Hospitality: Stay & Gather Ojai
- Marcus Guillard
- Aug 1
- 4 min read
Marcus Guillard LMNL Studio Ojia, California
Stay and Gather was designed to bring together some of the finest names in the luxury hospitality industry: a rare chance to connect and actually relax, rather than just network. The days were built around shared time and space: collaborating, exercising, eating, and resting alongside each other.
At LMNL Studio, we're excited to bridge into hospitality, bringing our Omnispatial design approach into the high-end luxury hotel space. Our work in workplace design felt like a natural fit for hotels and restaurants, and I came to Ojai on a simple mission: meet great people. That is exactly what happened.
I decided to drive, to settle down and enjoy the time to think. I left San Francisco with the windows cracked just enough to feel the cool air. Hour by hour, the temperature would rise as the coast slowly gave way to the golden hills of Ojai. By the time I pulled up to the Ojai Inn, I understood why everyone talks about this place the way they do. The Ojai Inn is a stunning resort tucked into the hills, with the whole town just a short, easy bike ride away. I knew almost immediately that this was going to be a good few days.
I was welcomed in with so much kindness. Stacy and Keisha opened their arms with a generosity and grace I hadn't felt at any other conference.
The opening happy hour was wonderful, filled with easy conversation, warm introductions, and that particular buzz of a group of people who are genuinely glad to be in the same place.
The next morning I went to a yoga class, and it was wonderful. I hadn't done yoga in a long while, and it was a gift to finally make the time for it. The gathering was structured with lots of these group offerings, giving everyone room to slow down together.
For the morning group activity, I chose guacamole making. It was that or horseback riding, a sound bath, crafting, a nature walk, and a few others, but guacamole felt like the best shot at actually connecting with people. It turned out to be a lot of fun. We split into teams and worked together to make the best guacamole we could, but the assignment didn't stop there: beyond the guacamole itself, each team had to develop a brand logo and a jingle.
Considering our brand studio at LMNL, my skills were about to be put to the test. So I jumped into action, donned the sombrero sitting on the table, and decided our guacamole needed a spokesperson and that would be me. Not wanting to name our creation "Marcus' Guacamole," I leaned into one of my favorite artists, and a fellow mustachioed man: Salvador Dalí. Our guacamole would be named Salvador's. I would be Salvador.
Next up: the jingle. Leaning fully into the surrealism of the whole situation, I figured nothing could top one of Dalí's own quotes: "Beauty should be edible." And there you have it: Salvador's Guacamole, because beauty should be edible.
After the guacamole showdown, I headed to a lunch that was every bit as well-curated as the morning had promised. Seated at a table among wonderful new friends from across the industry, we got into genuinely valuable conversation about the state of the industry and our favorite (and least favorite) things about hotels.
After lunch, I picked the bike ride into Ojai, with stops at Revel Kombucha, Heavenly Honey, the nation's largest outdoor bookstore, a local art gallery, and because it was a hot day we had ice cream at Ojai Ice Cream. Everyone on the ride was fantastic, and we all took in the local fare and the beauty of the town together.
Next on the agenda was happy hour at the pool. I hadn't realized the entire group had the same idea I did: slip into the cool water, sip a glass of rosé, and watch the sunset. Great conversation was had, and even better, introductions were made.
As the evening set in, I joined pre-dinner cocktails while the table was set — and what an amazing table it was. One of the finest I've ever sat at: a stunning evening, a table designed for a celebration. And celebrate we did.
Seated among a welcoming group of guests, we shared a fantastic conversation and a fine meal. Yet even with all that decadence, the finest moment of the evening was the clear, sincere toast given to Stacy and Keisha. It was obvious how much this group holds the two of them in regard — how deeply respected they are. I felt, in that moment, that I was among wonderful people and in very good hands as I made my way toward an industry I've always wanted to bring my business and creative energy to.
The evening was perfect. I decided it was best to get some sleep rather than take in the late night — I'll admit, I had some real fear of missing out, but sleep won out.
At breakfast, the amazing connections continued. The fun never stopped.
I was sad to leave, but I'll be back.
See you in Austin.
