The Unbelievable “Ojai Valley Inn & Spa” Resort and Horseback Riding Stables(12/05)

 If you are looking for the perfect getaway around the Los Angeles area, the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is the place to go.

     The Inn began in 1923.  In 1942, it was transformed into a military training center for over 1000 army troops.  In 1944, the army turned the Inn over to the Navy for a rest and recuperation center.  The Inn was returned to private ownership after World War 2 and reopened in 1947.  There were several changes in ownership before the Inn went through a major renovation in 1986 when this really became the place to go. New rooms were built 2 swimming pools, tennis courts, conference rooms and a fitness center was added.  As recently as 2003, the Inn went through more expansion and renovation of 300 more new rooms and suites that look beautiful, new restaurants and lounges, a ballroom and golf clubhouse with shops.  This latest accomplishment cost $70 million and is well worth it.  Many famous celebrities and people frequent the Inn for vacation and the Spa Treatments.  There is also a ranch to go horseback riding and they have art classes every day as well. Make your reservations for the Ranch and Stables by calling 805-649-5552.  They are very experienced and have quite a few walking Horseback rides, lessons, classes, pony rides for children and a kid’s petting farm. 1-2 hour rides are offered as well as private rides.   The staff is very friendly, helpful and make sure of your safety first.

     Our itinerary began one Tuesday afternoon in December as we checked into our incredible new Spanish Style Room.  Rates range from $400 on up depending on style, time of year, and which room you choose.  We decided to check out the Spa and Fitness Center.  After a little workout in their fitness room, we took one of their many great classes.  Yoga was a nice class to unwind with before showering and changing on our way to the Maravilla Fine Dining Restaurant located on the premises.

     It was a great pleasure to just take a short walk to the Maravilla where we were greeted with great hospitality and warmth.  Our Service Captain, William Cory, who came to the restaurant when it reopened 9 months ago, was truly the most knowledgeable and friendly Captain/Waiter I have ever dined with.  We started with the roast kuri squash soup & soft spot prawns and white truffle oil and the Yellowtail & Ahi Carpaccio with caviar. A nice Brut Rose (Deutz) and Riesling (Nahe) were suggested with the starters.  After the delicious appetizers, we moved onto a seafood mix of Seared Cortez Scallops with forest mushrooms, gnocchi & white port sauce that was delectable and the roasted Maine Lobster with Ravioli and Saffron that melted in your mouth.  We paired that with the Ojai Vineyards Late Harvest Viogner 04 and the Pinot Noir (Gary Farrell from the Russian River) my personal favorite.  Our meat course consisted of the Veal Chop with potatoes gratin in a cabernet jus and the Colorado Moroccan spiced Lamb Rack with roasted eggplant.  The Syrah from Ojai Vineyards was suggested with those dishes but the Pinot Noir was the one I stayed with.   We had no room for a big dessert so we went with the cheese platter and a port to digest this wonderful experience.

     Wednesday- After a nice breakfast of eggs at the Oak Grill (The other restaurant we ate at), we took our time and enjoyed the great sunny day by taking the complimentary bikes around the town, hitting some golf shots at their driving range, heading back to the Gym for a workout/swim and getting a great Kuyam Mud Treatment in the Spa.  This is very relaxing while cleaning your pours and nourishing your skin.  This treatment costs $50 or $40 with any other booked service. 

 After showering and cleaning up, we headed to the Oak Grill for dinner.  We had another fantastic experience at this more casual restaurant. We started with the Tortilla Soup/Chicken and Avocado and Fried Calamari which was quite big.  The menu had a great selection of items as did the Maravilla but one can only eat so much.  We had two fish entrees which were prepared perfect.  The black trumpet crusted Ahi Tuna with wild mushrooms and gnocchi and the Garlic and Herb crusted Halibut with grilled asparagus, fingerling potatoes and pearl onion.  We had a nice bottle of Cakebread Chardonnay to accompany our meal.  We had a little bit of room left for the warm gingerbread cake and signature Cappuccino pie as we limped out of the place.  We took a walk on this great night around the venue which is widely spread out to help digest our food.

     Thursday started off with a nice breakfast delivered to our room as we got ready for our round of golf.  We headed to the clubhouse and picked up our clubs and cart.  The driving range was right there so we hit a few before going out.  I seemed to find many of their nice sand traps during my round as it seemed liked I missed the beach. 

 We changed and headed to the Spa for a quick bite at the Spa Café before our treatments.  My assistant tried the Detox Body Wrap leaving her wobbly from being so relaxed. I had the Ojai Stone massage by Claudia. She gave me the best massage I have ever had (as I have had over 200 in my life).  The combination of her strength going deep along with the heated Stones left me feeling incredible afterwards.  We packed up and picked up our car from the complimentary valet parking and we were off feeling on top of the world.  They have so many treatments to choose from at the Spa, it is hard to go wrong.  From all types of massages; facials; wrap and skin treatments; manicures/pedicure; waxes; makeup and more.  Overall, this place is spectacular and attracts all ages, families and anyone wanting an incredible experience.  The service was impeccable and we will be back!!

     For more information and pricing, please visit www.ojairesort.com  or www.spaojai.com  Reservations can be made by calling 805-646-1111 located at

905 Country Club Road

in Ojai, California    93023  not far from many wineries and beautiful countryside.

Best Place

.  Approximately 90 minutes away driving northwest from LA,  there is no better place to unwind, relax, spa, keep active, golf, eat well and more.  Ojai (pronounced Oh Hi) is an Indian name meaning “The Nest” and is located on 220 acres in the Ojai Valley.  You can come for the day but a minimum of 2-3 days is recommended to partake in all the wonderful things they have there.