Aquatic exercise at The Oaks at Ojai.
by Valerie Summers
Over the past quarter of a century each of my visits to The Oaks in the beautiful Ojai Valley has always included something new and unexpected. My most recent getaway was no exception.
In this comfortable, low-keyed environment, women like me who have ventured in for a solo stay find the welcoming atmosphere relaxed and friendly. Each time I have visited The Oaks I have come away with new friendships in addition to feeling revived and relaxed. The Oaks also offers special mother/daughter getaways and is the perfect choice for a get together with friends.
The Oaks provides each guest with just the kind of experience they are seeking…a quiet 
hideaway to relax and be pampered or as strenuous and busy a schedule as desired, all complimented by healthy, delicious spa cuisine. I chose a mixed itinerary including pretty much some of everything…several activities for the first time. The enthusiastic instructors made every class a treat and were sure to tell guests to just enjoy and go at their own pace. The zumba class got my heart rate up and brought back memories of my mambo days in college. Although the name made it sound a bit rigorous, Boot Camp provided a non-stressful, fun cardio experience. Instructors made exercising fun by incorporating straps and balls and weights for stretching and strength training. Private instruction and consultations were also available including for machine Pilates. All kinds of aquatic classes were offered as were Yoga, Tai Chi and my favorite new experience, Qigong. Following the relaxing after dinner class I returned to my room at 8:00 pm and promptly fell asleep until 7:00 am the next morning just in time for a brisk early walk.
The Oaks offers a variety of nourishing, relaxing and beautifying treatments. I opted for one of the new and truly effective Skin Authority Treatments…the 75 minute Fit & Firm Vitad Fortified Lifting Facial. After being cleansed, infused and resurfaced, a hydrating mask was applied to my face and while setting, my “magic hands” aestheticism gave my feet and hands a treat with massaging followed by warm mittens and booties. The results not only left me completely relaxed but the results were astonishingly visible.
The fabulously fit founder of The Oaks, Sheila Cluff led a stretching and balancing class and later took several guests on an art walk through the village. Although I have strolled down Ojai’s main street on many occasions, I was delighted to be introduced to several new galleries as well as a museum which I had never visited before. While there I learned about a special event taking place next month and plan to return the weekend of October 11-13 when the famed Ojai Studio Artists self-guided tour takes place. This special event offers an opportunity for visitors to access more than 50 private studios and artists homes.
The Oaks offers a variety of accommodations ranging from modest but very comfortable standard twin rooms to a private mini-spa suite. The cottage where I stayed featured a private patio with a trickling fountain, a luxurious whirlpool tub and enough closet space for a family. Additionally The Oaks recently installed two attractive, comfortable handicap accessible accommodations in the garden area.
The Oaks at Ojai offers an affordable, nurturing, healthy getaway in the beautiful Ojai Valley…think Shangrila… conveniently situated between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. I came away refreshed, relaxed and looking forward to getting together again at The Oaks with my newly made friends.
The Oaks at Ojai
122 E. Ojai Avenue
Ojai, CA 93023
800- 753-OAKS