Elegant Pink Moments at Ojai Valley Inn

(Photo by Jill Weinlein)

After about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, tourists arrive in laid-back Ojai to relax and seek wellness. Locals claim that the East-to-West Valley situation has a magical vortex, similar to that in Sedona, Arizona.

Among an endless expanse of blue sky, palm-fringed streets and red-tiled Spanish Revival architecture, the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa is an ideal location to witness a pink champagne glow on the Topatopa Mountains at dusk.

(Photo by Jill Weinlein)

The 308-room Ojai Valley Inn & Spa was originally designed by esteemed architect Wallace Neff. There is a pleasing smell of rosemary and lavender throughout the 200-acre property.

Here are six viewing spots to experience the divine “pink moment” in Ojai:

Golf. Those playing a round of Twilight golf in the afternoon might witness the sky change from blue to pink. The world-class 18-hole golf course was originally built in 1923 under the direction of George C. Thomas, Jr. (who also designed Riviera in the Palisades, Bel-Air and Los Angeles Country Clubs) and Billy Bell. In 1999, two original “lost holes,” from the 1920s course were discovered and reintroduced. Will Smith, Kevin Costner and Michael Douglas have enjoyed playing on this course throughout the years.
(Photo by Jill Weinlein)
Art. Guests and visitors to Ojai are inspired to capture the beauty of the valley through art. The resort seems to awaken creativity, especially at the onsite Artist Cottage & Apothecary. Artists in residence Georgia and Holly offer assistance to all skill levels in creating a keepsake piece. There are a variety of public and private group art classes. Sessions run 20 to 90 minutes and range in price from $25 to $75. Paint a stone for your garden or patio, design and paint a silk scarf or pretty piece of pottery as you work with mixed media, watercolors or acrylics.
Dine. Sip a glass of rose wine at sunset at the newly restored Wallace Neff Heritage Bar. This used to be the original country club and is touted as the most famous room at the resort. Walk along the beautiful tiled hallway that is now a historical art gallery of notable events and celebrities who have visited through the years. Later, dine at Olivella and Vine for an elegant, fine dining experience. Sitting outside on the patio offers one of the best “pink moment” viewing spots.
(Photo by Jill Weinlein)
Spa. Guests can spend the day at the 31,000-square-foot spa village featuring two pools, saunas, a fully-equipped workout room, mind and body studio, apa boutique and spa café with a purchase of a treatment. Drawing from the history of the community, the spa offers a therapeutic menu of detoxifying and beautifying manicures, massages and facials. They also offer a native Chumash American Indian journey of self-applied desert clay treatments infused with essential oils, intense dry heat and inhalation therapy. The Indigo pool is another great viewing spot to take in the afternoon pink glow.
(Photo by Jill Weinlein)
Bike. The onsite Libbey’s Cafe offers a Picnic & Pedal package. Check out a complimentary bicycle, fill up a picnic basket and get a property map to explore the resort grounds by bike. Guests may also take the bikes into Ojai’s downtown center to explore art galleries and shops. Locals enjoy witnessing the sun set at the Mediterranean inspired restaurant Azu.
(Photo by Jill Weinlein)
Hike. Hiking trails abound in the valley. The Ojai Valley Inn provides guided hikes throughout the day or you can explore Meditation Mount (about 3 miles from Ojai Valley Inn and Spa) on your own. It’s a local favorite with peaceful, manicured paths, inspirational benches and grand vista points to take in the colors of the robin egg blue sky as it turns a soft lavender hue, before it becomes a dusky pink on the surrounding mountains. This moment will leave you in awe of the beauty of the Ojai Valley.