Health and Fitness at The Oaks at Ojai

Located in the heart of Ojai, California, The Oaks at Ojai is a health spa for those looking to get fit or to just relax. With 15 exercise classes daily, calorie conscious meals, and a full-service spa, guests with health and wellness in mind will enjoy this all-inclusive resort. The Oaks at Ojai is a wonderful place to unwind and have time to yourself, or get a group of girlfriends together to enjoy the experience. The typical guest is a fifty-year-old woman. No children under 16 are allowed.

Meet Founder Sheila Cluff

The Oaks at Ojai was founded by health activist Sheila Cluff. Now in her 70s, after 40 years as an internationally known fitness expert, Sheila is still an inspiration to her guests and leads fitness activities several times a week at the resort. As an  fitness expert, Sheila prides herself of being an example to her guests and practices what she preaches. In addition, she is a philanthropist and finds joy in giving back. Her motto is, "It's not where you live, it's what you give."

Renovated Rooms at The Oaks at Ojai

The resort, which has 46 rooms, including private rooms and courtyard suites, double lodge rooms and double cottage rooms, was recently renovated to upgrade the interior of the guest rooms, the dining room, and the lobby.

Healthy Meals at The Oaks at Ojai

Included in the daily rate are three healthy meals and snacks per day that total about 1,000 calories -- all made without additional salt, refined sugar, or artificial sweeteners. If you are looking for rich gourmet food...this is not the place. These meals are simple and delicious, but light. The typical menu includes breakfast, mid-morning broth, lunch, mid-afternoon veggies and dip, dinner, and light evening snack. Meals can be catered to fit dietary needs. An on-site health advisor is available to answer any questions. Fruit and non-alcoholic, low-calorie beverages are available throughout the day. Alcohol is not served on property. If you enjoy your meals and want to make them at home, stop by the gift shop and pick up one of the cookbooks featuring recipes from the resort. Meals can be eaten in the modest dining room, at the poolside patio, or in-room.

Evening Lectures at The Oaks at Ojai

Healthy lifestyle lectures are given by experts most evenings and include topics such as seasonal cooking (with demo), healing touch, living your dreams, and more. Alternatively, entertainment nights include movies, live music, or bingo.

Fun and Fitness at The Oaks at Ojai

Not only does the resort offer cardio, strength training, and stretching classes throughout the day in the fitness studio, but there are also daily guided hikes in nearby Los Padres National Forest, water aerobics in the pool, or bike rentals for those wanting to take the paved 14-mile trail into Ventura. The exercises in the group classes are challenging but can be adjusted for any age, ability or fitness level. A current schedule of classes is available upon check in.

Relaxing Spa Experience at The Oaks at Ojai

The Spa offers a full range of treatments including Body Treatments such as River Rock Massage or Thai Table Massage, Skin Care Treatments such as Collagen Regeneration Facial or Ojai Olive Oil Body Soufflé, or Salon Services such as manicure or haircuts. The spa area is for women only until 6 p.m. and includes an indoor whirlpool, eucalyptus steamroom and redwood sauna. Services are offered daily until 10 p.m. Spa appointments cannot be booked prior to arrival.

Guest Services at The Oaks at Ojai

• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Indoor and outdoor hot tubs
• Guest orientation offered twice a day
• Cell phone use is discouraged
• Non-smoking facility

Contact Information

The Oaks at Ojai
122 East Ojai Avenue
Ojai, CA 93023

800.753.6257

http://www.oaksspa.com

Southern California Spring Wine Festivals

Ring in Spring By Tasting Exceptional Wine and Food in Irvine, Newport Beach and Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara Food & Wine Weekend at Bacara


By Anne Stephany

With miles of rolling vineyards, dozens of farmers and fishermen, nationally-acclaimed artisans and trendy new restaurants, Santa Barbara County is growing into one of the nation’s top up-and-coming culinary destinations. But much about what makes this region so unique remains a well-kept secret; until now.

In partnership with Edible Santa Barbara and The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, Bacara Resort & Spa is pleased to introduce the Santa Barbara Food & Wine Weekend at Bacara from June 6-8, 2014. Set within the luxurious surroundings of Bacara Resort, the three-day event will take guests on a culinary tour of Santa Barbara County from sea to Santa Ynez.

At the heart of the weekend is a special tribute to Julia Child who spent her final years in Santa Barbara, a city she described as a “bit of heaven.” The weekend is inspired by Julia’s lifelong passion for learning, love of eating well and mission to further gastronomy. A portion of event proceeds will benefit The Julia Child Foundation.

“The Foundation is very proud of Julia’s and our connection to Santa Barbara. We can’t think of a better way to honor Julia’s legacy than a weekend celebrating the food and wine bounty around Santa Barbara. We are so pleased that Bacara has partnered with the Foundation to produce this most appetizing event.” – Todd Schulkin, Executive Director, The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts.

