Vacation in Ojai

Recently, I was invited to experience The Oaks at Ojai. I had heard about this place for years and they recently went through a renovation, so I was very excited to get away for a few days of healthfulness and explore this property. It is only a 90-minute drive from my home in Venice. We arrived early Friday morning to our very spacious queen spa mini-suite cottage, which had everything you could possibly want in a room. The room was very large with a built-in desk space, lots of drawers for your clothes, a large bathroom with a Jacuzzi bath, a separate make up area, and a walk-in closet (there are actually two closets in the room). Talk about comfort. There is also a nice private patio outside the room with lounge chairs set up and a relaxing fountain. The room also has a refrigerator and safe. There are a variety of rooms (46 guest rooms) to choose from, ranging from a standard twin to a double courtyard suite. Rooms are priced per person with a 2-night minimum.

The Oaks is an all-inclusive healthy fitness and weight loss program which includes a variety of fitness classes throughout the day, three healthy meals, snacks and beverages, lectures, pool, spa with sauna, steam, and Jacuzzi. Spa treatments are offered for an additional fee.

In the few days I was there I went on two 2-hour hikes, and participated in the ball and band class, water aerobics, Zumba class, yoga, and stretching classes. The hikes were advanced and they move at a very fast pace so it was a great workout (thank goodness they offer the morning stretch class following the hike). They also offer a morning brisk walk and a morning stroll, if an advanced hike is not for you. They really make a point of offering activities for every level. Additionally there is a room with cardio machines and weights, so I was also able to work out on the elliptical as well, which I love. To see the variety of classes offered, click here.

During the day in between classes, I enjoyed relaxing at the pool, which has plenty of shade area, including a covering over the pool. There is also a nice spa with sauna, steam, Jacuzzi, and showers. The showers are great if you check out of your room but want to continue spending the day on the property, as you can take a shower before you depart. The spa is available for women only until 6:00 PM, and then men can use it after 6:00. Men are welcome to enjoy the resort; however, the majority of guests when I was there were women (I only saw two husbands).

Throughout the day and night there are a number of different activities including lectures, workshops, games (we had a bingo night that was really fun), and even a movie night. There is something to do every hour, or you can just relax and not do anything at all.

The Oaks offers a 1200 calorie a day meal plan that includes 3 meals a day, snacks, and drinks. There is a form you can fill out with any changes, and they offer a few different items for lunch and dinner as well that you can choose from. They are very accommodating to your preferences. They offer vegetarian meals and gluten-free, and if there is an item you don't care for, they will substitute it for something else. If you feel you need more protein, they will accommodate that as well. In between the meals, they have vegetable breaks, smoothie breaks, and a potassium broth break. It's all about keeping you happy and healthy. Breakfast starts your day with hard-boiled eggs, fruit, tasty muffins, and oatmeal. My favorite dish for dinner was the Wild Coho Salmon with honey mustard, served with a nice salad and wild rice pilaf and asparagus. After dinner, a dessert is served. One night it was their famous Dark Chocolate Spa Bark. It is heavenly. The recipe is posted on their website so I am tempted to make it on my own, but fear I may eat too much of it.

The Oaks offers a wonderful variety of spa treatments. I had the 75-minute Skin Authority Fit & Firm VitaD Fortified Lifting Facial. Megan was my therapist, and she was absolutely incredible. She was so gentle and relaxing as she applied the variety of products to my face. She also massaged my hands and feet and put warm gloves on them while she worked on me. My skin looked and felt fabulous after my treatment. Skin Authority stands behind their products and they are available to answer your questions, provide guidance, and make ongoing suggestions as your needs change. This is a free service and you can contact them via phone, e-mail, or live video chat.

If you are not able to do a getaway and stay a couple of nights, The Oaks at Ojai offers daily specials where you can just spend the day and have full use of the fitness classes, spa rooms, and three healthy spa cuisine meals. They also offer day packages that include treatments. If you can escape for a few days, be sure to check out their special offers page, where they offer discounts for your birthday month, Mother-Daughter discount (January 1 -15, 2017), Bring a Friend Discount (February 1 -17, 2017), and Fathers Day Special (June 18-25, 2017). The Oaks at Ojai is definitely a great place to go with your girlfriends for a healthy, fun, relaxing, getaway, or even a special mother/daughter weekend (minimum age is 16).

I would like to thank the Oaks at Ojai for hosting me for this fabulous weekend and getting me back on a healthy track.

Linda Perry, November 2016
Linda@Peachhead.net
www.peachhead.net
Twitter: Peachhead