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Spa Weekend at The Oaks at Ojai

08.12.15

By Sue Facter

Leave the Louboutins at home! It was a natural fit as soon as I walked into the courtyard of my private cottage at Oaks at Ojai and heard melodic sounds of the waterfall. This was so tranquil that it immediately took me away from my hectic lifestyle in the big city.  

Unless you are an Ojai insider, one would never know that a little piece of paradise is hidden inside a large white building on Ojai's downtown Main Street.

Oaks at OjaiMy quaint cottage (with a porch where I dined one night) was a one-bedroom suite with two queen beds, two closets, and a makeup table with magnifier (not that you needed any war paint on this casual weekend). The lavish bathroom included a Jacuzzi tub, separate shower, two sinks, and beautiful tiles. The living room housed a desk and wet bar, and my personal courtyard had two chaise lounges. 

oaks poolThis all-inclusive destination spa is about exercise, wellness, and nutrition. Most guests opt to retire about 10 p.m. to rise at the crack of dawn for a full day of healing without the frills of Canyon Ranch.

Not to be confused with the luxe Ojai Valley Spa, the Oaks is a more intimate retreat to relax and renew. When I first heard that I would only be consuming only 1,000 calories a day and be salt/sugar free, I had trepidations. But after my first dinner, I was sold. Between presentation and taste, not to mention the great company, strangers at first. I traveled solo.

Menus consist of natural food, locally grown fruits and veggies, homemade salad dressing and soup, all without salt or sugar in the prep. Herbs are grown in their special gardens. 

Everything is casual and you can even wear your robe to the dining room. 

Sheila Cluff, 76, ice skater and founder of the spa was the innovative entrepreneur to combine fitness and spa treatments in the day. She still teaches classes and is in phenomenal shape. The Mother of four explains her journey in her book "Living Your Dream: The Inspiring Story of Sheila."

Oaks Yoga

I had the good fortune of attending an exercise class with Cluff. Her motivation and inspiration is infectious. (She even sponsors Oaks cruises.)

Classes are divided between cardio, tone and strength and stretch and flexibility. They range from Yoga, Tai=Chi and even mountain hiking.

Ojai Farmer's Market

In fact, hikes are provided at every level pre-breakfast that encompass the lovely Ojai streets and trails. One day, our scheduled hike took us through the set up of the town's weekly Saturday Farmers Market.

The traditional spa area is small, but the experience is enormous. Anna a skin care specialist, gave me a Skin Authority facial which took 10 years off this weary mug! Upon a former guest's recommendation, I had an anti-aging facial in the evening, so I would hit the sack and immediately go into la la land. There are menu items geared to women like an Ojai Pixie Tangerine Scrub. 

Upcoming events and theme weeks Cycle Ojai, Dance Week, Water Week, Healthy Holiday Eating, Mother/Daughter Week and Wild Hiking Week. 

The Oaks at Ojai is at 122 E Ojai Ave. in Ojai. 805.646.5573.  

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