The Oaks At Ojai: Relax, Rejuvenate, Renew

The last leg of our #CAMomsEscape journey started where it all began. Well no, we didn’t initially start out in Ojai, but our planning started here.

The Oaks At Ojai: Relax, Rejuvenate, Renew

When Deb and I started planning our trip, she mentioned checking out  The Oaks at Ojai. So, doing what everyone does when you don’t know something I googled it. When the website came up, I started reading about what The Oaks at Ojai offered.

Here are some of the highlighted features:

• a relaxing getaway spot
• all-inclusive resort
• weekend retreat
• weight loss treatment facility
• massages
• fitness classes and more.

Don’t just think about getting away, do it

The Oaks advertises itself as an ideal get away where you can recharge your batteries for a few days or a long weekend.  Show me the woman (and especially a mom) who doesn’t want to unplug from it all for a while and I’ll show you a crazy person.  Imagine a week or even a weekend soaking up the sun and being pampered. Are you tempted yet?

Over indulgence is overrated

When most people think about getting away inevitably  they start thinking about cocktails and heavy dinners while dancing the night away or laying by the pool nursing a hangover. But overindulgence rarely ends up being good for anybody long term. Too much partying only tends to serve to tear the body down and leave you feeling bloated and groggy. But what about an all-inclusive getaway to a fitness spa? A vacation designed to rejuvenate and revitalize, to help you shed pounds, eat healthier and return home energized instead of dragging yourself back home wishing for a vacation from your vacation . Oaks at Ojai is a fun girlfriend getaway idea that you might not have thought of before.

What does the word vacation mean anyway?

Let’s break down the word “vacation“. Vacation derives from the word “vacate “. Vacate means to leave a place one previously occupied. And in many instances vacations were historically taken for health or spiritual reasons.  Maybe they were on to something after all. So it isn’t strange at all to approach your vacation as a means to strip away the bad and return home a healthier and happier you.

I remember watching the movie Eat, Pray, Love and thought, I would love to take a vacation like that. One for the body, mind and soul. And of course, food. There has to be food.

At first I thought, well even though I do need to lose some weight, but is a vacation the time or place for such things? Yes, it most certainly is, even when you’re having a relaxing time you can still actively participate in becoming a better version of yourself. Studies have shown the many benefits of diet and exercise. Yet, too often life overwhelms us and those good habits get pushed aside or replaced with bad habits. And before we know we look into the mirror and are not pleased at the image reflected back at us.

Doing your vacation differently does the body (and mind) good

When I first read about The Oaks at Ojai I was intrigued about its  “camp  like atmosphere”. But I also had my reservations. Who wants to do exercise instead of relaxing? I’m trying to have a relaxing time, not stretching my hamstrings and doing pus-ups. Change is hard to combat for most of us. Because in our minds we’ve been sold a version of what it means to be on vacation, and it doesn’t involve beads of sweat and improving one’s cholesterol. If your biggest fear is thinking this is going to be a boot camp styled setting with mean instructors yelling at you, don’t worry because The Oaks at Ojai isn’t that kind of party. You’ll actually have fun and more than likely make a few friends along the way.

The truth and nothing but the truth

When we walked into The Oaks, I immediately felt relieved. There was soft music playing in the background. The setting was very relaxed and there was nothing intimidating about the atmosphere at all. What a relief.

The Oaks at Ojai is an all-inclusive destination spa that offers a peaceful healthy fitness retreat. While enjoying the surroundings, the resort offers everything from guided hikes though the mountains, to water workouts, to even calming yoga classes. The resort specializes in teaching guests  healthy and delicious meal planning. There are exercise classes to fit your level of ability and mediation classes. This is also a great place to go if you are looking for weight loss options. The professional and friendly staff will help you leave feeling inspired about changing your overall habits.

The Oaks at Ojai welcomes guest to come and stay by themselves or with a friend. Whether your looking for a short 1-2 night stay or a longer vacation, The Oaks will be happy to accommodate you. Since there is an onsite spa, stopping in for a day of pampering is another great option.  The resort offers many different spa packages and treatments including body and skin care treatments, as well as traditional spa treatments. There is a head-to-toe package that includes a Salt Glo treatment and a facial massage or a Mind, Body Package which includes a Swedish massage and Reiki therapy. There are several consultation options as well.

