This month is the time to restore a healthful balance, and Ojai may be just the spot to do it.
The valley has attracted artists, writers, and spiritual questers since the 1920s, and its mountain backdrop made it a stand-in for Shangri-La in Frank Capra's Lost Horizon, filmed in 1937. No one is promising eternal youth, but de-stressing surely helps the years slip away.
GETTING THERE
Ojai is 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles. Follow U.S. 101 north to Ventura, then exit on State 33, which, 16 miles later, leads into the center of town.
DO Ojai Valley Inn & Spa Loll in Moroccan splendor as you choose your treatment, perhaps the grapefruit body scrub. INFO: Open to day guests Mon–Fri; treatments from $50, plus $20 nonguest fee; 905 Country Club Rd.; 800/422-6524.
GO
Krotona Institute of Theosophy Browse the library's extensive collection on world religions, or sit in the garden and contemplate the view. INFO: Closed Mon; 2 Krotona Hill; 805/646-2653.
Meditation Mount The panorama spans the rumpled slopes of the Topa Topa Mountains. Head up just before sunset for Ojai's fabled "pink moment." INFO: Generally open until sunset; 10340 Reeves Rd.; 805/646-5508.
SHOP
Bhavantu Find yoga gear and trendy clothing. INFO: 306B E. Matilija St.; 805/640-9200.
 |
| Chris Leschinsky |
| At Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, organic ingredients are the basis for spa treatments such as Moroccan mint body scrub (pictured) |
 |
|
Bart's Books Restock your shelves at a local landmark. Health tomes are to the right as you enter the courtyard. INFO: 302 W. Matilija St.; 805/646-3755. DRINK
Casa Barranca Ojai's organic winery has a new tasting room for its artisanal wines, which include vegan and sulfite-free selections. INFO: Closed Mon–Wed; tasting fee $10; at Local Hero Books, Gifts & Wine Tasting, 208 E. Ojai Ave.; 805/640-9250.
EAT
Rainbow Bridge Natural Foods Sip an açai smoothie, made from the berry of an Amazonian palm mixed with energy source guarana, or choose from more familiar soups, salads, and sandwiches. INFO: $; 211 E. Matilija St.; 805/646-4017.
STAY FOR A STRESS BREAK
Sheila Cluff's venerable Oaks at Ojai destination spa (from $180, including classes and meals; minimum two-night stay required; 805/646-5573) offers a long roster of classes and fitness activities as well as treatments and theme packages, and serves three low-fat spa meals and snacks a day. Men are welcome but rare; the clientele for its 46 guest rooms is mostly women.
More relaxing retreats:
ENLARGE IMAGE
