About a two-hour drive from Los Angeles and above the beach town of Ventura, the AAA Five-Diamond Ojai Valley Inn is set amidst the Topa Topa Mountains. As the sun sets, the mountains showcase a "pink moment" glow. Travelers seeking relaxation will achieve enlightenment while visiting the luxury resort known as "Shangri La".
Opening in 1923, the Spanish Colonial-style getaway, surrounded by ancient oak and olive trees, was a haven for celebrities seeking enchantment and inspiration.
Movie maker Frank Capra used the dramatic mountain vistas in his film 'Lost Horizon', and the film 'Pat and Mike' starring Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy was filmed in Ojai.
Throughout the years, Ojai Valley Inn has retained its natural landscape with diverse opportunities that appeal to families, couples, golf getaways, girlfriend getaways, multi-generational guests, celebrities, musicians, and dignitaries.
Honoring the 90th anniversary of the Ojai Valley Inn, the completion of a $5.5 million refreshment of all guest rooms, plus a chic new adult pool inspired the unofficial name “zen capital” of Southern California.
Through the years, the property expanded to accommodate additional guests. Architect Austen Pierpont added 22 guest rooms per the original drawings of architect Wallace Neff. Today, they are known as the Wallace Neff Estate Rooms honoring a bygone era. Each room showcases a feature wall, custom tufted carpet and furnishings, Carrara marble bathroom and shower, Frette Italian linens, and art featuring celebrity guests from the past.
The Fireplace Shangri-La rooms offer a retreat of 550 square feet with an oversized soaking tub and separate shower. There is plush seating beside a romantic fireplace.
Those looking for the ultimate retreat can reserve Casa Elar, one of the most exclusive and private vacation homes in Ojai with a gourmet kitchen, multiple bedrooms, dining room and breathtaking vistas of Ojai.
Benchmark Spa Ojai was completed in 1997, under the direction of architect Bill Mahan. The resort became known as Ojai Valley Inn & Spa.
The 31,000-square-foot Spa Ojai has a surrounding Spa Village. Guests have complimentary use of the spa facilities on the day when they purchase a spa or nail salon treatment. This includes use of all wet areas and locker room facilities, plus use of the spa pools for ages 16+.
There are four different pools at Ojai Valley Inn. There is a Tranquility Pool with guest cabanas, and a 60-foot Energy Pool at Spa Ojai with an outdoor hot tub.
Guests can enjoy the warm sunshine at the adult-only Indigo Pool offers providing over-sized cabanas and day beds. Guests can order thoughtfully prepared, locally-sourced pool-side small plates of culinary delights, salads and sandwiches, plus hand-crafted cocktails, refreshing sparkling beverages and California craft beers.
The Pixie Pool is for everyone in the family, set among vines and estate citrus trees. There is a shaded al fresco dining area for lunch by the pool, and fresh-fruit smoothies and milkshakes are blended and served. The expansive pool deck features comfortable and plush seating, and a hot tub adjacent to a grand fireplace. Private cabana service with food and beverages are available by reservation.
In the 1920s Edward D. Libbey had a dream to build a golf course to harmonize with the unspoiled beauty of this rural paradise. The historic, George C. Thomas designed golf course has welcomed golfers for decades who enjoy playing on the natural terrain.
An impressive roster of golf pros return year after year, as the course has been host to seven senior PGA tournaments featuring legendary golf superstars.
In 1999, golf course architect Jay Moorish was commissioned to renovate the golf course. While restoring the course, two 'lost' signature holes were discovered.
When the Artist Cottage and Apothecary opened in 2006, guests of all ages can walk into the artist cottage for opportunities to awaken their creativity, self-discovery and expression in an artful way. Classes, instruction and activities range from 20 to 90 minutes and cost $25+. Unleash your creativity at a mandala stone painting, pottery or acrylic painting class. Bring home bath salts, sugar scrubs, and aromatherapy blends.
Individuals, families and groups can make scented candles, soap, or assemble succulent terrariums.
Since the property has an apiary and immersive beekeeping program, there are opportunities for local honey, olive oil and balsamic vinegar tastings.
Culinary classes, multi-course tasting menus and guest chefs provide additional food and beverage opportunities for guests dining at the resort.
Summertime is the optimal time to visit Ojai Valley Inn, however anytime you can get away, the resort awaits to recharge and enlighten you.
