Ojai Valley Inn & Spa- Ojai, CA

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is nothing short of amazing. It is impossibly beautiful. As far as resorts go, it has few rivals. Between the breathtaking mountain views, the citrus scented air, and the resort amenities, you will never want to leave.  You might assume this is an exaggeration, but I assure you it is not. Absolute loveliness.

Ojai Valley Inn started as a private golf club in 1923, the dream of a wealthy Ohio businessman, Edward Libbey, who made Ojai his winter retreat. 22 guest rooms were added in 1934, and a beautiful Spanish Colonial resort was born. By the 1940’s Hollywood had noticed, and Ojai Valley Inn became a glamorous playground for the stars. Capra filmed a movie here, as did Katherine Hepburn. Jimmy Kimmel got married here, and it was even featured on an episode of the Bachelorette, for which I have forgiven them. Yes, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, you are better than that.

Surrounded by the Topatopa Mountains, the resort seamlessly blends into its surroundings. Palms, Oaks and Citrus trees dot the landscape, while the manicured fairways of the golf course lend almost a pastoral feel to the resort grounds. The shaded paths of the tranquil herb garden are the perfect place for a walk, even in the blistering summer.

There are several pool options on site, including the all important adult pool, free of running children, screaming parents, and plastic toys. It is also home to one of the best pina coladas I have ever consumed. Not that I had only one, that would have been impossible. Clearly scratch made, it was everything a pina was meant to be; fresh and cold, it was the perfect poolside libation. There was plenty of shade and lounge chairs available, which is a damn rare thing these days.  There was also complementary sunscreen and ice water, which was much appreciated.

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, as its name would suggest, is also home to a serious spa. The facilities are outstanding. Their deep tissue massage is legend. You can easily spend the whole day lounging at their pool, or quietly reading in one of their many relaxation rooms. Your treatment will not be cheap, but it will also not be mediocre. It may even be life changing. I know my back felt better than it had in years. So yes, it is absolutely worth whatever obscene amount they are charging.

The resort offers a wide variety of rooms, from the perfectly comfortable King to a sprawling villa. There are penthouses if you are feeling fancy, and even a private estate, Casa Elar, if you are Oprah.  We stayed in the Fireplace Shangri-La Room, and it was perfect. Located near both the adult pool and the first tee, it had a decent sized balcony with a mountain view. It was recently updated, had a nicely tiled bathroom, and a tub that you would actually consider using, unlike 99% of hotel tubs. If you were to find anything objectionable about your room, I am sure it would be fixed immediately, because service is excellent here.

You can also stay in one of the 22 original Wallace Neff designed rooms if you want a taste of Ojai Valley past. These nicely updated rooms retain many original details, such as hardwood floors, and are connected to the original Neff Clubhouse, which is now a lounge. You should absolutely visit the lounge, as it is a great space, and is the perfect place to enjoy a Manhattan before dinner at the Oaks. Not only is the food there excellent, the terrace overlooks the Ojai Valley Oak, which is dressed in white lights, and looks magical after dark.

Finally, the golf course. It is a fun one. Originally built in 1923, all the famous golfers of times past have played here, including Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. Updated in 1988 by Jay Morrish, the course winds through a canyon, and provides you with excellent views of the mountains while it beats you up. It is a course you need to play more than once to do well on, and even then, you probably won’t, but you will enjoy it. Book on GolfNow, it will be substantially cheaper than booking through the resort. A new water efficient sprinkler system was added in the last few years, so you should still find lush fairways despite the ongoing California drought. At least for now.