10 Idyllic Desert Hideaways
Scenic hotels and retreats in America
Scenic hotels and retreats in America
Hello! I hope you’re having a beautiful Wednesday. Since moving to Los Angeles a little over a year and a half ago, I’ve found so much comfort in visiting the desert for a quick weekend getaway. Nights spent stargazing, taking a dip in the hot tub and cozying up next to the fire are what I most often find myself daydreaming about. Below you’ll find a roundup of my current favorite destinations as well as some dream locations in places like Arizona, Utah, California and Texas.
Heaven’s Door — Pioneertown, California
Heaven’s Door sits on five private acres: explore their boulder-filled backyard for private hiking and enjoy a hot tub plus two cowboy tubs. The main house features two bedrooms with a third in the casita, and all three rooms with en-suite bathrooms. The property sits secluded up on a hill with a gorgeous view and and outdoor fireplace. The home is located just two minutes from Pappy & Harriet’s, 15 minutes from La Copine, and 20 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park.
Seven Arches — Yucca Valley, California
At this beautiful home fit for a large group (it sleeps 8), you can enjoy a dip in the cowboy tub or the hot tub, grill out on the BBQ (in the large outdoor dining area) and lounge in the hammocks. This property is about a minute from La Copine and 15 minutes from Pappy & Harriet’s.
MA-SA-YA Desert Ranch – Yucca Valley, California
MA-SA-YA Desert Ranch is an adobe-style home set in 13 stunning acres in the foothills of Joshua Tree National Park. A private and quiet space for you to pause, restore and reconnect. After boulder climbing in the park, detox in the infrared sauna, light a fire, grill on the BBQ, sink into the ceder hot tub or dipping pool, and stare up at the star-studded night sky.
Arcosanti Sky Suite — Mayer, Arizona
Arcosanti primarily relies on passive solar techniques for temperature regulation. The Sky Suite is a spectacular space to fully immerse yourself in the architecture and communal environment of Arcosanti. Enjoy panoramic views of the high desert landscape, kitchen, living room, private bathroom, and two small bedrooms. This cozy space is equipped with all the necessary amenities to make your overnight experience at Arcosanti truly memorable. The Sky suite sits atop the 3rd level of the east crescent with an outdoor patio overlooking the amphitheater.
Image via AMAN Resorts
Amangiri — Canyon Point, Utah
Amangiri blends into the untouched red-rock country, over 900 acres of the vast and majestic Colorado Plateau, the original Wild West. In this desert landscape of canyons, mesas, ridges, and gorges, the modernist Suites of Amangiri and the tented Pavilions of Camp Sarika offer an inspiring welcome to one of the world’s most dramatic secluded settings.
Under Canvas — Moab, Utah
Enjoy upscale, safari-inspired accommodations just outside Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Moab, UT. Sleep under the desert stars in your canvas tent with plush linens, ensuite bathrooms and more. This location offers grab-n-go snacks in the lobby tent and communal grills so you can cook your favorite meals. Explore all locations here.
Bohemio — Marfa, Texas
Also located in Marfa, Bohemio is owned by the lovely team who hosted our wedding night dinner party. It’s an ideal destination for hosting events and offers a place to stay for a group of 10.
Image via Merchant Modern
Merchant House High Desert — Morongo Valley, California
Merchant House is a place to unwind and disconnect, roughly 2 hours from Los Angeles, it’s located on five acres of untouched wild mountain terrain. After escaping the city, it’s a perefect place to relax and enjoy stargazing at night.
Le Chacuel + Spa — Yucca Valley, California
For a holiday in Joshua Tree, all you really need is unbridled comfort, a scenic landscape to marvel at and first-rate amenities that aid relaxation – and that’s exactly what you get in this home. Exquisitely designed with stylish, modern furnishings and supplemented with ample natural light, you’ll find yourself in an undeniably heavenly space. Open up the frameless glass panels on a bright morning and take a dip in the heated pool or soak in the hot tub as you immerse yourself in nature. Afterwards, boost your energy with a workout in the gym, rinse off in the outdoor shower and settle in the shaded dining area for a home-made brunch. Inquire about Le Chacuel’s chef, massages, and facials.
I hope you found a space that suits your needs somewhere in America’s sprawling desert landscape. Visit the Travel section for more guides and roundups.