WEEKEND VIBES IN OJAI | part 1

I love packing my weekender for just about any occasion….

I live for the moments that I get to travel and there is absolutely no arm twisting to get me to venture somewhere new. So when this weekend took me to a little place called Ojai, Ca….

…let's just say I came home smitten. 

Let's call this place "beach-boho chic"

Honestly….if Venice Beach and Palm Springs were to procreate, this would be their love child. 

"Ojai, California…the miracle baby" 

It's laid-back affluence and hippie spirit blend so seamlessly that you feel like you're tucked away—but without ever feeling like you're in the middle of nowhere. 

{i don't know about you but small towns can have that affect on me sometimes}

Ojai just feels like more of a best-kept-secret kinda place. It's rustic. It's charming. It's lavish. And it's so close to Orange County that, if you live down here, it's a must-visit for those weekends where you just have to get away……but don't have a ton of money or days off to do anything TOO fancy….

We stayed at the Ojai Rancho Inn since the larger resort {The Ojai Valley Inn} was completely sold out. {attending a wedding was the motivation for the trip} But it didn't mean that we slummed it. Quite the opposite.  In fact, I'm so happy that I found this gem— I am already brainstorming ideas for a girl's spa-weekend— and it's safe to say that everyone will love it as much as me. {Plus let's be real….the hotel is RIGHT around the corner from the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa…and for less cash} 

If you like succulents, cool art, and cute fonts with a little touch of Native American inspo then this is the hotel for you. 

There were lawn games, morning yoga by a teepee, a s'more zone with real firewood, and a full bar— all located within the pool area. And {like most things} it's all in the details….this hotel's attention to details is what makes it such a cute place. The cute handwritten font everywhere and strung outside lights? #lifegoals

Inside gets even cuter— the Shelter Social Club really outdid themselves on this property. From the tree branch bed frames to the handcrafted pendant lights and tie dye curtains {& the rugs— don't even get me started on the rugs !!}— every detail is spot on. 

A touch of hippie flair that I dug: cleansing sticks for each room. {which as I'm sure you could guess, cleanse the aura of the room before you sleep in it….rad} And last but not least, Ojai is so big on biking everywhere that bikes are made available for guests on the property, just outside your room. Like….what life is this?! ….i'm moving here. 

Rooms start at about $200 a night and the property is available to rent out for wedding parties//ceremonies. {an added bonus for anyone perusing wedding venues} and the property is also {i should mention} kid-friendly! And there's a GIANT park in the middle of town and tons of stuff to do with the littles. So if you're looking to get the hell out of town for a day or two, definitely consider coming up to Ojai. It'll probably be the most relaxed you've been in ages.