“Vacation with its hours of play, to school and books must now give way.”

–Cutout page from a children’s book pasted on the wall of Ojai’s OUTDOOR bookstore, Bart’s Books.

School is about to be a whirlwind and I am strangely apprehensive about it!! There are already stories to be written for the newspaper, people to be interviewed, photos to edit, and friends to be seen! Basically, I totally feel like a Martha here running around like a nutso. When I was reading last night, I was sincerely comforted by Luke 10:41-42….”’Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’”

But as the whirlwind is about to begin, I keep thinking about Ojai!! IT WAS THE DREAMIEST TRIP EVER. Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is honestly a feast for the eyes. My mom traveled there ten years ago and has been dying to go back ever since. California was the only place my family of three could agree on for vacation, and so we ran with it! My mom referred to this trip as our “appetizer” to California. Well, our appetizer of a trip left me longing for the full course.

I LOVE OJAI.

Little oranges called pixies (locally grown, naturally) are left in your room for snacking, and chocolate finds your pillow nightly. Lavender grows EVERYWHERE and the air even smells like it. YEAH. Go to the herb garden (yes there is one of those) if you feel like strolling through the wonderfully scented outdoors on steroids. California light? Yes, everything they say about it is true. Popsicles are handed out at the pool so you can cool off (even though the temps are PERFECT). Olive oil? Grown in town (Am I in Spain again??). Multiple pools? I don’t even think I saw all of them, but I managed to loaf at three. YOGA CLASSES!!!!!!!! I have never gotten this fit ON VACATION. And it is especially great because they tell you “Relaaaaax, you are on vacationnnn!” But then you feel it later and think ‘Hey! I did do something in that class!’ And I got a sneak peak at the spa. TO. DIE. FOR. Cucumber and mint water is never further than a few steps away…hydration recommended. Blue tile, lush robes, decadent body products. SO. BEAUTIFUL. And I WENT ON A TEN-MILE BIKE RIDE!!!!!! It felt so good!! Once again, thank you perfect weather.

[Conde Nast Traveler Magazine: Gold List, Top 25 North American Resorts
Travel + Leisure Magazine: T+L 500, The Greatest Hotels in the World

I AGREE.]

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