Great Escapes Links:

Hawaii Snorkeling Tours
Hawaii Sunset Cruise

Observe Hawaiian Humpback whales while sailing the waters of the famous North Shore, the least crowded whale watching spot on Oahu. Our Small groups give you a personal and up-close experience

www.sailingcat.com

Embassy Suites Hotel - Mandalay Beach Resort - Oxnard

TO FLY L.A.
16303 Waterman Drive
Van Nuys, CA 91406
877.863.5952

Ojai - Mythical Shangri-La
By Mel and Ronnie Greenberg

Set apart from the world like the mythical paradise of Shangri-La, the Mission-town of Ojai piques and awakens every sense. At ease beneath the bluest of skies, Ojai was captured by director Frank Capra as the timeless place in the classic 1937 film" Lost Horizons" starring Ronald Coleman. A village with a unique artful flair, it offers a perfect escape- a place to relax and rediscover nature, art and yourself. Embraced by mountains and filled with rows of citrus groves, the perfume of orange blossoms adds to the nostalgic feeling.

Where to stay

The Su Nido Inn serves as a great base for the area. An escape from the ordinary, the Mission-revival style Inn has spacious one and two bedroom suites built around a charming cobblestone courtyard. Each suite has its own unique décor, super plush feather beds topped with fine linens, fireplaces, a kitchen or hospitality center with microwave and a fridge stocked with juice and water. Relax with the LCD television/DVD, IPOD compatible CD/MP3 player, an AM/FM radio, and wireless computer connections. Nibble on the goodies from your treat basket or make yourself an exceptional cup of coffee from the gourmet coffeemaker - it's all in harmony with the Inn's name which in Spanish means "your nest." Located at 301 North Montgomery Street. Phone for reservations at (866) 646-7080 or www.sunidoinn.com

Spas

The spiritual energy for which the Ojai Valley is known thrives at The Day Spa of Ojai, where there's a special aura and a tangible feeling of serenity. Under the personal care of owner Kim Wachter and her wonderful staff, they will indulge your body and mind's well being with their extraordinary service and unrivaled hospitality. Facials, massages, body treatments are available with many taking place in private gardens. Located at 1434 E. Oji Avenue, 805-640-1100 or www.thedayspa.com

Where to dine

Start the morning at Bonnie Lu's a delightful trip back in time for the best home style breakfast and fresh baked pies. Located at 328 E Ojai Ave. (805)-646-0207

Vesta Restaurant with a warm and inviting atmosphere is where you can shop for elegant home accessories, and stay for refreshing cuisine served all day. Specialties include grilled veggie, BBQ, or cheesy quesadillas; 7 layer Mediterranean dip, seared ahi salad, Buffalo chicken or falafel wrap. Located at 242 E. Ojai Avenue,

(805) 646-2339 or www.vestaojai.com

Suzanne's Cuisine is lovingly tendered by chef and owner Suzanne Roll who brilliantly blends her fresh seasonal ingredients in French-Italian style. Dine in the covered patio with its view of the charming garden in the back, or at a romantic candlelit table by the fireplace. Indulge in delicious delicacies such as Rosemary roasted rack of lamb; the seafood sampler with three fresh fish filets grilled with a ginger-curry sauce; filet mignon; or Atlantic salmon; and for desert the signature warm chocolate tart with white coffee sauce and rich chocolate sorbet. Located at 502 W Ojai Avenue (805) 640-1961 or www.suzannecuisine.com

Trendy Azu a Mediterranean and Tapas restaurant and bar has romantic indoor or outdoor seating. Start with a Portuguese lemon and chicken soup, and continue dining on popular small plates of gambas; roasted beet salad; whole sautéed prawns in olive oil and garlic; stuffed dates; lamb kabobs; or Chile Rellano. Full size entrees include seafood paella; filet mignon; and oven roasted wild Alaskan salmon. Top it off with a wonderful variety of delicious gelatos. Located at 457 E. Ojai Ave (805) 640-7987 or www.azuojai.com

Shopping

Browse fine arts and crafts at numerous galleries in the historic Ojai Arcade, the perfect place to absorb the charm of the village. Stop by the popular Human Arts Gallery featuring over 100 nationally known artisans. Bart's Books a Ojai landmark has more than 100,000 hard cover and paperback used books for you to choose from.

Area treasures

Ojai Valley Museum explores how this small town was developed. The museum collection fills a 1921 church located at 130 W. Ojai Avenue, (805) 640-1390 or www.ojaivalleymuseum.org

Especially for food lovers

Take a fascinating tour of the Ojai Olive Oil Farm a 140 year old olive grove, and production facility located at 1811 Ladera Ranch Road. Sample their extra virgin olive oils, imported balsamic vinegar, and cosmetic products. Phone (805) 646-5964 or www.ojaioliveoil.com .

How to get there

Ojai is conveniently located just 20 minutes from Highway 101 along scenic Highway 33. An easy 90 mile drive north of Los Angeles, and forty minutes south of Santa Barbara.

For visitor information contact the new Ojai Visitors Bureau at 1-888-OJAI-NOW or www.ojaivisitors.com

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