Travel Diary: Ojai, California

Name Asia David
Hometown Los Angeles, CA
Current City Los Angeles, CA
Occupation Creative Director of BUNCH Magazine
Visited Ojai, California

Photo c/o Su Nido Inn

Photo c/o Su Nido Inn

What prompted your trip?

As someone who has an overwhelming schedule, I’m always looking for a quick getaway that isn’t too far from home. There are many places along the coast like Malibu, Santa Barbara, etc. that are the common tourist attractions, but sometimes you just want somewhere a bit off the grid that allows you to reset. When I learned about Ojai’s Pixie Month, the time of year when pixies (commonly categorized as tangerines) are in full bloom, the town comes alive in time for spring. I thought it would be an amazing experience to learn about something new, go somewhere that is low-key, and of course regroup and EAT.

Photo c/o Su Nido Inn

What was your experience like?

If I could sum it up in one word, I’d say relaxing. From the moment you reach Route 33, the whole environment changes and so does your mindset. As the road narrows, you’re suddenly engulfed by large trees that make it seem as if you’re exiting your life and entering something new. 15 minutes down this road I end up at Su Nido Inn (pictured above) that is nothing short of the most charming and cozy inn. After passing through gates that lead to an intimate courtyard surrounded by the 12 suites Su Nido houses, I got to my room. In line with Ojai style, the rooms don’t dare to have a number, but are all named after an exotic bird. Once I entered the room (that was more like an apartment), I was immediately greeted everything I needed to never return back to my normal life. First, there is a living room with a large electric fireplace, couch and flatscreen. Next, comes a kitchenette with complimentary snacks, a Moroccan themed bathroom that could double as a second bedroom, and then a master bedroom with the plushest feather down you have ever felt. This experience alone pretty much sums up the feeling of the entire trip. Relaxing, comfortable, and walking around in a balmy state (maybe because I drank so much wine lol).

What makes this destination a must visit for creatives?

Whether you want to stay in your room for your entire visit or go explore the many nature-centered spots Ojai has to offer you can't lose. It’s the perfect place to clear your mind, examine yourself and get deeper with what you want to do as a creative. From wellness spas to places like Mediation Mountain, Meher Mount, and Krishnamurti Foundation, Ojai is the place to get in touch with yourself as a creative. What stuck out to me the most was the admiration and respect for the arts in Ojai. Artist’s are truly appreciated and celebrated among the community. With museums, restaurants, and festivals that feature local artists, you understand the loyalty they have to their creative culture.

Photo by Asia David
Coming Home to Myself by local Ojai artist, Sandy Wolk

It also doesn’t hurt that the food culture is impeccable. Ojai is based on a farm to table model, that most, if not all local restaurants participate in. There is no such thing as organic (because everything is) and as a creative who needs to always be conscious of how I’m fueling myself, Ojai takes that job off my hands.

Lastly, the town has a strong up-and-coming wine scene and there is not one creative I know who won’t benefit from that fact alone.

What was an experience you had on this trip that impacted your creativity?

Learning about the details of the pixie culture in Ojai. Not only is it a practice that goes back for centuries, but it also reminded me what it looks like when people are purely passionate about what they’re doing. They don’t do it for the money or acknowledgement, but are solely focussed on the quality and process of creating the perfect pixie. It allowed me to reflect on why and how I do what I do. It’s so easy to get caught up in creating for a profit and forget about creating out of love and why you first started. It helped me get back to my roots about why I first got into art and how it can benefit my society on a larger scale.

Friend's Ranch
Photo c/o Ojai Visitor Bureau

Local Attractions

Suzanne’s Cuisine 
Feeling fancy? With choices of covered outdoor and indoor seating, you’ll experience the warm breeze of Ojai while enjoying a special Pixie salmon dish (only available during pixie season) paired with a belly full of hand crafted cocktails!

Tipple and Ramble
Enjoy the most Pinterest worthy backyard patio you’ve ever seen, with amazing local wine and the best cheese plate you’ll ever experience. Paired with a store of home goods, it can make even the least domestic person find their inner chef.

Tipple and Ramble
Photo c/o Ojai Visitor Bureau

Ojai Olive Oil 
Complete with an award winning tasting room that will leave you uninterested in the rest of the property (kidding, not kidding), you will find pairings you’ve never thought possible. When I tell you the Peach Infused White Balsamic Vinegar exposed me to a new world of taste palette possibilities, I’m not lying. Don’t worry, if you can’t find your way to Ojai, you can still have a taste of it by ordering on their website.

Lavender Inn
There’s nothing better than an Inn that is dedicated to lifting people up spiritually and mentally. This special Inn is housed by a beautiful building with endless stories and a very rich history. Ps – For breakfast, they serve the best fruit parfait you’ve ever tasted. I did my best not to get 3 lol.

Lavender Inn
Photo by Asia David

Farmer and the Cook
This completely organic restaurant is the place to be on a summer Sunday afternoon. Famous for their outside patio, live music and pizza during these warm nights, they’re also one of those restaurants where you can trust that everything on the menu is organic, fresh, and mouthwatering. If you are not in a pizza mood (which I don’t know why that would ever be the case), I’d recommend the Swiss Chard Enchilada!

Tipple and Ramble - Cheese Plate
Photo by Asia David