Right in the California Bay Area’s backyard (sort of!) with a drive or a short flight, you can venture into the world of Ojai.
On your way, you could stop for a beach stroll in Santa Barbara or a light lunch in Montecito, and then take the 40 minute drive east to the Ojai Valley. The surrounding Topa Topa Mountains are extraordinary. If you rather have someone else do the driving, I have a great Executive Limousine Company that can meet and greet you at the airport. They can even provide snacks and champagne.
The one and only place that I recommend staying at is the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. It’s one of the best kept secrets with all of its’ amenities, leisure activities and a complete Spa Village. I can help you plan an extraordinary weekend getaway or a family vacation as their Experience Planners seem to need more training. (The only pitfall.) Just Ask me!
There are plenty of yummy places to dine on the property. Here are my favorites:
I recommend eating breakfast at The Oak. On Sundays, you can listen to a blue grass band playing while eating a sumptuous brunch. Ask for a Pixie Mimosa when pixies are in season (springtime). Ever have a pixie? It’s a small seedless tangerine like a clementine that’s so sweet and delicious. Unfortunately, because of The Thomas Fire, they have a smaller crop than last year but they’re just as tasty!
For lunch, why not pedal an on-site cruiser bike and have a picnic under the arbor in the herb garden? You can smell the rosemary, sage and thyme the minute you walk down the stairs to the garden area. This is an exquisite and beautiful venue for eating a picnic lunch. Eat at the bistro tables or spread a blanket on the lavish Orchard Lawn. Libby’s artisan grocery store on the property has everything you need to satisfy your palate. Rosé all day!
Buy a s’mores kit from Libby’s market and roast marshmallows over the several fire pits spread out in front of the inn overlooking the golf course. Kids love this activity! And, parents love eating the blackened marshmallows that the kids don’t want to eat after they had fun burning them in the flames. Ha!
Jimmy’s Pub is a casual dining experience where you can eat finger food and kid friendly food such as burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers and pizza. Adults can enjoy this food too, along with a crafted cocktail of course. Jimmy used to be a golf pro at the resort so his golf clubs are displayed here. Adults can also get a nightcap at the newly renovated Wallace Neff bar. He was the architect who built the Inn.
If you’d like to view the spectacular sunsets in Ojai while you enjoy dinner, make sure to reserve a table outside at Olivella Restaurant. If it’s too cold, turn up the heaters and throw on a blanket that the restaurant provides. The view and restaurant are outstanding! Order the yellowtail, diver scallops and the chefs grandmother’s recipe; Rigatoni Bolognese. Pair the seafood with a Sauvignon Blanc by Lail Vineyards and drink an amazing Kosta Browne Pinot with the Bolognese. Buon appetito! They’ll even personally bake a cake if you ask!
The Spa café also has an assortment of very healthy organic juices, salads, sandwiches and smoothies if you’d like to eat something light. They also have to-go items perfect for picnicking.
Who would leave the Inn when there are so many delicious options?
Stay tuned for part 2 of Oh, hi! for the multitude of activities on and off The Ojai Valley Inn and Spa property. They’re great for burning off all the calories from the places I just recommended! Ha!
