a landscape with mountains and clouds

NATURAL RESOURCES

Here at the Inn, our environment is our most precious asset. We are gifted with 220 acres of some of the most beautiful land in Southern California, and we take our role as Green Ambassadors seriously. As the first hotel in the world to receive Responsible Hospitality VERIFIED™, we are deeply committed to sustainability. This includes finding efficient ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle, such as participating in the Clean the World program and offering guests refillable aluminum bottles to use at our water stations.

a group of plants in a garden

EDIBLE ECOSYSTEM

The bounty of a rich California harvest is served each day in our restaurants and craft cocktails, much of it from the biodiversity in our own backyard. Heirloom tomatoes, fall vegetables, and a variety of citrus are grown in abundance. Rosemary, basil, thyme, lavender, lemongrass, and edible flowers are grown and harvested from our chef’s gardens. Local farmers and ranchers supply the fresh, wholesome ingredients that have made Ojai and the Inn famous.

a person holding a tray of food

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Each moment is an invitation to engage in immersive, fresh-air education—on and off the resort. Our expert guides lead eye-opening hikes throughout the Los Padres National Forest. We offer private experiences to meet winged ambassadors at the Ojai Raptor Center. Always a favorite, our resident beekeeper hosts a hands-on Beekeeping & Honey Tasting experience that takes you inside the world of the honeybee at our on-site, six-hive aviary.

people riding horses in a river a deer standing in a field a person holding a plant

LAND & WILDLIFE

As proud stewards of this sanctuary, we’re actively reducing the amount of irrigated turf and landscaping with drought-tolerant native plant species and designing a pollinator garden and habitat to benefit the struggling monarch butterfly program. To bring you closer to our wild beauty, we offer complimentary bike rentals, horseback riding off the beaten trail, and Green Golf—where you’re apt to spot deer and other Ojai critters.

We’re also avid partners with Ojai Valley organizations that protect our community and our planet, whether adopting a portion of the Ojai Valley Trail, maintaining oak restoration circles on one of the wilderness preserves, eradicating an invasive reed from our riverbed, or supporting the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy through our annual Thanksgiving give-back.

ECO PARTNERSHIPS & RECOGNITION

Forbes VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality

We’re pleased to share that Ojai Valley Inn is the first hotel in the world to receive Responsible Hospitality VERIFIED™, an industry-leading sustainability standard for luxury hospitality. Responsible Hospitality is recognized by Forbes Travel Guide, the foremost authority on hospitality excellence, as the official sustainability verification for its global community of Star-Rated hotels. Its comprehensive assessment verifies the implementation of best practices to protect the environment and support the well-being of employees, guests, and the community .As the inaugural recipient, Ojai Valley Inn is deeply honored to receive this acknowledgment and pledges to continue redefining luxury hospitality by remaining dedicated to minimizing our impact.

City of Ojai: Adopt-A-Trail Cleanup

Ojai Valley Inn is proud to partner with the City of Ojai in their extensive Adopt-A-Trail cleanup program, working together to preserve and maintain the local trails that our guests love. Through our collective efforts, we enhance the natural beauty that makes the Ojai Valley so special and promote responsible outdoor recreation.

Ojai Valley Land Conservancy

The Inn supports and partners with the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) in their mission “to protect and restore the natural landscapes of the Ojai Valley forever.” By contributing to the preservation of vital habitats and open spaces, we ensure the long-term sustainability of our environment and the well-being of our community.

Watershed Progressive

Through the Inn’s partnership with Watershed Progressive, a California consulting and design-build collaborative, we actively participate in projects that improve water quality, protect watersheds, and promote sustainable water management practices. Together, we strive to create a healthier ecosystem for all.

ReCORK: Recycling

In collaboration with pioneering cork innovators, ReCORK, the Inn supports the recycling and repurposing of natural wine corks through North America’s largest natural cork recycling program. By collecting and redirecting corks from landfills, we reduce waste and contribute to sustainable manufacturing processes.

Clean the World: Soap Recycling

Ojai Valley Inn proudly partners with Clean the World to recycle and distribute discarded soap bars. This global initiative not only helps protect the environment, but also improves hygiene and prevents disease in underserved communities—ultimately saving lives

Oceanic Global Blue 2-Star Award: Single-Use Plastic Free 2023

The Oceanic Global Blue 2-Star Award honors the Inn’s commitment to protect our blue planet by eliminating single-use plastic. This accolade acknowledges our efforts to create a plastic-free environment and promote sustainable practices.

Pineapple Award: Single-Use Plastic Free Spa Ojai 2018

A year after pledging to establish a new benchmark in the luxury spa space, Spa Ojai was honored to receive the Preferred Hotels & Resorts' Pineapple Award for its exceptional achievement in becoming single-use plastic free. This prestigious accolade underscores our commitment to sustainability and our efforts to provide guests with a truly eco-friendly spa experience.

