A wise woman once said, “Life isn’t all diamonds and rosé, but it should be.” That woman was Lisa Vanderpump from the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and she was 100% correct. Life can be diamonds and rosé, if you are staying at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa in Ojai California. I did not bring my diamonds, but there was rosé, sparkling in my case, for days….all five of them by the pool to be exact.
Ojai Valley, northwest of Los Angeles and southeast of Santa Barbara is a small town that is the epitome of the word “casual” and the phrase “farm-to-table.” The culture is laid back, yet sophisticated. The dining & food shopping are fresher than anything you could find. The town is in total 10 miles long by 3 miles wide and is in a perfect cocoon of beautiful mountain views and incredible weather. For those of you who have read my articles, you already know I enjoy food, but you are probably confused by the “casual” element! Much like Lisa Vanderpump, I need a touch of oppulance & The Ojai Valley Inn and Spa (ojairesort.com) was just what I needed. This property has worldclass restaurants, golf, a spa that would leave the most particular person completely satisfied, and did I mention the sparkling rosé served poolside?
This was my second trip to Ojai and is rapidly becoming my summer “must have” destination. A typical day starts with a nice run around property, getting one of the freshest breakfasts on or off property, then heading straight to the pool for a full day of beautiful sights. The hills make you feel like you are in Tuscany, the cocktails make you feel like you are in heaven, and the people get more and more beautiful as the day goes on and the champagne goes down. Though the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa offers some of the best culinary selections the area has to offer, nothing is better than a night on the town. Agave Maria’s Restaurant and Cantina (agavemarias.com) is a few miles up the road and is a 10 across the board! Food, atmosphere and the Ojai Pixie Tangerine Margarita is sure to cap the night off in the perfect fashion.
The proximity to Los Angeles and Santa Barbara is the key to this gem of a town in the most picturesque setting you can image. Whether you are looking for the Farmer’s Market, a fabulous dining experience or a pool and spa day that will leave even the most stressed person feeling totally at ease, Ojai Valley…. specifically Ojai Valley Inn and Spa is sure to impress!
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