When an apparel designer and a former professional snowboarder team up on a hotel project, you know it's going to be good.
Folding their own love for adventure and travel into Caravan Outpost — a collection of 10 retrofitted Airstream trailers (and one tiny home) in Ojai, California — husband-and-wife team Brad and Shawn Steward began welcoming guests in 2016. The nomadic couple have spent time in France; Portland, Oregon; and Geneva and all those places inspired the decor, which has a rustic vintage-meets-global decor vibe. (Think: Edison bulbs, Mexican blankets, a rusty pickup truck.) "We kind of use the Outpost as a depository for all of those places," says Brad, who founded Bonfire Snowboarding, which manufactures snowboarding outerwear.
While Caravan Outpost welcomes guests from around the world, it attracts a large crew of creatives — filmmakers, writers, actors — from the L.A. area. (One guest reported that Bradley Cooper arrived at the fire pit one night and hung out with guests.)
"It's a real down home, local feel to Ojai," says Brad. "We definitely have customers come in and say this feels very bohemian and eclectic."
A retail store inside a repurposed barn-like structure is distressed in all the right ways. The aqua bikes are available for rent.
Palm trees and lush foliage all around make the atmosphere feel intimate. Creating a sign out of metal lends an artistic vibe while the painted water tower is also a creative nod.
Incorporating white hues whenever possible helps brighten up the interior of each Airstream trailer. Furnishings are minimal and tapestries are woven with brightly colored and patterned textiles.
In the lounge you'll find exposed ceiling beams, Edison bulbs, and lots of rustic touches. The casual leather couches feel lived-in, as if you're in someone's home.
The shop sells eclectic goods — boho pillows, raffia slippers, vintage Stetson hats, even (for quite a pretty penny), handmade teepees.
This well-loved truck parked on the grounds represents Caravan Outpost's love for historic objects and also alludes to the fun of road trips.
Mexican blankets draped over simple wooden chairs help stave off a chill on cold nights.
Hammocks and Acapulco chairs encourage guests to relax outside their trailers and mingle with other guests.