WATER RESILIENCY

Turf Reduction

Water conservation is a critical concern throughout the Ojai Valley. By minimizing the amount of turf throughout the resort’s grounds, we decrease water requirements and create more sustainable landscapes. Our commitment to turf reduction ensures a greener, water-efficient environment for all.

Low-Flow & Drip System Irrigation

By utilizing advanced irrigation technologies, such as low-flow and drip systems, we optimize water distribution and minimize wastage at the Inn. These innovative systems deliver water precisely where it’s needed, conserving this precious resource.

Stormwater Capture

Throughout the resort, we harness the power of nature by capturing and utilizing stormwater. This solution simultaneously takes advantage of local rainfall to replenish groundwater supplies and prevents stormwater from becoming polluted urban runoff, supporting a more sustainable water cycle.

NATURE & BIODIVERSITY

Heritage Tree Stewardship

Ojai Valley Inn recognizes the importance and significance of legacy trees in our vital ecosystem. By celebrating, protecting, and caring for these remarkable trees, we preserve their beauty, provide habitat for wildlife, and contribute to cleaner air.

Invasive Species Removal

Invasive plant species can threaten native ecosystems. Through the Inn’s proactive approach to removal, we promote the growth of indigenous plants and restore balance to our beautiful environment.

Native Restoration

The Arundo Project is a local and statewide conservation initiative focused on restoring native vegetation, particularly in areas impacted by the invasive Arundo donax (giant reed). By replacing this non-native species with native plants, the project enhances biodiversity, fosters resilient ecosystems, and contributes to fire mitigation efforts on a large scale spanning multiple acres. At the Inn, we’ve already successfully removed Arundo donax from four acres of affected land.

Drought-Tolerant Pollinator Gardens

Creating gardens that are both drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly helps us conserve water at the Inn, while providing vital habitats for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating species throughout the resort. These gardens create complex worlds that support biodiversity and contribute to a thriving ecosystem, ensuring the future is filled with pollinators.

GREEN GOLF

Celebrating the Natural Landscape

The original designs of our golf courses incorporate the existing natural landscape into the layout, preserving its integrity and minimizing disruption to local ecosystems. By celebrating nature, we create harmonious spaces for golfers and wildlife alike.

Pollinator-Safe Fertilizer

To protect native pollinators, like the highly valued honeybee, we use fertilizers that are free from harmful chemicals. This impactful approach ensures our golf courses remain safe, pollinator-friendly environments for these essential species.

State-of-the-Art Irrigation

Through advanced technology and meticulous planning, the Inn strikes a balance between maintaining high-quality greens and minimizing water consumption. One way we optimize water usage on our golf courses is by utilizing state-of-the-art irrigation systems.

EDIBLE ECOSYSTEM

Sustainable Seafood

With science-based guidance from the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program, a global leader in the sustainable seafood movement, Ojai Valley Inn is committed to supporting sustainable fishing practices and offering responsibly sourced seafood options throughout our restaurants. By prioritizing sustainable seafood, we help protect the health of our oceans' ecosystems while providing guests with delicious, ocean-friendly dining experiences.

Procuring Local Foods

The Inn’s restaurants prioritize purchasing fresh, seasonal produce directly from local farms and farmer’s markets to support our Ojai Valley economy and community. We also encourage organic farming practices and raise awareness through educational events.

Herb Gardens & Fruit Trees

Our treasured 220 acres are home to organic herb gardens that showcase 65 diverse culinary and medicinal herbs. Our hills and orchards nourish a collection of 20 types of fruit trees, including our famed Pixie tangerines, that use integrated pest management (IPM) to protect biodiversity and create a safer environment for our pollinator friends.

Food Waste Composting

Through our resort-wide food waste composting partnership, we actively reduce waste sent to landfills. By composting organic materials, we create nutrient-rich soil, promoting healthy plant growth and completing the sustainable food cycle

CLEAN INGREDIENTS

Spa Ojai’s Eco Pledge

Our 30,000-square-foot Spa Ojai embraces natural and organic beauty and wellness practices. From skincare to body treatments, we prioritize products that are free from harmful chemicals, ensuring a rejuvenating and holistic wellness experience for our guests.

Guestroom Shower Amenities Inspired by Nature

Here at the Inn, we strive to make every aspect of our guests' stay sustainable, right down to the shower amenities. Inspired by nature, each amenity is carefully selected to be paraben-free, sulfate-free, and cruelty-free, offering a truly eco-conscious experience.

Single-Use Plastic Free Solutions

As part of our commitment to reducing plastic waste, we have implemented single-use plastic-free initiatives throughout the resort. By choosing sustainable alternatives, we minimize our environmental impact and contribute to a cleaner future.