OJAI
California | USA
Among the many easy-to-get-to vacation destinations available in Southern California, the Ojai Valley Inn Resort ranks among our favorites for a relaxing long weekend or a quick mid-week getaway.
Location
The Ojai Valley Inn is a short 75 mile drive from Los Angeles and only 12 miles from the ocean once you turn off the 101 Freeway and head up the Ojai Valley. Coming southeast from Santa Barbara it is a 25 mile drive. The Inn is nestled in the only East/West valley in California which explains its unique light and ambiance.
Staff and Services
As one might expect from a resort that has won numerous prestigious awards and is celebrated by travel publications around the world, the Ojai Valley Inn has exemplary service at all levels. From the front desk staff to the bellhops and housekeepers the service at the resort is world class. The same high level of attentive service includes the friendly pool, spa and restaurant staff. Once on the property you are truly made to feel special everywhere you go.
From the front desk staff to the bellhops and housekeepers the service at the Ojai Valley Inn is world class.
History and Character
Located on 220 gorgeous acres in the oak and citrus covered valley. The earliest dwellers in the valley were native Chumash Indians followed in the late 1700’s by Spanish and Mission societies. The Spanish and Mission people were then followed by Don Fernando Tico who in 1837 was given a land grant by the Mexican government. In 1917 the town was officially named Ojai.
The Resort was founded in 1923 by the wealthy Ohio based glass manufacturer Edward Libbey. Libbey wanted a clubhouse on his private golf course and hired famed architect Wallace Neff to design it for him. He was also responsible for building Ojai’s unique downtown arcade business district as well as the post office.
Since those humble beginnings in 1923 to the present day the Ojai Valley Inn has welcomed generations of travelers from around the world to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of casual elegance.
This would be our 14th stay at the Inn and as such we have witnessed multiple changes over the years, all of which have continued to keep it in the eye of the most discriminating traveler. The landscaping has never been more lush. The restaurants have all adopted a local-to-table ethos that not only provides the freshest food possible but also supports the local farmers. The recently built, adults only, Indigo pool is nothing short of a masterpiece complete with amazing views of the mountains. And the spa services continue to keep pace with what a 5 Diamond resort guest would expect.
With the recent addition of the Farmhouse the Inn is positioned to become a regional powerhouse of the culinary arts headed by none other than Nancy Silverton of La Brea Bakery, Campanile and Mozza fame. This venue will bring in leaders from wine makers, top chefs, honey farmers and more as they host a wide range of culinary classes, events and lectures.
If you have never been to the Ojai Valley Inn I would strongly encourage anyone to plan a visit. You will truly be rewarded with a great experience and many fond memories.
Dining
There are several dining options at the Inn including the flagship Olivella, Jimmy’s Pub, Libbey’s and The Oak as well as the Spa Cafe which serves light fare & freshly pressed juices poolside.
Over the years our reliable favorite has been The Oak as it consistently offers up great food in a casual and beautiful setting. With indoor/outdoor seating you have a choice of dining next to a cozy fireplace or al fresco overlooking the golf course and the mountains beyond in front of the namesake centuries old oak trees festooned with hanging lanterns. The setting is most charming at night when the lanterns are aglow.
The Oak serves breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring fresh local food in addition to produce from the newly completed Farmhouse garden.
From tacos and burgers to fine Italian inspired cuisine no matter which restaurant you choose you will not disappointed with the quality of food or the fine service.
This would be our 14th stay at the Inn and as such we have witnessed multiple changes over the years, all of which have continued to keep it in the eye of the most discriminating traveler.
