February 24, 2009

  • My weekend mini Vacay at Ojai Valley Resort and Spa

    Ojai Valley Resort and SpaSo over the weekend I was getting some much needed R&R at Ojai Valley Resort and Spa. Ojai Valley is a beautiful area about 45 minutes away from Santa Barbara. This is my second time at Ojai Valley Resort, and I have to say, it's simply one of the best resorts I've ever been to. Every member of the staff is nothing but super friendly, skilled, and accommodating. This is the perfect get away. I have zero complaints about the place. If you're ever lucky enough to be able to splurge on ridiculously awesome spa getaway Ojai Valley Inn and Spa will not disappoint. It's beautiful, serene and offers some of the best treatments and massages that I've ever had.After the long drive to Ojai, we checked into our suite which was #330 in the Casa Loma Building.  This suite was beautiful. It has cozy spanish decor, a fireplace, a big bathroom with a large soaking tub and separate shower, the private balcony had lovely views of the mountains and golf course.

    ^On my balcony.
    ^View from the balcony.^Part of the suite. I have better pics in my other camera.
    After checking out the room, we headed down to the spa to get our first treatment of the weekend. I had the RELAXATION MASSAGE A circulatory massage that reduces tension using light pressure to soothe muscles and bring the body into a state of relaxation.  Luxury Session $265  The therapist gave a great massage. I had her do my full body, asked her to focus on my arms and legs. She also did my scalp and face. I get massages about twice a week. I've had plenty of massages from lots of different places. Ojai massage therapists are consistently great. I have not had a bad or even just decent massage from ojai. They are all great.

    After the massage, I showered at the spa then got ready for dinner. We had reservations at Bouchon in Santa Barbara.Posing in my suite before heading to Bouchon...

    Dress- Free People, shoes- Steve Madden, Necklace-Givenchy
    This is my second time at this place and let me tell you, I love Bouchon. They have delicious food with the freshest ingredients. Bouchon reminds me of Jiraffe in Santa Monica, but a little better because the ingredients seem fresher.
    We had the Warm Arugula and Pan-Seared Gnocchi with local spiny lobster, roasted beets, English peas, and fine herbsThis was delicious. The Gnocchi was perfect. The lobster was fresh and sweet. I loved this dish.

    Pan-seared foie gras on toasted brioche with poached pear, berry gastrique, & arugula frisee.The foie gras was perfect and velvety. It was delicious with the buttery crisp brioche. I loved the poached pears and berries. This was great  paired with '00 Santa Barbara Winery Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc. Which was the only drink I had for the evening. Its very sweet so I enjoyed some of it with the foie gras then saved the rest for dessert.

    Tutti Frutti Farms Purple Carrot Puree with goat cheese tempura squash medallion garnish.
    This was yummy. Light, Slightly sweet, slightly creamy. great texture. I bet it was super healthy, too.
    Bourbon & Maple-Glazed California Duck breast with duck confit, thyme-infused jus, succotash of corn, fava beans, applewood-smoe bacon, and Windrose Farms butternut squash. I ordered this the last time I went to Bouchon, and I had to have it again. It is delicious. The flavors are well-balanced. I love every part of this dish it's so good.
    Fresh Pacific Ahi Tuna- lightly smoked with BD Farms fine herbs and seared rare, white bean puree, grilled asparagus, saffron-cider vinegar gastrique.

    Another super fresh, super delicious plate with a nice balance between the tangy sauce and the verdant herbs.

    Molten chocolate cake with coffee ice cream on top of a fruit compote. Rich and gooey on the inside...fuckin yum.The next day was booked full of more treatments. I had...AYURVEDIC DETOXIFICATION BODY TREATMENT Based on India’s 6,000-year-old system of health care and healing, this Ayurvedic therapy combines our most popular treatments into one divine experience. It includes a botanical body mask, exfoliation, aromatherapy, hot steamed wrap, mini facial, and an herbal-infused Bindi oil application. This powerful combination of Ayurvedic herbs and oils works to strengthen the immune system and eliminate feelings of stress and anxiety.    Luxury Session. This is very similar to the Shiro-bindi treatment that they offer at bacara. I think The massage they give with the treatment at ojai is better, but the oil treatment at bacara is better. Overall it's a great, relaxing treatment. Perfect for detoxing. I felt rejuvenated and my skin was super smooth after the treatment.After the ayurvedic treatment we stopped  by the resort's Oak Grill and had a snack. You can eat indoor or outdoors. We ate outdoors. Here was the view from my seat.

    Crab Cakes.Pretty standard, but yummy crab cakes. Came with a nice citrus salad.
    Shrimp and scallop salad.

    This was better than I thought it would be. The shrimp and scallops were huge, fresh and perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned. It had a  refreshing dressing,  some nice crisp fried wonton, some pickled ginger to kick things up a notch. Yummy and healthy.

    Wild mushroom ravioli.

    This was earthy, hearty, creamy, and delicious. Some nice rich comfort food. Reminded me of Campbell's mushroom soup's classy rich cousin.
    Went back to the spa for...

    DETOX MASSAGE A detoxifying treatment that aids in activating the lymphatic system. A special blend of whole, fresh, organic materials aid the circulatory system. These compresses are steamed and applied directly to the muscles in combination with relaxing massage techniques to revitalize the body. 100 min. Luxury Session This was another great massage. It was so relaxing. I'm telling you, all the massage therapists are top notch and totally on point with what I wanted. They're great.ARCONA'S REJUVENATION DELUXE FACIAL Treat yourself to the ultimate in skin care with our exclusive treatment for your face, neck and hands.  Relax and prepare for amazing results as you experience Arcona’s signature facial contouring massage, an aromatic, organic enzyme peel and a firming and toning lift mask.  This is followed by the application of a series of custom serums which leave your skin absolutely glowing.  Luxury Session  includes a hand, foot and scalp massage.   I've had plenty of facials and I think this has got to be my favorite. After the first time I had my first rejuvenation deluxe facial at Ojai, I was hooked on Arona Facials and products. I always get compliments from estheticians and makeup artists about my skin. I can't say I've taken the best of care of my skin over the years....I drank lots of alcohol, sometimes fall asleep wearing makeup, don't drink enough water, stay up late, etc, but I do try to use really good skin products on my face. I think having great skin is mostly genetic (thanks mom), but I do notice a difference when I use Arcona products.  I'm lucky that they have a Arcona studio nearby in Santa Monica. Love it. After this facial my skin was super smooth and glowy.Lots more went on...more treatments more food, a golf lesson...i'll write more when I have more time. =)