I took a quick day trip less than 2 hours from LA up to Ojai, just to see the 
town whose reputation in these parts as a funky little artsy community with a spa-like regard for health had made it always a point of curiosity. Adding to its tempting pleasures are its location only 30 minutes in the other direction from Santa Barbara and often spectacular sunset views known as "pink moments" due to the brilliant colors rising from behind the coastal mountains.
It was one of those beastly hot summer days in the deserts and mountains away from the ocean in Southern California, the sun beating down so hard I had to keep my convertible top up and the air conditioning blaring as I drove up the long climb to Ojai, a community of 8,000 situated at the foot of the Topa Topa Mountains (and ski areas in the winter). Nonetheless, as one of the few travelers to venture out on such a brutal day, I was met with a sweetly soothing experience in the Spanish colonial downtown and felt a strong pull to return and dig in to Ojai's pleasures.
Settled in the 1870s, Ojai still carries a bit of Wild West flavor as well, and city mothers and fathers of today have decided to limit development to preserve its village atmosphere. Besides the internationally renown annual Ojai Music Festival (each June), gourmet cooking and gardening are much appreciated here. I lucked into some of that spirit at Cherubs Aromatherapy Shop & Spa "for body and soul" (325 E. Ojai Ave.), walking away with a "fountain of youth" rose-tinged face oil that with a few drops daily, while not dialing back the years, seems to have helped hold back the future onslaught. The heat of the day mellowed in the Rainbow Bridge Natural Food Store & Deli, 211 E. Matilija (805.646.4017), with smoothies, organic juices and inexpensive daily specials.
Of course, the recently remodeled Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is a top-rated Travel+Leisure spa, lodging, and restaurant pick and high on Conde Nast Traveler's list. Had I stayed longer, I would have hung out at the Movino Wine Bar & Gallery, where wines come by the glass and foreign films play on a flat-screen TV.
