Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, a Golf and Wellness Resort in California

“Ahhh,” was the response from my Los Angeles-based friend Alison Greenspan after her recent stay at Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. “Everything was heavenly—the lavender-lined pathways, the herb garden and the gorgeous views of the Topa Topa mountains in the distance.” Set in a verdant valley surrounded by the Los Padres National Forest in central California, this historic Spanish Mission-style retreat was renovated and expanded two years ago by its latest owners, the Crown family, which also owns Aspen's Little Nell hotel. Their $90 million investment has made the golf and spa getaway even more sublime. Ojai now has 308 guest rooms with vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired fabrics and hand-painted tiles, ultra soft bedding, Aveda bath amenities and WiFi. The best ones have fireplaces and balconies overlooking the mountains. For extra space and privacy, book one of the large villa suites near the spa, which have wall-enclosed terraces with dining tables and firepits.

Stroll down the hill from the main building to reach Ojai's lovely wellness center, a whitewashed complex with terra cotta tiled roofs and Moroccan and Spanish style interiors. Among the expansive menu of services and classes are yoga and meditation sessions held in the sun-filled fitness studio. “The treatments are wonderful, from the pixie tangerine body scrub to the lavender relaxation wrap," says Alison. "I loved the detoxifying treatment in the kuyam, a Native American word meaning 'a place to rest together.' It involves lounging in a communal steam room scented with lemongrass while a mud wrap rids your skin of impurities.” (She says spa's only downside is that some of the young therapists don't always seem highly knowledgeable). A few steps away is the art and apothecary cottage, where you can take painting classes or blend your own herbal body oils while a breeze and birdsongs waft through the open doors.

Ojai's other big draw is its 18-hole, 70 par golf course. First designed in 1923, the course once attracted the likes of Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. It's been enhanced and made more difficult over time, and with Ojai's renovation came a new caddy program, pro-shop, a golf school directed by PGA professionals and a classic pub for post-match beers. Other diversions are biking, tennis, hiking and horseback riding, and there's a kids' program and an adults-only pool (perfect for time-out alone). The resort is upscale without being pretentious, and the staff is very friendly. When Alison arrived she was told by an employee, "You're not supposed to lift a finger here. That's my job." Just watch out for the slow service in the Oak Cafe, where the food fell a little short of the mark—unlike the simple and fresh fare on offer in the poolside cafe, or the gourmet Californian cuisine and impressive wines served at the romantic Maravilla restaurant. “When's my next stay?” asks Alison. “Not soon enough!” 35 miles south of Santa Barbara; about two hours from Los Angeles International Airport.

Room rates from $400.

SPECIAL OFFER: Ultimate Gals Getaway

I've got the scoop on an all-girl's escape package! Perfect for groups of 2, 3 or 4.

It's a weekend (or midweek) chance to get away from the guys and spend quality time with your friends, sisters or your mother. You'll spend two-nights in a Fireplace Room with breakfast each morning, and be surprised by a special "girlfriends" amenity at turn down. During your stay, you and your friends will head to Ojai's Art & Apothecary cottage for a custom herbal blending class, and to make personal Mandalas. Your package also includes a massage at Spa Ojai or a golf lesson from one of their golf pros. Of course, if you're a golfer, you'll want to take advantage of unlimited free golf on the resort's acclaimed course. As an added bonus, for groups of 4, they'll include one individual upgraded to a suite at no additional charge.

Starting at $905* per 2-night package, single occupancy, Sunday through Thursday arrival. Learn more, and tell them Suzanne sent you!