There was no way I was going and not getting something off the Spa Service menu:

Before heading out to The Oaks, I had a chance to look over their many Spa Services. Let me tell you ladies, you have a vast variety to choose from. It was really hard to narrow down my decision to a few choices, but I finally decided to pick the Sleek and Slim Body Treatment. Yup, I specifically picked this package thinking it would slim down some of this body fat. I’m also going to let you guys in on a little secret, this was my first full body massage. And yes, you have to strip down butt naked for this one. I’m not going to lie. I was a little apprehensive about doing this. Again, newbie here. However, the lady doing my treatment was very professional and understood it was my first time doing something like this. I felt overly exposed and vulnerable, but she took her time explaining each step and told me if there was anything that I was uncomfortable with just to let her know. Her professional and sensitive approach made me feel 100% better about the whole experience. Soft music played in the background, and her touch was so strong yet gentle. Detoxing my body with coffee extracts and caffeine helped relieve some of the puffiness and swelling. And it was unbelievably relaxing. So relaxing  in fact I feel asleep. The total treatment was over an hour long. While I didn’t shed any pounds, I left feeling relaxed and overall energized.

You can read more about my treatment HERE.

A woman can’t live on rabbit food alone

Since the resort is all-inclusive meals are included in the fees. All meals are prepared by experienced chefs and are focused on a well-rounded, calorie conscious food plan.  The food menu consists of 3 meals, snacks and beverages. There is a varied menu which has natural organic foods, fresh fish and poultry with locally-grown fruits and vegetables. Many of the meals even feature freshly grown herbs from their own on premise gardens. The meals are 1200-1500 calories and taste fantastic.

Again, another area I was pleasantly surprised. First, I’m thinking, what am I going to do with only 1200 calories? But soon I felt differently and didn’t miss the reduced calories at all. They had an avocado salad that left me wanting more. When I returned home I went online and found the recipe and it was just as delicious and I plan to make it again. You can see more from their menu HERE.

When enjoying meals, everyone eats in a dining area that lets you share tables with the other people staying at the resort. During our stay, we had the pleasure to sit and dine with a family of sisters (who were twins), sister-in-law and their mother, who reminded me of Betty White. They were doing a Mom/daughter getaway experience. Several of the daughters and Mom has been to The Oaks several times. The Mom is 85 years young, dating an 81 year old, who doesn’t live with her. She enjoys dancing a few times per week, keeping up with her grandkids and still living large. Seriously, when I get 85, I want to be doing exactly what she’s doing. And hun, if you’re dead by then.. I’m getting a younger guy 😉

Oh, I want to stay for a while

The room we stayed in while we were visiting Oaks at Ojai was simply beautiful. Our room featured lots of closet space, a huge bathroom with a large, deep and totally welcoming bath tub.

I remember crawling into bed and under the comfy white sheets. I woke up the next morning feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. The Oaks definitely thought of every type of comfort when designing their rooms.

Sticker shock, no not really

At first glance, the price of the resort may seem on the high end.  They do, however, offer specials regularly that will make the experience even more affordable.  Also, when you look at what is included in a resort stay and all the information and helpful healthy tips, the cost seems much more appropriate and well worth it. I enjoyed my stay at The Oaks at Ojai and loved how friendly and accommodating the staff were. I also loved the feeling of being at a girl’s camp while also having my own space to enjoy. But the greatest take away was my energy level. I left feeling rejuvenated and buoyant. I learned lots of invaluable techniques about health and nutrition but I also left with a different definition of what a vacation can be.

 A few things to keep in mind if you plan to stay at The Oaks:

• Be sure to look the menu over before dinner time. If you need to order a substitute meal, it needs to be placed in a timely manner.
• Look over the daily class activities to find the ones that will best suit your needs/exercise style.
• You are not required to participate in any of the classes offered, however they are included in your package.
• Sign up for your massage when you book your reservation to ensure you get the best time slot for your schedule.
• Spa Services are additional, but they do offer discounts from time to time on select Spa Services
• Relax and have fun. Mingle with people. I think that’s the best part!

But the most important item to bring when visiting The Oaks at Ojai is to bring an open mind. You’ll be surprised how a different vacation approach can benefit you mind, body and soul.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary stay to facilitate this review. However, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

——

Love to travel? Looking for tips on what to do in  California? Be sure to check out the travel section of the blog!

A Worthey Read  will cover my travel adventures and will offer travel and destination tips!

You can also head over to A Mitten Full Of Savings where I cover lots of different ways to save on all kinds of things from shopping and travel advice to budget-friendly hotel ideas, and all kinds of other stuff as well.

Two blogs which cover all of your saving, shopping and travel needs.