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Published on July 16th, 2018 | by Catherine Tingey

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WEEKEND IN OJAI

Weekend in Ojai

Private-Yoga-Instructor-Santa-Monica-Los-Angeles-Catherine-Tingey-Weekend-in-OjaiIf you’re new to California or have never been to this little town just 90 min from LA, I highly recommend a weekend trip to Ojai. The name Ojai means Valley of the Moon and was once home to the Chumash Indians who considered it sacred ground.

Surrounded by mountains and blessed with a mediteranean climate, Ojai is famous for its pink sunsets and relaxed vibe*. (*That means that locals don’t appreciate LA attitude, so tread lightly).

Ojai has been my favorite getaway for over ten years and here are some of my favorite stops.

YOGA & SPA

Yoga with Ingrid Boulting at her 2nd floor Sacred Space Studio. Ingrid has been practicing yoga for nearly half a century. I consider her a teacher’s teacher – someone whose knowledge base is so steeped in the depth of yoga’s power to transform, heal and rejuvenate that to take her class is a real privilege.

Earthtonics – facial spa with a signature, small-batch organic skincare line. I’ve had facials all over the world and only fell asleep in about two of them. My botanical facial with Baleigh Bender was one of them. The best thing about Earthtonics is that they only use their line of products which are made on site. The Honey Bamboo Facial Scrub and the Cardamom Cream Cleanser are divine.

EAT

The Nest – the tacos and the tireman sandwich are incredible.

Ojai Farmer’s Market – Soooo many gems here. I absolutely love this market. Sandy Messori runs the lavender empire called Rivendell. I use her Rivendell lavender estate blend with my clients, as well as many of her skincare products. Sundays rain or shine, 9-1

STAY

I’ve stayed at a variety of places from high end hotels to AirBnB’s.

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa – the most luxurious place in Ojai. You can’t go wrong here. The grounds, the spa, the view of the mountains. Everything is tremendous here except if there’s a wedding going on. $$$$

Lavender Inn– right in the heart of downtown and nestled between a yoga studio and health food store, Rainbow Bridge. A historic B & B with a beautiful garden. $$

Hummingbird Inn – For less than $150/night you get access to a pool, complimentary bike rental, refrigerator, microwave, patio and electric kettle. This place is no frills but decent. $

SHOP

DeKor – lifestyle store with a nice selection of curated goods. I was introduced to a couple of skincare lines and European clothing designers I hadn’t heard of. Beautiful space.

John Dennis runs this cool, unmarked store in a former gas station on Ojai Ave, a couple doors down from the Asian Fusion restaurant. His instagram is SamrobertsLA. John will tell you the provenance of every item in the space – highly recommend if only to hang with this guy.

Elemental Apothecary – get a complimentary pulse diagnosis from world renowned Taoist Herbalist, Rehmannia (Dean Thomas). Rehmannia is the force behind Shaman Shack Herbs and I love his Spirit Jing product. Say hi to the white wolf dog, Lobo, who graces the steps of this shop.

Bart’s Books – largest outdoor bookstore in the USA. Need I say more?

VISIT

Meditation Mount – currently closed due to reconstruction post Thomas Fire, but once it re-opens, they have an incredible view of the Ojai Valley.

Hot Springs – a visit to Ojai would hardly be complete without at least a mention of hot springs but in keeping with the request of locals, you’ll have to ask around to get the info. The hot springs are located on sacred land and were once abused by irresponsible visitors who trashed the place, so I understand the need for the low profile.

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Entrepreneur, yogini, designer, award-winning filmmaker, personal trainer and former marathon runner. She left a career in finance to start her own business and along the way, became a yoga teacher. She has been practicing yoga for 31 years and teaching privately for 11 years.


About the Author

Entrepreneur, yogini, designer, award-winning filmmaker, personal trainer and former marathon runner. She left a career in finance to start her own business and along the way, became a yoga teacher. She has been practicing yoga for 31 years and teaching privately for 11 years.



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