Santa Barbara Food & Wine Weekend ticket prices range from zero to $250. Bacara Resort is offering an overnight package that includes: two-night stay at Bacara Resort & Spa on June 6 and 7; two tickets to the opening night wine reception on June 6; two tickets to the Sunday neighborhood tasting on June 8, and valet parking. Prices start at $515 a night (normally $657 if purchased separately). Advanced reservations are recommended.

For tickets or more information, please visit www.BacaraCulinaryWeekend.com.

Celebrity Cruises First Land-Based Wine and Food Festival

By Karen Gee-McAuley

Celebrity Cruises, which introduced the cruise industry’s first gourmet food truck in 2013, and on the heels of 10 of its restaurants receiving Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence,” has made yet another culinary footprint on land with the industry’s first-ever wine and food festival.The Celebrity Cruises Great Wine Festival takes place May 31, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Great Park in Irvine, Calif.

Proceeds from the festival will benefit LegalAid of Orange County, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides free and low-cost legal services to individuals of Southern California who might otherwise be denied access to justice. Since its founding in 1958, LASOC has assisted over 500,000 people.

Early bird tickets are $75 per person if purchased by April 30, 2014, then go up to $100 per person. Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club members are eligible for a 20% discount on tickets ($60) if purchased by April 30, 2014. Discounted tickets are also available for government and non-profit workers, as well as sitting judges. Tickets and can be purchased online at Celebrity Cruises Great Wine Festival.

A sampling of food and beverage participants slated to delight attendees include Cakebread, Kendall Jackson, Samuel Adams, Slapfish, Clay Oven (recipient of the 2013 Golden Foodie Awards for Best Indian Restaurant in Orange County), Maro Wood Grill, Bluewater Grill, Riptide, James Republic (Chef Dean James Max) and more.

Celebrity’s Sommelier Chanelle Duarte and its VP of F&B operations / Executive Chef John Suley, will be in attendance at Celebrity Cruises’ booth, where tastes of Celebrity’s cuisine will be presented.

Scott Clifton, director of sales, states, “Celebrity’s love affair with the culinary arts continues to flourish. We saw this opportunity to introduce food and wine aficionados to culinary experiences they can enjoy while on a Celebrity ship, as well as restaurants and beverages they have yet to try.”

Newport Beach Wine Festival® at Balboa Bay Resort

By Lauren Crowley

This celebration will showcase Balboa Bay Resort and its exceptional food and beverage offerings through creative wine tasting experiences, seminars, a cooking class, a wine maker dinner, a seafood festival and more. Join Balboa Bay Resort’s Executive Chef, Vincent Lesage, along with his exceptional culinary team, and some of the best and most well-known wine makers and chefs in the region for this annual event.

“We are looking forward to this eleventh annual event and welcoming resort guests, Balboa Bay Club members and our local community, to the resort to experience an extraordinary wine and food experience,” said Sam El-Rabaa, general manager of Balboa Bay Resort. “This is a truly unique weekend filled with exceptional wines and culinary talent.”

Newport Beach Wine Festival® begins Friday, May 23 with the intimate Master Sommelier Coasting Through California Wine Dinner. Kick the holiday weekend off in style and embark on an evening of exceptional wine and extraordinaire culinary creations. Guests will enjoy an exquisite six-course dinner that will take them on a food and wine journey throughout California. Each course will represent a specific area in California and will incorporate locally grown ingredients from that region. Fine wines will be selected for each course by Master Sommeliers Ira Harmon M.S. and Ron Mumford M.S.

On Saturday, May 24, guests are invited to attend a cooking class and two wine seminars during the day and the Grand Tasting in the evening.

The majestic Grand Tasting on Saturday evening will transform The Grand Ballroom at Balboa Bay Resort into a beautiful tasting room with over 90 wineries from around the world. Alongside the wines will be endless culinary creations from the chefs at Balboa Bay Resort, including a selection of seafood, caviars, cheeses, meats and decadent desserts. Live music will be played to set the relaxed atmosphere for the evening.

Newport Beach Wine Festival® will close on Sunday, May 25, with a farewell Beer for Breakfast, an afternoon All-American Seafood Festival and Cigar “On the Rocks” to end the evening.

Start the day in European style with scrumptious breakfast faire and renowned beers from around the world at Beer for Breakfast.

Next, take in the gorgeous Southern California outdoors amidst the yachts at the All-American Seafood Festival. Delight in great wine, beer and magnificent cuisine from the sea. Sample and savor wines from over 30 wineries, including winery partner Trinitas Cellars, as you stroll through the waterfront lawn filled with rows of interactive culinary stations.

Finish off the evening with Cigar “On the Rocks”, where you will delight in specialty cocktails, top flight cognacs, scotches, ports, decadent desserts and of course, cigars.

