If you book at stay at the Oaks at Ojai, you may bump into an “Intentions Garden” on your way to your room. The instructions for the Intentions Garden say something like this: Clear your mind. Select a stone with a word and read it. Hold it in your hand and focus on that intention. Place the stone back in the garden to set that intention into the universe.
Once you get to your room, a fresh smell of wooden furniture welcomes guests as they find their way to a cozy spot. There’s a large bathtub, two comfortable beds, a sizable living room area and an outdoor courtyard. It’s nothing ultra-luxurious but it’s everything ultra-relaxing.
The Oaks at Ojai is an all-inclusive hotel & spa nestled in northern Ventura County, 90-minutes away from Los Angeles. It offers a serene atmosphere for guests who want to focus on nutrition, fitness and overall wellness. The hotel founder, Sheila Cluff is an 80-year old grandmother who embodies the lifestyle she offers at The Oaks. Cluff is the wellness visionary who created cardiovascular dance in the 1950s, later known to the world as “aerobics”. Today, she makes sure there are aerobics classes offered at her hotel.
If you walk to the pool area, you’ll find a quiet and peaceful garden with lush landscaping calling you to lay down, stretch or meditate. If you head to the sauna, you may feel tempted to take a fitness class first. Meal times are on a fixed schedule and hungry appetites can count on a tasty menu with large portions of vegetable sides and a health-conscious protein main dish.
Guests who enjoy exploring through quiet strolls will find a fair share of flora to uplift their environmental spirit, with everything from desert cactus to purple poppies and orange flowering succulents. It’s a great place for a digital detox (no cell phone use allowed on the grounds) and a perfect way to spend a few days away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.
The spa at the Oaks at Ojai offers a unique facial using their preferred line of products by Skin Authority. The Fit and Firm Signature Facial is supposed to leave guests feeling brand new. One guest at the spa walked out with a relaxed face and a fresh glow.
“I’m in no hurry to wear make-up ever again,” she said.
If you want to walk around downtown Ojai, there are neighboring wine cellars and a nearby outdoor bookshop to make your experience even more memorable. Just make sure to return in time for dinner, where guest speakers and wellness coaches may sit at a nearby table and open your eyes to a whole new level of feel goodness.
The Oaks at Ojai | 122 East Ojai Avenue | Ojai, CA 93023 | 800.753.6257 | www.oaksspa.com
