I recently had the distinct pleasure of attending a familiarization trip to Ojai Valley Inn and Spa to experience Casa Elar, a private estate on the OVI property that has recently been released for special events. Casa Elar combines the privacy of a private estate with the impeccable service, exquisite food, and stunning grounds of the resort, and I am so thrilled to be able to offer it to my clients for their special events! See below for a few snapshots of the trip. (all photos courtesy of the wonderful and talented Cat from Next Exit Photography)
We arrived late afternoon and our room was located right next to the resort’s world-famous Spa. I highly recommend a treatment–they have some of the most incredible services I have ever experienced.
Somehow, we found ourselves at Jimmy’s Pub shortly after check-in…
Their signature truffle chips and a pitcher of beer were a perfect compliment to the incredible weather and the stunning view.
A few snapshots of our GORGEOUS room. We had a full private patio with a fire pit, a beautiful dining room, and a total of three fireplaces.
After a quick-change, we were picked up by a golf cart, and chauffeured to the beautiful Casa Elar.
Waiting for us upon arrival were the most delicious signature cocktails I have ever tasted: pixie margaritas. Pixies are tangerines that are indigenous to Ojai and they are absolutely delicious–especially when paired with tequila and tangerine salt!
We also enjoyed delicious pizzas topped with fresh and local ingredients, made especially for us in the property’s brick ovens.
The decor set-up was beautifully designed by Sonia Hopkins of XOXO Bride! I absolutely adore the custom cookies the hotel made for us with each of the attendee’s custom logos printed at our place settings, and the gorgeous printing by Ceci New York.
Steven accompanied me on the trip, and being that he was the only male in attendance, the thoughtful ladies from OVI set a mini bottle of Makers Mark and a cigar at his spot on the table.
A sampling of photos of some of the wonderful attendees.
and a few of the beautiful decor…
For dinner, we sat under an intimate tent at a long feasting table. As the sun set, the servers provided each of us with a cozy blanket to keep warm.
A quick shot of me with the fabulous Sierra Smart, a longtime friend and colleague at the hotel.
Each course that we enjoyed was expertly crafted by the executive chef at the resort and incorporated delectable fresh and local ingredients.
After dinner, we were invited to retire to the library to enjoy a sampling of delicious desserts and after-dinner cocktails.
After an amazing dinner, we returned to our room to find the fire pit on our patio lit–perfect for a little after-party in our room. We invited all of the attendees to join us for some late-night snacks!
Early the next morning, we were off to the property’s famous Big Red Barn to scout for an upcoming client, followed by a delicious breakfast at Oak Grill.
The trip was absolutely fabulous and we felt so spoiled from beginning to end. A massive thank you to the incredible team at OVI for hosting us for such a spectacular event!
We loved it so much, that Steven and I booked it for our upcoming wedding! But more on that later…
