It's no wonder that most of the people who come to the Oaks have been there many times before--as have I. The place feels like a Girl Scouts camp for grown-ups, but without the crafts. The first time I came, I came with a friend. Now I just come on my own, knowing I'll make many new friends and acquaintances along the way. People who go to the Oaks are friendly, and you can ask to join any table at mealtime and join in the conversation..it's that kind of place. The Oaks is in the gorgeous town of Ojai, and it's an all-you-can-eat plan--i.e., you can do as much exercise as you choose to do, throughout the day. I personally love the early morning hikes up the hills that surround this valley town--the best ways to take it the beautiful views. I think the staff 's first requirement is to pass a friendliness test, because from the cleaners to the instructors, everyone is always warm and friendly. The Oaks is an older, Spanish style building which I find lovely and gracious. And the facility is very comfortable and well-maintained around-the-clock. However, if you are looking for something extremely luxe, this is not the place. This is the type of place where women can come for the week and eschew make-up and walk around in bathrobes if they choose. There's no putting on airs, or showing off. All fitness levels and shapes are accommodated, and I have never met a less-judgmental crowd. The food seems to be non-ending with healthy snacks throughout the day, and they do an excellent job preparing meals that are tasty, yet low in calories. The Oaks has made some concessions throughout the years, so there's always fresh fruit, and now, even coffee. But if you need your morning latte, The Oaks is dead center in the middle of the village, so coffee shops, stores, and everything else is a block away. Another amazing thing about this place: if you book a double room, and the Oaks is not full, they'll give a single room to you, and to the roommate you would have had, for yourselves rather than double you up. That's very gracious and an...
Read moreI have been coming to the Oaks at Ojai for over 10 years, sometimes more than once a year. I am here now and I still love it but some of the changes are really stupid There used to be healthy condiments on the tables in the dining room, now you MUST ask for every little thing. Sweetner, balsamic vinegar, lemon herb powder, etc. etc. The food is healthy and sometimes needs a bit of help so the new Swiss consultant doesn't get that Americans don't NEED to ask their server for every little thing they want. That means that the server makes 5x as many trips and it isn't nice or fair to anyone. If it is busy, you sit and...
Read moreWe’ve been visiting the Oaks since 2009, and every year it’s consistently been the same great experience - friendly, helpful staff, a beautiful spa environment with comfortable suites and an amazing pool/outdoor area, fun activities, and an overall healthy, inviting vibe. The food also stands out as a wonderful aspect of the Oaks. It’s healthy and tasty, full of inspiring ideas for keeping meals and snacks fun and nutritional, and a big part of the overall rejuvenation you get from your visit. Ojai is an absolute jewel, and the Oaks is our favorite way to experience it - we’ll definitely...
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