Travel

A Meditation Lover’s Guide to Ojai

By Laura Feinstein on March 28, 2018

Elizabeth and Sukey Novogratz, authors of "Just Sit: A Meditation Guidebook for People Who Know They Should But Don't," take us on tour through their favorite California wellness town.

© Cameran Ashraf/Getty Images

From the daily stream of stress-inducing news to our very own personal dramas, it’s fair to say we could all use a little help relaxing and reflecting. Luckily, authors Elizabeth and Sukey Novogratz have made it their life’s mission to encourage us all to step out of the daily grind and work towards a fulfilling meditation practice (and, hopefully, learning to chill out a little). Co-founders of The Well Daily, the pair recently released Just Sit: A Meditation Guidebook for People Who Know They Should But Don't, a foolproof guide to daily meditation.

Together, Elizabeth and Sukey have traveled the world to observe meditation practices in every type of setting, from Lakota sweat lodges to Tibet House, ashrams to vision quests to Oneness retreats. In the process, they have studied under some of the world’s most renowned teachers, including Sharon Salzberg, Krishna Das, Ram Dass, Amma, and the monks at One World Academy in Chennai, India. Recently, the pair embarked on a self-led wellness retreat to Ojai, California for a touch of inner peace. Now, exclusively for DEPARTURES, Elizabeth and Sukey fill us in on the best wellness spots at this beloved California hideaway.

 
Courtesy Farmer and the Cook

Restaurant: Farmer and The Cook

“A roadside organic market, we loved their breakfasts—especially the burritos, vegan and non.” farmerandcook.com
Courtesy Knead Baking Company

Restaurant: Knead Baking

"This mom and pop bakery sells scrumptious pastries, incredible breads, and tasty desserts. We also loved the Ojai OJ.” kneadbakingcompany.com
Courtesy Food Harmonics

Restaurant: Food Harmonics

“This spot has great lunches, especially the vegan pizza and the salad bowls. Try the mushroom coffee or hot cocoa–both are fantastic.” foodharmonicsojai.com
Barbara Davidson/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Meditation: Meditation Mount

“A public meditation 5 miles from town that opened in 1971, go right before sunset to catch an extra special magic hour—Ojai’s Pink Moment when the whole valley turns an iridescent shade of pink.” meditationmount.org
Courtesy OVLC

Meditation: Horn Canyon

“For hiking with meditation spots at the top, go to Horn Canyon. Situated right above the Thatcher School in the Topa Topa Mountains, Horn Canyon Trail is stunning. Parts of it are difficult but not treacherous. We spent half a day there and loved the hike, the views, the wildflowers and the quiet.” hikespeak.com
Courtesy Sacred Space Studios

Yoga: Sacred Space Studio

“Sacred Space Studio is run by Ingrid Boulting. We love Ingrid. Her energy is incredible and the class was anything but predictable. There was a small dog who roamed from mat to mat, a guy doing yoga in a blazer and jeans, and we spent a good amount of time hanging upside down on the Iyengar wall.” sacredspacestudio.com
UIG via Getty Images

Yoga: AA Relax Station

“Stop by AA Relax Station for Reflexology. It’s open late, so we visited nightly as a post-dinner treat. We went on long strenuous hikes every day, so our feet were grateful.” facebook.com
Courtesy Ojai Valley Inn

Yoga: Ojai Resort

“KUYAN at the Spa at Ojai. Their signature mud treatment includes a guided meditation as well as inhalation therapy. It’s worth the trip to Ojai.” ojairesort.com

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