OJAI, I’M BACK

Though we don’t lack for much in Los Angeles, trying to get out of the vicinity can have its road bumps – so to speak. Planning a quick road trip out of LA can sometimes seem like a better idea in theory. A spur of the moment jump-in-the-car more often than not turns into hours and hours of XM radio and tailor made freeway games, before arriving at a destination and having to turn around again.

For this very reason, I try to avoid the 405 and 10 freeways when planning a weekend getaway. So, it isn’t to say that Ojai tops my list of quick getaways due to geography alone, but it definitely is a perk.

The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is the pride resort of this quaint little town just inland off the 101 North – A slightly quicker commute than Santa Barbara and a much more scenic drive than Palm Springs. A self-described regular at this hotel, I find myself never tired of everything this property has to offer. Perhaps it’s due to the recent $90 million renovations. Perhaps even due to the vast serenity it hugs you with without fail upon every arrival. And maybe, my easily-bored-with-the-mundane self can’t wait to return to this peaceful place time and time again simply because of the way it’s always growing and bettering itself, but never ceasing to lose its original roots and integrity. Maybe this writer hopes to see herself through similar eyes after many years.

I know BNLA readers want to hear about the spa and if it’s one trekking out to. I assure you it is. Tucked away at the end of the property, it’s beyond lovely. The Spanish archways and tiled courtyard will beckon you to take part in her awaiting iced lavender towels, cucumber water, dry sauna and steam rooms. Relaxation pools on her either side, the multi-story spa is equipped with everything a spa should be – from hot tea, fruit and a multitude of lounging coves and post-shower products. If looking for a body treatment other than massage, always go for the seasonal scrub here. Take my word for it – the Pomegranate Honey Pearl Body Polish feels delectable and leaves skin feeling brand new.

This resort features a service that no other destination spa in the United States offers: The Kuyam. The word Kuyam (koo-yahm) is a Chumash Indian phrase meaning ”Place we rest together.” The treatment can accommodate up to eight men or women at a time and involves cleansing mud from the Dead Sea, dry heat, inhalation therapy and guided meditation. Honestly, this would not have been a must-do for me but I was highly encouraged to take part and never wanting to seem ungracious, in I went.

The experience turned out to be a true spiritual surprise. A group is guided into what looks like just another treatment room, but is in fact a dim cave-like area with built-in tile recliners, small stained glass windows, bowls of cleansing mud, sipping water and towels. I won’t spoil it for those who choose to experience it but I will say that if you’re open, this little guided-refuge can help you find your center far better than any yoga class. Oh, and make sure to culminate the 50 minutes by enjoying the mint tea under the balcony umbrellas upstairs with your fellow Kuyamers.

Fabulous spa aside, part of the Inn’s latest renovation unveiled what turned out to be my favorite part of the weekend: A 1,200 square foot hacienda-style Artist’s Cottage. With wall-to-wall windows and picturesque views of the cascading golf course and surrounding mountains, I secretly wished I could pack it all up and take it home. In a way though, we did. Our lovely Artisan in Residence, Renate Collins, guided us through the apothecary lab and helped us to actually walk away with our very own signature fragrances. Then, she walked us over to an artist’s table where we sipped tea and created a reflection of our lives thus far in the form of a Mandala. I don’t know that another human being could have been better selected to manage this special cottage.

My final suggestion as a must-visit when traveling to Ojai is the Martini Bar just outside the Inn’s elegant Maravilla restaurant. Spearheaded by the enthusiastic “Mixologist” Brian Monsour, guests spend hours sitting at the bar enraptured by every passionate drink he pours. Request the Espresso martini if you want a rich warm night cap. However, if you follow in suit with many others who prefer to drink their desserts – request a new infusion on the menu that tastes just like Almond Joy. Made with Stolli Vanilla, Coco Lopez, Frangelico and a few other things that came from Brian’s sleeve, this concoction was my personal suggestion. And, if Brian holds true to his word, this very drink will immortalize this writer forever in the form of a martini called “Courtney’s Love.” This excites me to no end.

But, even if my drink doesn’t make it into Brian’s book, this Ojai Valley Inn & Spa will always and forever remain one of Courtney’s favorite loves.

The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
Country Club Road
Ojai, CA 93023
800-422-6524
www.ojairesort.com