Yurt's So Good

If your idea of recharging means your smartphone, perhaps it's time to unplug in a different way. The Ojai Foundation Land Sanctuary in upper Ojai Valley is just 6 miles from town, but its 40 acres of semi-wilderness gets you off the grid, where the only tweeting is the sound of Western scrub jays and hummingbirds. Connecting here is about spending time in nature, with a few creature comforts. For those who like the idea of camping minus the whole sleeping on the ground thing, yurt in luck! The Ojai Foundation's lodging options include yurts and domes, along with tent sites. The yurts, wooden-walled single room structures with windows and beds (BYO bedding) are tucked among the trees and have windows that look out across the sprawling valley below.

In the afternoon, sit out on the patio chairs and relax. At night, cozy up under the covers and watch as the stars light up the night sky. During your stay, you're invited to explore the land, which is peppered with inviting nooks for practicing yoga or meditation, including the Teaching Tree—an old, wise sprawling oak, and the Power Point, a peak said to wield the strongest energy in the area. Now that's a recharge!

The Ojai Foundation offers personal retreats as space permits. Yurts with beds are $95/night double occupancy, which includes access to shared bathrooms and a vegetarian kitchen. Some yurts come with propane heaters. Not all yurts have a patio. Reservations required. No dogs.