Hotel Spotlight: Ojai Valley Inn
Plush bathrobes, luxurious beds, the best pancakes and bloody mary's, gorgeous setting - what more could you want?
I spent the week leading up to my wedding at the Ojai Valley Inn, and there’s no other place I would have rather spent this special time in.
Nestled in between the majestic Topatopa Mountains and just 90 minutes north of Los Angeles, Ojai Valley Inn perfectly blends luxury and relaxation. There is tons to do in downtown Ojai, which is filled with art galleries, restaurants, and small boutiques, but the best part of the Ojai Valley Inn is that you really don’t need to leave the property to have an incredible time.
The resort is spread out over 220 acres of perfectly manicured grounds that are filled with 6 different places to eat, a top of the line gym with complimentary fitness classes, an award winning golf course, a spa, 4 pools, an artist cottage, and more.
There aren’t many hotels where you can have just as much fun on a big family vacation or on a romantic getaway. I think Ojai Valley Inn can do both because it is so big. Even though the hotel was at full capacity when I was there, it never felt crowded.
All that to say, I absolutely loved the Inn and will make any excuse to come back and stay for some delightful R&R.
REST
While the room aesthetic is nothing to write home about, the comfort levels are where the room shines. The room I stayed in had a California king bed draped in luxurious Frette bedding, which had me never wanting to leave. The bath robes are so deliciously plush that I ended up taking 2 home with me.
I am also a sucker for when a hotel pays extra attention to detail. The room had a bowl of oranges freshly picked from local orchards. The soaps in the bathrooms were orange shaped as well. And each evening, a new little treat was left in the room. One night it was a eucalyptus oil spray to use in the shower (divine). The next it was wild flower seeds.
The room we stayed in had a fire place with a timer, which let us turn on the fireplace and fall asleep with it on.
RELAX
You can relax anywhere on hotel property. You can take a walk through the beautiful grounds and come across a farmhouse with gorgeous vegetables being grown. You can enjoy one of the 4 pools at the hotel with a drink in hand. You can also sit by the fire at night and make smores.
And you can definitely relax at the five star spa located in the "spa village” (Yes there is a whole spa village that includes a gym, the spa, 2 pools, and a cafe with fresh, healthy menu items). The spa fills up fast so I recommend making a reservation prior to your visit.
DO
I do not golf. But, I have it on good authority from lots of golf friends that this is one of the best golf courses they have ever been on. The award winning 18-hole golf course spans 6,300 yards through valleys, hills, and steep drop offs.
For the more artistic inclined, there is an Artist Cottage where you can make candles, soaps, perfumes and more.
There’s also complimentary bikes you can use to explore the property or bike into town.
EAT
There are 6 different eateries on property. Every morning I had coffee at Libbey’s Market which also scoops McConnell’s ice cream all day long. For breakfast we went to The Oak (tip: the pancakes and bloody mary’s are to die for). The Oak also does dinner but if you want something more elevated, head to Olivella & Vine which focuses on Italian fare. The Wallace Neff Heritage Bar is dark and moody and an excellent place to have a cocktail.
SHOP
I almost wish that the Inn’s gift shop was worse because I ended up wanting everything. I took home a very chic Simkhai jacket, a collegiate style sweatshirt that says “Ojai,” and a new candle. My husband visited the golf shop and also came away with a brand new outfit. Damage was done.
EXPLORE
I truly mean it when I say you can spend 3 days at the Ojai Valley Inn and never leave, BUT if you do decide to leave you will find the charming town of Ojai. It’s a 15 minute walk into town. Here are my must visits:
Rory’s Place for dinner
Rory’s Other Place for breakfast, pantry items, and the best buffalo milk soft serve
Bart’s Books for a very cool, outdoor book shop
The Dutchess for pastries
As I sit here writing all this, all I can think about is how much I can’t wait to visit again.
Cheers,
M
