Is there anything bad you could possibly say about Ojai? This heaven in the hills an hour outside of Los Angeles feels like a whole other world and is truly a hidden oasis.
Right after Memorial Day my mom and I set out on a road trip (okay, a 3 and a half hour drive) from San Diego to Ojai for a girls’ getaway. Little did I know I would absolutely fall in love with this small Californian town and immediately put it at the top of my “must return soon” list.
From the wine tasting to the farm-to-table cuisine to the wellness & spa activities, Ojai should be your next girls weekend destination and I’ve got the perfect itinerary for you.
CONTACT ME TO BOOK YOUR NEXT TRIP TO OJAI AND RECEIVE COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST FOR TWO, $100 RESORT CREDIT, UPGRADES & MORE!
THURSDAY
You have arrived at Ojai Valley Inn & Spa! Stop by the front desk and see if your room is ready (ours wasn’t until an hour past the standard check-in time of 4pm, although it was a holiday weekend so you may have better luck). Roam the property and check out all of the gorgeous spots and hidden nooks.
2pm – Lunch & welcome cocktails at Jimmy’s Pub at Ojai Valley Inn
While waiting for the room to be ready, grab some lunch on the green and celebrate with a good cocktail.
What to order: Jade Blossom Spritzer with wilder’s gin, rosemary simple syrup, cucumber shrub, lemon juice, cilantro + a dash of green tabasco ($15), Watermelon Crawl with maestro dobel tequila, dash of alipus mezcal, homemade watermelon syrup, lemon juice, lime juice & cayenne salt sugar rim ($15), and Falafel Burger with goat cheese spread, truffled arugula, & heirloom tomato ($15)
USE YOUR $100 RESORT CREDIT YOU RECEIVE WHEN BOOKING WITH PASSPORT TO FRIDAY!
4:30pm – Grab a glass of rosé at the back patio of Tipple & Ramble
Sit in any of the multiple lounge areas or hang in the hammock!
6pm – Have dinner at Azu
Sit outside on the street and people watch! Get there early to claim a table.
What to order: A Z U Chop Salad with chickpeas, avocado, beets, yams, tomatoes, cucumber, romaine & tahini dressing ($15) We added shrimp!
FRIDAY
Photo via Ojai Coffee Roasting Co.
8am – Walk into town for coffee & a quick breakfast at Ojai Coffee Roasting Co.
Americano with almond milk, stevia & cinnamon… yes please!
10am – Lounge in a cabana at the Indigo Pool
What to order: Organic Chicken Quesadilla with goat cheese, pepper jack cheese (I omitted this), red onion, charred corn, black beans, cilantro, & whole wheat tortilla ($16)
Your cabana comes with the Farmers’ Market Vegetable Crudite with local seasonal vegetables, hummus and yogurt dipping sauce and the California Fruit Plate with a seasonal selection of chilled fruit and lime yogurt.
USE YOUR $100 RESORT CREDIT YOU RECEIVE WHEN BOOKING WITH PASSPORT TO FRIDAY!
4pm – Picnic & Pedal
Stock up a picnic basket at Libbey’s (food not complimentary, but picnic basket, blanket and ideal picnic spots map are) and grab a bike. Pick out your perfect picnic spot on the map and pedal on over there to enjoy a nice picnic outside under a tree. We decided to settle down at the The Orchard Lawn, but there are spots all over the resort.
What to order:Salmon & Arugula Salad ($14.95) and Ancient Grain & Superfoods Salad ($12.95) with a bottle of rose and pressed juices
Image via @adason
8pm – Sip on a barrel aged cocktail & roast s’mores
Enjoy one of Jimmy’s famous barrel aged cocktails and grab a s’mores kit from Libbey’s for the perfect nightcap and sweets indulgence.
What to order: The Dettlinger ($18) and Barrel Aged Negroni ($17)
SATURDAY
8am – Go into town to Knead Baking Co. for breakfast
Breakfast sandwich fans rejoice because you’re in for a real treat here. The bread is freshly baked, the eggs cooked to perfection, and the patio is ideal for a casual breakfast al fresco.
What to order: The Breakfast Sandwich with organic fried egg on a whole grain english muffin ($7.25) and add arugula (+$2) and a side of two scrambled eggs (+$2)
9am – Go on a hike then head to Meditation Mount
Ojai is known for their peaceful vibes, rolling hills scenery, and overall serenity. Hike and explore the trails then head over to Meditation Mount for a stunning view of Ojai and the valley.
1pm – Lunch at Farmer & The Cook
This little market serves up some amazing vegan food and other fare. While it is casual counter service, do note that your food might take a long time to be made. It sure is worth it though!
What to order: Swiss Chard Enchiladas with corn tortillas, their farm-grown chile-pumpkin seed with cheese (can request vegan cashew cheese!), swiss chard, squash & red onion ($12) and Raw Tacos with cabbage leaves filled with walnut & sun dried tomato croquettes topped with cashew-cilantro ‘cream’, mixed greens, pico de gallo & carrots ($12)
Photo via Somadome
2:30pm – Meditation Pod at the Ojai Valley Inn Spa
Located at just a few locations in the USA, the Somadome is a 20-minute session in a pod that guides you through a meditation. I never thought I could meditate, but this pod actually put me into a deep state of meditation. It’s only $45 per session too.
5pm – Wine tasting at The Ojai Vineyard
Get a flight of 5 wines for $15. My favorites were the Riesling (it’s dry, not sweet) and the Pinot Noir.
6pm – Dinner & live music at Ojai Deer Lodge
Farm to table menu and live music on most evenings in a rustic vibe!
What to order: Mule Deer with locally distilled cutlers vodka, lime juice, bitters, fever tree ginger beer ($11), Lavender-Rita with sauza blue tequila, triple sec, local lori’s lavender lemonade ($9), Diver Scallops appetizer with two pan seared scallops, butternut squash and celery root leek puree, sauteed baby corn and seasonal veggies with chile lime glaze ($17), Chopped Panzanella Salad with roasted cauliflower, market squash, goat cheese, local greens, arugula, pomegranate & toasted ciabatta tossed in red wine vinaigrette ($11), and Quinoa Burger with house made quinoa patty, greens, sriracha aioli, & avocado on a vegan bun with a side of fried truffle green beans ($13)
SUNDAY
Photo via Ojai Valley Inn
7:30am – Stretch class at the Fitness Veranda
Start your travel day off right with some yoga and a good stretch!
Photo via Ojai Valley Inn
9:30am – Sunday Bluegrass Brunch at The Oak Grill
Enjoy a carving station, raw bar, market-inspired salads, a chocolate fountain, and unlimited sparkling wine, coffee, tea, juice & soda. Live bluegrass music starts at 10am, then hit the road and head home afterwards! ($49 per person)
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Safe travels y’all!
Best,
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