Pepper Tree Retreat

Came here for a weekend getaway to check out the Krishnamurti Library and go hiking. We had a relaxing and wonderful time overall. When driving in, we made the mistake of going to the Krishnamurti Library driveway but it was the driveway after that. We stayed in the Lennon room which included a kitchen/dining area and ensuite bathroom, as well as a private entrance through the balcony. The room was very spacious with lots of seating and storage area which is a huge plus. The queen size bed was comfortable and the entire place super clean. Because this place is in connection with the Krishnamurti Library, everyone is conscientious about being quiet and reflective as to not disturb others so you will definitely get a quiet night's sleep. We did cook our second night and the basic amenities were there. Buffet breakfast was delicious. Highlights include various fruits, jams, butters, cereals, coffee/teas, cheeses, hardboiled eggs, and bread/bagels, especially the sprouted bagel which was my favorite. There is a lot of reading material about the Krishnamurti Foundation and about Krishnamurti himself in the lounge area. The grounds are nice to take a stroll around. Next time I visit Ojai, I will visit this place again and stay here.

My friend and I stayed here recently and had a wonderful experience. The accommodation is decent. The room we stayed in is self contained with dining area/kitchen and a bedroom, which is big enough for two people (although it would've been better to have two separate beds ). The kitchen is equipped with cooking utensils, plastic cups, plates, silverware, pots and pans etc... It was both our first time to stay in a bed and breakfast place so we didn't really know what to expect. Not that we mind tidying up the place, but our room didn't get cleaned everyday. I'm assuming it's because it's not a hotel accommodation. It wasn't a big problem coz we were out most of our stay anyway. Breakfast is of course included. We are not heavy eater so whatever they have served every morning is enough to fill us up. The staff are very friendly and helpful!! They gave us some information about the place and direction as to where to go hiking, places to see etc... It was such a laidback lifestyle and we're glad to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city even for just a short time. A great experience overall !!!

Absolutely WONDERFUL experience from the moment I called to make a reservation. Professional, efficient, warm, sweet, and amazing service from Michelle (and former manager Elizabeth, too). Personable and caring, it just added to, and made the entire experience very special, from A-Z, when I arrived to check-in. This, along with everything else, gives off a super positive energy that's inviting and comfortable.The house, and the grounds, are absolutely beautiful as it's surrounded by orange trees and flowers. The place is a spiritual retreat, so not your usual B&B. It's perfect for time alone to write, paint, think, meditate -- or -- romantic time with your special someone, walks around the property, etc. Additionally, you should know that no smoking, or meat, is allowed on the property -- veggie only. Just part of what makes this a different, yet special, experience.I stayed for 2 nights, and perhaps experienced the best sleep I've had in a very long time. Extremely quiet location! This is also encouraged, and made possible, by prohibiting TV, radio/computers (with headphones it's okay), and alcohol -- no getting drunk and loud here! The rooms are clean, a bit antiquey, and well-maintained. A couple of miles from downtown Ojai, it was just perfect (you can get your drinks and eat your meats there, if you must).Extremely restful. Wifi was a bit shotty...which for me...added to my rest by keeping computer use to a minimum. I left the weekend with my soul filled, and spirit replenished (or something like that!). I can't wait to go back.

Updating my review after a few years of not being able to visit. I just returned and there have been a few great changes. The bed was very comfy compared to my prior visits. Sheets and towels were soft . Some renovations have been done as well. They still serve breakfast, but do not have two hot breakfast items like they use to. Now it's cereal, bread, pastries, yogurt, fruit and hard boiled eggs along with coffee and tea. But it's not a complaint, it's just a change I noticed from my prior visits. The new breakfast still kept me full. They also offer yoga some mornings.If you want to learn some more about Krishnamurti, speak with Michael, who is usually manning the library. He's a really great human being. He use to be Krishnamurti's chef! A real gem of a person.Pepper Tree retreat is a serene and calm place. I have now promised myself to return at least twice a year. Life is short, it's important to unwind and relax, and this retreat is the perfect place to do so.

I couldn't get over our quaint room with window views of the peaceful courtyard in the rear of this house. Orange trees, flowers, and herbs perfumed the property. And, a peek at the rugged herb garden was a nice start to the day. Yeah, we're very happy we stumbled upon this place.

