OVERVIEW of Ojai Valley Inn
In a lush valley surrounded by the Topatopa Mountain range lies the tiny town of Ojai California. Just a two hour drive north of Los Angeles, this laid back country town is a remote yet supremely accessible haven for those looking to get out of the city bustle. Ojai Valley Inn & Spa occupies 220 acres of verdant gardens that grow the indigenous plants of the area.
A $90 million renovation was completed in 2011 with new hotel rooms and suites, a new lobby and entrance, new golf shop, new restaurants, and new ballrooms and meeting space.
Ojai Valley originally attracted the Chumash Indians who revered it as a place of healing. Contemporary spiritual seekers ascribe mystical powers to this valley that is still called “The Nest.” Today, the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is a haven for artists, writers and movie stars who find inspiration in Ojai’s serene beauty.
THE ROOMS at Ojai Valley Inn
There are 308 rooms and suites, most with fireplaces, terraces and spectacular mountain and golf course views. Upon arrival, the tiled lobby smelled of refreshing citrus, and a fountain tinkled out a merry welcome. I was taken by golf cart (golf carts are used to ferry guests between reception, the restaurants and guest rooms as the grounds are a rambling mélange of hills and gardens) to my guest room and welcomed by a jaunty basket of pixie tangerines−a local specialty grown only during the spring and only in the Ojai Valley.
My room was decorated in a charming color scheme of oranges, browns and creams, with a dash of lavender intermixed reflecting the many native lavender bushes that grow on the property. A four poster bed beckoned with plush mattress and buttery sheets, while the fireplace on the opposite side of the room glowed an orange that fit right in with the decor of the room. My balcony overlooked the herb garden, where fresh vegetables and herbs are grown to supplement the menu at the hotel’s restaurant, Maravilla. The bathroom had a separate shower and tub and its own label of toiletries in complementary scents of tangerine and lavender.
DINING at Ojai Valley Inn
Olivella is the signature restaurant serving up a valley to table menu supported by the local Ojai valley purveyors. Some highlights: Crudo of Pacifoic Yellowrail, pea puree, lemon, garden radish, basil vinaigrette, Slow Cooked Lamb Pappardelle, braised lamb sugo, house made, ricotta, aged parmesan, Cabernet Braised Short Rib, four cheese whipped potatoes, cipollini onion agrodolce, heirloom carrots, Almond Semolina Cake, greek yogurt mousse, orange gelee, candied fennel, citrus tuile,
The Oak serves breakfast lunch and dinner where guests can dine Al fresco under the vine-covered pergola which offers dramatic views overlooking 200-year-old Oak trees,the golf course and sweeping mountain vistas.
Cocktails, beers, wines, wood fired pizza, salads and sandwiches characterize the casual Jimmy’s Pub
Wallace Neff Heritage Bar offers small plates, artisan cocktails and an ecellent selection of wines by the glass
THE RATES at Ojai Valley Inn
From $769 Peak Season Weekend
WHAT OTHERS SAY About Ojai Valley Inn
AAA Five Diamond Award
Forbes Four Star Award
“Top 500 Hotels in the World” Travel + Leisure Magazine
Golf Digest Magazine: Top 75 Best Golf Resorts in North America
Wine Spectator Award Winning List
PROMOTIONS at Ojai Valley Inn
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