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The Untold Story Of The Oaks At Ojai Spa: Why The Legendary California Retreat Closed And What Replaced It

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The Oaks at Ojai, a name synonymous with health and wellness retreats in Southern California, is permanently closed. This legendary destination spa, once a beacon for women seeking an all-inclusive fitness and weight loss experience, ceased operations in 2017 following the devastating Thomas Fire. For anyone searching for the iconic "spa at Ojai CA the Oaks" today, the property has undergone a dramatic transformation and is now home to a completely new luxury hotel, marking the end of a 40-year era of pioneering wellness in the Ojai Valley.

This article dives deep into the history of this iconic spa, the legacy of its trailblazing founder, the true reasons behind its closure, and the details of the highly-anticipated new establishment that now occupies the historic downtown Ojai location as of today, December 24, 2025.

The Visionary Behind The Oaks: Sheila Cluff Biography and Legacy

The story of The Oaks at Ojai cannot be told without highlighting its revolutionary founder, Sheila Cluff. A true pioneer in the American fitness and spa industry, Cluff established a model for all-inclusive wellness that was ahead of its time.

  • Full Name: Sheila Cluff (née MacRae)
  • Key Role: Founder and Owner of The Oaks at Ojai and The Palms at Palm Springs.
  • Pioneering Achievement: She is widely credited as one of the "grandmothers of aerobics" in the United States, popularizing fitness classes long before the aerobics craze of the 1980s.
  • Founding The Oaks: Cluff opened The Oaks at Ojai in 1977, transforming the historic Hotel Roblar into a destination spa.
  • The Oaks Concept: The spa was renowned for its affordable, all-inclusive package that featured 15 optional daily fitness classes, three low-calorie meals (averaging 1,200 calories), and a focus on healthy habits rather than extreme dieting.
  • Target Audience: The Oaks primarily catered to women, particularly those over the age of 40, fostering a supportive and non-judgmental community environment.
  • Sister Property: Cluff also founded The Palms at Palm Springs, another highly successful health and fitness destination spa.
  • Exit: After 40 years of operation, the Cluff family decided to exit the business following the damage sustained from the Thomas Fire in 2017.

Cluff's innovative approach made destination wellness accessible, combining rigorous fitness programs—from guided hikes in the Ojai Valley to water aerobics and strength training—with a serene spa environment. This model became a blueprint for many modern wellness retreats.

The Tragic End of an Era: The Oaks at Ojai Closure Details

The closure of The Oaks at Ojai was a significant loss for the wellness community and the town of Ojai itself. The reasons for its permanent shuttering were complex, combining a natural disaster with a long-term business decision.

The Impact of the Thomas Fire

The immediate catalyst for the closure was the devastating Thomas Fire, which swept through Ventura County in December 2017. While the property itself was not destroyed, it suffered extensive smoke damage.

The cost and complexity of restoration, coupled with the Cluff family's four decades in the demanding spa business, led to the difficult decision to sell the property and retire from the operation. The Oaks at Ojai officially closed its doors after the fire, never to reopen under the Cluff family's management.

The All-Inclusive Legacy

Before its closure, The Oaks was consistently ranked as a top spa, even being voted one of the Top 100 Spas by Spas of America in 2015. Its unique value proposition included:

  • Daily access to up to 15 different fitness classes.
  • Three low-calorie, gourmet meals prepared daily.
  • Guided morning mountain hikes and nature walks.
  • A full-service spa offering massages, facials, and body treatments (for an additional fee).

This all-inclusive, high-value model made it a beloved spot for "girlfriends getaways" and a staple of the Ojai tourism industry for four decades.

What Replaced The Oaks at Ojai? Introducing Hotel El Roblar

Following its closure, the historic property sat dark in the heart of Ojai for several years. The site's fate was finally sealed when it was purchased by a new group of owners, led by Eric Goode, the co-founder of New York City’s legendary Bowery Hotel.

The new owners undertook a comprehensive restoration, choosing to honor the property’s deep historical roots rather than its more recent spa identity. The result is Hotel El Roblar, which has recently reopened, completing the transition from the former health retreat to a luxury boutique hotel.

The Rebirth of a Historic Landmark

The property at 122 E Ojai Ave has a history predating The Oaks at Ojai by over half a century:

  • Original Name: Hotel El Roblar (opened in 1919).
  • New Identity: The new Hotel El Roblar pays homage to this original Spanish Revival architecture and Old California charm.
  • New Focus: Unlike The Oaks, which was a destination spa, Hotel El Roblar is a full-service luxury hotel focused on high-end hospitality, dining, and celebrating the Ojai Valley's unique cultural and natural beauty.
  • Current Amenities: The new hotel features a sophisticated dining experience and beautifully restored accommodations, offering a completely different experience from the rigorous fitness schedule of The Oaks.

For visitors seeking a spa or wellness experience in Ojai today, they must look to other established retreats in the area, as the site of the former Oaks at Ojai is now a luxury hotel focused on leisure and fine dining. The legacy of Sheila Cluff's fitness-focused destination spa remains a cherished memory, but the era of The Oaks at Ojai is definitively over.

Ojai's Modern Wellness Landscape

While The Oaks at Ojai is a closed chapter, the Ojai Valley remains a hub for wellness and spiritual retreats. The area is home to numerous other high-end spas and secluded retreats that continue to attract wellness enthusiasts to this serene Southern California locale, offering everything from yoga and meditation weekends to other destination spa experiences.

The Untold Story of The Oaks at Ojai Spa: Why The Legendary California Retreat Closed and What Replaced It
spa at ojai ca the oaks
spa at ojai ca the oaks

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