Everyone knows I am a fan of Ojai. I regularly take groups there from LA and I host my workshops at the Pepper Tree Retreat. I love it for several reasons. first off, it sits on 11 acres and is simply GORGEOUS!! Absolutely breathtaking. The energy there is unbelievable!! It's no wonder why noted philospher Krishnamurti used to live on the property. But most of all....the STAFF IS AMAZING!!! Elizabeth, the manager, is so professional and always meeting your needs...she's a true jewel! And Michelle.....WOW! Honestly one of the SWEETEST people I have ever met in my life! I feel sooo great when I am there. I HIGHLY suggest you spend the weekend here. This bed and breakfast is incredible, the best in Ojai in my opinion. The breakfast is also very yummy!! And the rooms are romantic. all in all......simply perfect!

I'm hesitant to write a review because it is such a hidden gem. Once people start finding out about it I may have to book months in advance and definitely don't want it to become commercialized! Pepper Tree SUPER affordable, a non profit organization (no taxes!!) and was recently remodeled and re opened in March of 2009. The beautiful room we had was adjacent to the main house and very quiet. It was open, airy, spacious, and perfectly decorated with lots of special touches everywhere. We even had a large kitchen furnished with everything you needed. The kitchen door led to a pathway where you can go right into the main house's kitchen! The house was stunning, and I want their kitchen replicated in my future dream home. Total chef style with only Vegetarian food allowed, delicious breakfast every morning, and fruits/snacks throughout the day. The staff was amazing - very friendly, efficient and wonderful to talk to. The same goes with the guests that were staying there. They all came from interesting backgrounds, and there for a quiet, zen like retreat. No TV's, radios or distractions. Just you and nature. The property is well maintained - the perfect place to do your yoga, read, paint, draw, do your poetry or just be. Come alone or with your special someone, and be prepared to be blown away by the natural energy that exudes from every corner of this one of a kind property. There are tons of hiking trails nearby and outdoor activities galore. Krishnamurti's library is also on the same property and just a short stroll through the orange groves to get to from the main house. There are workshops, and lecture held there weekly. The meditation room was out of this world. The entire experience I had was nothing like I ever had before. Even though it feels like your miles away from the real world, Ojai is maybe 2 miles away, and there is a fantastic restaurant on the main road that leads to the retreat that served the BEST pizza I've had in California. There are so many more things to be said, but everyone has their own unique experience so you'll just have to come see for yourself.

am a guest here right now and I want to leave or at least speak with someone. No one is in the office. No one answers the phone. When I called Friday to let them know we would arrive after 6pm, no one returned the call... until Saturday!Room noise is terrible. I'm staying downstairs and there is a squeaky floor above. That would be fine if the noise was limited to others readying themselves for the day and then leaving. But, no, these guests (or residents) start moving around at 5:30am and didn't stop until 8am at least when I left to drive to town to get coffee. It's awful. I came here to rest and rejuvenate!The setting is serene and the rooms are nice and clean (although fitted sheets on the mattress would be nice). It's probably OK if you luck out and don't have a heavy walker above you. If I could I would leave and go somewhere else but hotels are booked. And I'm not able to speak to anyone to see if they'll even refund my money for the remaining two (ugh!!) nights of my stay.

Quiet atmosphere, away from town. Good food, clean rooms, hot coffee.The grounds need TLC.

A magical and enchanting place. The staff, other residents and visitors were all totally awesome people, very willing to help, we had some great conversations with all of them. Very clean and comfortable rooms and great grounds. We stayed 3 nights in April 2022. I should have written this review when I still remembered all the names. Nice filling breakfast in the morning (bread, bagels, pastries, cereals, fruits, greek yogurt, eggs,) and coffee available all day and night. We didnt have a car. We were able to go to town on the first day and pick up food for the entire stay, which we kept it in the fridge in the room. We could heat the food in the microwave in the dining room. We stayed put there for the rest of our stay, never left the retreat - just walking around the grounds, reading in the quiet common areas and talking to people. The cab driver they had on their file, Tony, was absolutely great. He charged us very reasonably for our drop to the LAX area, agreed to take the route we wanted, and was also very kind to stop in between for coffee and photos; all this with some great conversations thrown in !!