Founder’s Travel Guide, Seeking Magic and Moisture in Ojai, CA
There is something undeniably magnetic about the California coast, a certain vibration that calls you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the earth. Recently, I embarked with my family on a soul-nourishing journey, flying into the Santa Barbara airport and making my way into the majestic Topa Topa Mountains and valleys of Ojai.
Whether you’re looking for spiritual grounding, culinary delights, or simply a beautiful place to be, here is my personal travel guide to Ojai, California.
Grounding in the Healing Waters at Montecito Hot Springs
Our trip began with a beautiful hike up to the Montecito Hot Springs. Before stepping into these sacred, restorative pools, I find it so important to honor the original stewards of land by acknowledging that this is the ancestral, unceded land of the Chumash people. For thousands of years, the indigenous caretakers of this land have revered these geothermal waters for their medicinal and spiritual properties.
My ever-flowing love and appreciation for natural hot springs is the core inspiration behind our Land and Sea Mineral Mask. Soaking in these waters always reminds me of the profound benefits that the Earth provides. Our mask mirrors this natural alchemy, utilizing the power of sulfur, clays, and oceanic and earth-bound minerals. Sulfur is a brilliant, natural element that purifies the pores, reduces inflammation, and balances sebum. Combined with drawing clays and nutrient-dense minerals, it recreates that spa-like, hot-spring purification right in your treatment room or home, leaving the skin deeply detoxified and incredibly balanced.
Finding Center at Meditation Mount
Another profound stop on our journey was Meditation Mount. Walking the quiet, sacred grounds was an incredibly therapeutic experience that allowed me to truly exhale.
As an esthetician and a founder in a highly creative role, I am constantly giving, creating, and holding energy for others. Sitting atop the mount, watching the golden hour turn into a painted sunset, and being completely surrounded by such immense natural beauty allowed yin energy to return back to me. It is moments of stillness like these that bring me back to center. Drinking in that vibrant, peaceful energy fuels me with the exact reserves I need to continue holding space for our beautiful Herbal Skin Solutions community.
Crystal Healing and Subtle Energy
Once we arrived in Ojai proper, one of my first stops was The Crystal Corner. Our Divine Reflections Angel Oracle Deck are such an aligned, organic fit for their space.
While I was there, I couldn't resist picking up some treasures, a mesmerizing aura quartz, Malachite stones, fresh sage, a few handmade cards and a new pendulum. This little haul actually inspired me to return to a practice I had temporarily gotten away from, checking my clients' chakras before and after their skincare treatments to observe the subtle energetic shifts that occur during our time together. Skincare is soul + whole being care after all!
Sips of Magic~ Tea, Matcha, and Inner Skincare
Ojai is a haven for mindful sipping. We visited Club Magic Hour, where I enjoyed their incredible Angel Number inspired tea. Our Divine Reflections Angel card deck is resting in their community tea area for everyone to pull from and enjoy while they sip. You can listen to a reading for the collective energy, here on my personal instagram page.
Later, we stopped by Three Birds for a matcha. Of course, I had to spike mine with our Liposomal Retinol! Nourishing the skin from the inside out is just as important as topical application, and adding that internal boost of Vitamin A into my matcha is one of my favorite daily rituals.
Literary Keepsakes at Bart’s Books and Ojai Valley Library Friends
No trip to Ojai is complete without wandering through the outdoor maze of Bart’s Books. Between the sun-dappled shelves and the smell of vintage paper, my daughter and I found some sweet classics to bring home. These books served as the perfect reminder of one of my favorite hidden details of Herbal Skin Solutions, the inside of our skincare packaging is intentionally designed to be cut out and repurposed into bookmark sentiments or little keepsakes. Sustainability, but make it literary art!
Golden Hour Glow and Exquisite Vibes
As the evening rolled in, we headed to Hotel El Roblar. I touched up my SPF in their absolutely gorgeous bathroom (the lighting and tile work are a dream) before stepping out to enjoy a delicious dinner on the patio at their Condor Bar.
The following morning called for coffee and, naturally, more SPF reapplication at The Dutchess. I absolutely loved the vibe there. It immediately reminded me of our fabulous retail partners at Maison Glo in St. Pete, Florida—just exquisite energy paired with immaculate taste and french design.
A Note on the Elements ~ Staying Hydrated
If you are planning a trip to Ojai, be prepared. The weather and climate are incredibly dry! The desert-like atmosphere can sap your skin's barrier if you aren't careful. Throughout the entire trip, I carried our La Vie En Rose replenishing water with me to spritz my skin literally everywhere. A few spritzes throughout the day were essential to constantly replenish my skin’s moisture levels and keep my complexion plump, protected, and glowing amidst the dry heat.
Ojai is a place of beautiful synchronicities, earthly healing, and simply luxuries. I left feeling completely recharged, endlessly inspired, and so grateful to share a piece of our Herbal Skin Solutions magic with this beautiful community.
