combo. The restaurant feels clean, simple, and still sophisticated. Rob asked our waiter if local celebrities ever dine here. Our waiter disclosed (with much hesitation but definite excitement) that AMA is one of Meghan Markle’s favorite spots and she dines there weekly. I would highly recommend it, this might just be the best sushi ever!
We would most definitely take a trip back to the Ojai Valley Inn if the opportunity ever presented itself. It would be the perfect babymoon spot or honeymoon stop on the way to Hawaii or other California destinations.
Need some more travel inspo? Check out the blog and be sure to follow along on Instagram!
