There are some things in life that happen at just the right moment. One of these things happened last weekend, when I was invited for a complimentary spa weekend getaway with my mom near Ventura, at the Oaks at Ojai. It couldn’t have been better planned. My stress level was a 12 on a scale of 1 to 10! I love the area around Ventura, but had never been to Ojai and I’d NEVER had a spa weekend. It was due time to connect with my mom and I was so excited! They offered us one complimentary spa treatment, as part of our package and I was counting down the hours until my appointment!
We left Friday afternoon, enthusiastic and ready to indulge all our senses in Ojai. We had a blast on our road trip and arrived about 2 p.m. in the quaint, lovely city of Ojai. My mom and I immediately took a sigh of relief when we arrived, imaging what heaven was in store for us!
We checked in at the front desk and were given an orientation about what to expect, where the important amenities were, like the sauna, the jacuzzi, the dining room, the pool, where we would be getting our facials, and finally, our room! The atmosphere immediately put us at ease, as did the friendly staff. We were escorted to our room, just a short distance from the inviting pool.
Our room was absolutely stunning! First, you walk through this beautiful, private courtyard, complete with lounge chairs for enjoying the sun and a patio area to enjoy our morning coffee, or dinner. There was a lovely water fountain right near our door. My mom and I were giddy with anticipation to get inside and commence the pampering!
Beautiful Rooms!
The interior of the room was as amazing as the exterior! The living room is spacious, complete with a wet bar, fireplace, refrigerator, and comfortable sitting area. The bedroom is roomy and the beds are like sleeping on a million feathers! I slept so well each night! The bathroom had a fantastic shower, full jacuzzi bathtub, and was beautifully adorned with Spanish style tile. I felt at home and I was pretty sure I was never going to want to leave!
Being very health and fitness conscious, we were pleasantly surprised with the preparation and care that goes into providing a wide range of healthy food options and ways to stay fit. There was always fresh fruit and snacks available in the lounge, as well as activities going on throughout the day.
Lots of Activities!
We participated in several of the fitness offerings that go on throughout the day, including yoga, meditation, and history walk through the lovely area of Ojai. You are free to choose whatever exercise or activity you choose. With 15 different class offerings per day, you’re sure to find something that suits your desires. We opted for a nap one afternoon, although we had originally planned on taking a water aerobics class. You can be as active or relaxed as you like. We were given a blank schedule form to fill out with all the activities we thought we might like to do during the weekend and we enjoyed almost every one of our choices (except for the time we napped!).
Great Location!
Saturday morning, I got up early to go for a ten mile run. I stopped off at the dining area to grab some breakfast and met some ladies that were hiking some of the local trails, with one of the Oaks at Ojai’s guides. I almost ditched my run to join them. It sounded like so much fun! Ah, well. Half marathon training continues! Next time, I’ll take that hike! What a beautiful run it was! I took the bike trail, which is 16 miles long. It starts in Ojai and ends at the ocean. It was all downhill and the views were breathtaking! About 3 miles into my run, I met a group of four runners that let me join their group. It was a gorgeous run! I ended up running 9.5 miles and then had Uber take me back to the resort.
Healthy and Delicious Meals. No Cooking for me!
We enjoyed many healthy and delicious meals, but my very favorite was the dessert! We had this dessert that was so good, I couldn’t even believe it was low calorie! It had a cherry pie-like filling, with some granola sprinkled over the top, then drizzled with some vanilla yogurt, then topped with a strawberry. It was so tasty and it looked amazing! The recipes for a lot of the meals we ate are on the Oaks at Ojai’s website.
Spa Services.
My mom and I both decided to try Fit & Firm VitAD Fortified Lifting Facial w/AHA. This was 75 minutes of absolute bliss! I was so relaxed and my skin looked 10 years younger afterward! My mom and I both kept complimenting each other on how great the other’s skin looked. We looked amazing! We both had a glow and our dark spots seemed to have faded a little. I did feel as though my face was firmer than it was before the facial. It felt so nice!
Sunday, we both got a pedicure before we wrapped up our day at the Oaks at Ojai. Oh! I could have spent more time there, for sure!
The City of Ojai
Saturday morning, my mom took the historic tour that the hotel manager leads. She had such a great time, learning about the history and the unique characteristics of the little city of Ojai. Ojai is very community-oriented and the park was built by the residents. Most of the shops and stores in Ojai are locally and privately-owned, as the city prefers to keep the big corporations out and the unique, small-town feel preserved. On Sundays, there is a farmers’ market, that boosts locally sourced foods and goods, including many organic, Ojai-grown fruits and vegetables.
Saturday evening, we took the short drive to the coast and walked along the boardwalk in Ventura. It was a gorgeous night and we strolled along the pier. This is such a beautiful area of southern California. We stopped back by Ventura on our drive back home and got my dad a bowl of clam chowder to take home.
I am so glad we took the time to enjoy each other’s company! This was a perfect opportunity for me and my mom to connect in a very meaningful way. My husband and I often get together with my family, but I don’t always get time with just me and my mom. We got to talk, uninterrupted. We got to relax. We got to relax. We got to eat. We got to exercise. We laughed until our bellies hurt. I had such an outstanding time with just me and my mom. It is time I’ll cherish forever and I can’t wait to do it again!
The Oaks at Ojai is such a great destination! My mom and I met many other moms and daughters staying when we were there. It is an affordable destination for anyone looking to find their inner zen, lose a few pounds, relax, take some extra exercise, or just lounge around.
Who would you take with you on your spa weekend?
We got to enjoy the mother-daughter weekend. Three times a year, the Oaks at Ojai offers a 40% discount off of their program rate for moms that bring their sons or daughters. What a deal!
November 1 – 20 Bring a Friend: Guests enjoy twice the fun and a 25% discount for both guests who share a room. Workout, chat poolside, explore Ojai and stay up late catching up!
Our spa treatment and weekend at the Oaks at Ojai were complimentary, in exchange for my honest review. All photos opinions are my own.
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