To purchase tickets, please call Balboa Bay Resort at 949.630.4145. For additional information on the Newport Beach Wine Festival®, please visit http://balboabayresort.com/newport-beach-vacations/newport-beach-wine-festival/. 

Family Fun at The Fess Parker, Santa Barbara, CA

Photo Courtesy of The Fess Parker, a DoubleTree by Hilton Resort

Situated on 24 sprawling acres across from the Pacific Ocean and within walking distance to lively State Street, Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Harbor and the Santa Barbara Zoo, The Fess Parker, a DoubleTree by Hilton Resort, is the perfect place for families to explore all that Santa Barbara, California has to offer...and the whole family will love the warm chocolate cookies upon arrival.

The newly renovated 360-room property includes kid-friendly amenities such as shuffleboard, a putting green, a pool, tennis courts, and bike rentals. Guests can also stroll to Chase Palm Park where there is a play structure and antique carousel. 

Whether your family wants to relax and enjoy the property or get out and do some active sightseeing, the Fess Parker provides the amenities and location for whatever your family has planned.

Renovated Rooms at The Fess Parker

The AAA Four Diamond beachfront resort recently underwent an interior renovation by Los Angeles-based Design Group Carl Ross, Inc. that combined the traditional Santa Barbara Spanish Colonial design with a modern twist that included Spanish tile patterns and textured materials in a fresh earth-tone palette, custom made upholstered furniture, carpet, wall coverings and fixtures. 

Most rooms offer the following complimentary amenities:

•   Furnished patio or balcony

•   High-speed internet access

•   Mini bar

•   Personal coffee maker

•   Mini-bar

•   Safe

•   In-room movies

•   Shampoo and bar soap (no hair conditioner)

Pets Welcome at The Fess Parker

As a pet-frienly hotel, the family can bring their favorite furry friend along too. Upon check-in, guests with pets receive a "doggie bag" that can include treats, a ball, Fido Friendly magazine, poop bags, pet service menu and a “Paw”- and “Purr”-riffic room service menu sporting Howlin’ Ground Sirloin and Albacore Tuna, cooked to order; pet-friendly dining is also available on the ocean view patio of The Set. The concierge can also provide a list of pet-friendly restaurants, hikes and beach in Santa Barbara so that you can take your pet with you.

On-Property Dining at The Fess Parker

Families will love the expansive breakfast buffet offered daily from 6:30-11:30 a.m. at The Roundhouse, located in the main lobby. The buffet includes things such as pancakes, sausages, omelets, cereal, muffins, fruit, yogurt, juice, and much more. The cost is $25 per adult, $12 for ages 5-12, complimentary up to age 5. It’s a great way to start the day. For a grab-and-go breakfast, snacks, treats, or Starbucks coffee, visit the Java del Mar.

Looking to lounge by the pool? Poolside meal service is available through the Terazza del Mar, which features burgers, fries, sandwiches and other lunch menu items.

Want to bring your pooch along? Lunch, diner and snacks can be served on the patio at The Set. There is an ocean view and two outdoor fire pits, which make it a casual and scenic place to wind down a busy day.

For a more elegant dining experience, head to Rodney’s Grill for items such as the Beefsteak Tomato Melt with provolone and Danish blue cheese, balsamic reduction, and chive oil, the Natural Filet Mignon with chive butter, roasted garlic and yukon gold mashed potatoes with bordelaise, or the Channel Island Almond Crusted Halibut with saffron couscous, wild mushrooms, and
tomato fennel broth. 

Guest Services at The Fess Parker

The resort also offers the following amenities:

•         Complimentary airport (SBA) and Amtrak shuttle service from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

•         Fitness center

•         Relaxing day spa and salon

•         Hertz Rental Car Desk located in Main Lobby

Outdoor Activities Near The Fess Parker

There are numerous family-friendly activities nearby The Fess Parker. Here are some possible itineraries:

Day One:

Catch the Santa Barbara Trolley ($19 adult ticket) in front of The Fess Parker and spend the walking along Stearn’s Wharf, grabbing lunch Downtown, and touring the Old Mission.

Day Two:

Walk to the Santa Barbara Zoo, grab lunch on the patio at The Set, rent a Surrey (4-person bike) and take a ride to the Santa Barbara Harbour for an hour of standup paddle boarding.

Day Three:

Relax on-property with breakfast at The Roundhouse and a morning of putting and shuffleboard followed by a dip in the pool and lunch poolside at Terazza del Mar. End the day with a game of tennis and dinner at Rodney’s Grill.

Contact Information

The Fess Parker

A DoubleTree by Hilton Resort

633 East Cabrillo Blvd.

Santa Barbara, CA 93103

1-800-879-2929

http://www.fessparkersantabarbarahotel.com/