Ojai is The Ideal Wellness Escape in 2024

Set against the dramatic views of the Topatopa Mountains, Ojai draws visitors from far and wide because of its laid-back, small-town appeal. Conveniently located near Los Angeles International Airport, this small town makes for a charming wellness getaway. The quaint downtown is walkable and full of art galleries, boutiques, and health-conscious eateries. Because of its temperate climate, it’s always a great time to visit. 

Treasures of Ojai, open since 1993, is a combination art gallery and gift store, with beautiful estate jewelry pieces along with pottery made by local artists. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a gift or something special for your home. Stop into Ojai Olive Oil for some quality products. Family-owned and operated, they offer free tours and tastings, encouraging visitors to meander the groves on the property. Support local bookstores by visiting Barts Books, a staple of the downtown. With over 130,000 used and new books to discover, you’ll definitely want to spend some time browsing. 

Stop by The Nest Ojai for lunch. Their menu is small and focused, using local ingredients whenever possible. For appetizers, don’t miss the shishito peppers and mini hash brown waffles. I’m a huge fan of their salads – the smoked salmon Caesar hits the spot for a hearty, yet healthy, option. 

The Hip Vegan has delicious and creative plant-focused food. Their sandwiches are excellent options and are tastier than the meat versions. They also have a large outdoor seating area that is dog-friendly. Make sure to book reservations at Nocciola well in advance. The casually elegant restaurant serves top-notch traditional Italian fare.

The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn hosts private food events throughout the year. During the month of December there is Breakfast with Santa, along with culinary classes to inspire amateur home chefs. On Christmas Day, the restaurant offers two seatings for an elegant meal. 

For ultimate luxury, book this over-the-top luxury Vacasa rental with a hidden sanctuary with a lagoon pool. Constructed completely of stone, this house sits on 10 acres in a gated community, surrounded by palm trees and verdant gardens. The Roca Vista Ranch is set across two separate buildings with spacious accommodations, perfect for families and large groups. The house offers three bedrooms and four bathrooms with a spacious dining room and living room. Stone walls line the interior of the house and hardwood floors are laid throughout. On the patio outside, an enormous stone fireplace is a great place to gather and watch the sunset or stargaze. This over-the-top rental boasts two Tiki bars, a massive outdoor Santa Maria BBQ, a shimmering black bottom pool, and two jungle spas. Guests will have everything they need at this superb location. A short walk out your gate is access to hiking and biking trails for a morning jaunt.

Ojai Valley Inn is another iconic spot to stay, ideally located three miles from the Los Padres National Forest. The Spanish revival hotel has a rich history, hosting the Hollywood elite dating back to the early 1900s. Listed as a member of Historic Hotels of America since 1991 and set across 220 acres, rooms are updated to reflect modern charm. For ultimate luxury, book the  Hacienda Penthouse, which offers guests panoramic views of the valley. You’ll have a beautiful living room to relax in, a well-equipped kitchenette, and a dining area that seats eight people. Indulge in a large soaking tub or stargaze on your private patio on summer nights. 

Book a spa treatment at the on-site Spa Ojai, where you can choose from a wide menu of services, ranging from massages and facials to crystal and Reiki energy healing, and much more. The property boasts a golf course, tennis courts, an outdoor pool, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. 

There are no shortage of fun outdoor pursuits for a wellness trip to this town. There are dozens of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and even rock climbing. Rent a bike from Bicycles of Ojai for a half day excursion. You can take off on your own or partake in a guided tour, which is appropriate for all levels. The Ojai Valley Trail is a converted rail line which is popular for runners, bikers, and equestrians. For the ultra adventurous, book reservations with Ojai Rock Climbing – their experts have been leading custom trips for over a decade.

 

Check out Lake Casitas, which was the site of the 1984 Olympics for canoeing and rowing, for some fun water activities. Ojai Angler offers guided fishing trips. Casitas Water Adventure, a water park featuring waterfalls, many slides, and a lazy river is open in the summer.

Golf a is a favorite pastime here, with the Ojai Valley Inn recognized as one of the top 25 golf resorts in North America. Check out the Soule Park Golf Course, which is listed as one of the best municipal courses by Golf Week. Because of all these options to enhance your health and well-being, Ojai is an excellent choice for a wellness escape in the new year.

 

Feature Photo Chamber Downtown credit Stephen Adams