What a gem! Sacred sands is a beautiful and relaxing boutique hotel near Joshua Tree National Park…read more My boyfriend and I came here for a weekend trip a couple of weeks ago. We only stayed for one night but we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Check-in instructions were sent via email and there's a code to unlock the room. The grounds are very pretty, perfect for a desert wedding or party. There are great views all around and there aren't any neighbors nearby. It looks like they own a lot of acreage nearby. The room we stayed in was the Onyx room. It was beautifully and thoughtfully decorated. There are lots of nice additions in the room to ensure you enjoy staying in from wine glasses, a wine fridge, record player with a record collection, bath salts, star gazing area outside with a mattress, and comfy robes and slippers to use during your stay. If it were warmer, I definitely would've tried out the outdoor tub and shower but it was too cold at night to even think about it. There's also a large community pool in the works. As mentioned earlier, this hotel is about a mile from the NP so it's an excellent choice for anyone going there. It's also not too far from town so you're not too far from stores and cafes. I am definitely planning on staying here again!

AMAZING RENTAL!! Definitely the best place to stay while visiting Joshua Tree National Park!…read moreLocated only one mile from the West Entrance. We stayed in the Onyx room. There's only two rooms but each are beautifully decorated w so much attention to detail! Both have their own private outdoor area that is huge. The outdoor area have their own shower and tub which has a window that you can open to view the sunset. There's also a queen size bed outside for stargazing or tanning. Don't worry there is an indoor bathroom as well with an amazing shower. Everything was so well thought out! Each room has a fridge that is stocked up with large bottles of water, k cups, teas, creamers and sugar. They give you plenty of towels. There's also bath salts to use for when you enjoy the outdoor tub. They make sure the check in process is smooth and easy. There's also housekeeping available (free only if you stay 3 nights or more). There is a beautiful common outdoor area with a fire pit, swings and seating. There is also a common area with a large living room that has a microwave. I can't stop singing praises about this place! Sacred Sands absolutely rocked it!

This review is the official notice of my resignation from the (dis)honorary title of "Dirt Bag…read moreClimber". Moonlight Mesa Retreats currently offers two different homes for rent in Joshua Tree. This review is for the "Rio House". The house is in the Monument Manor sub-division uphill from HW 62, only a half mile from the entrance to the park. From the outside the house is pretty non-descript. It sits on a five acre lot and has a fenced in backyard. Inside the house you will be stoked by the following features: *Three huge bedrooms, we're still not sure which room is the "master bedroom". One room has a Queen size sleigh bed w/ feather cover and a patio to the backyard. One has the bookcase, and stereo, and wide screen HD TV, and sofa. Upstairs is the (master?) with it's own bathroom, and craftmatic vibrating bed! *New kitchen with black granite counter top, ss gas range, convection toaster oven, dishwasher etc. All- Clad (copper core!) cook wear, lots of stem wear and assorted dishes. *Dogs welcome *Super quiet, and close to the park. For five nights it cost $900.

Book early because all of the houses fill up fast. I was in a rush to book so I chose Quail…read moreCrossing. Looking back, it seems like Sunset Terrace or Rio House might have been a better choice for us. Quail Crossing is described on Moonlight Mesa's website as their "most secluded rental" so I expected some major seclusion but there were quite a few neighbors within a short distance. I suppose it's like saying I am the tallest of the three Asian girls but it still doesn't necessarily mean I'm tall. Get it? Unfortunately, the weather was not very good the two nights we were there. We were only able to enjoy the beautiful outdoor space the first afternoon when we arrived. After that, it rained and was ridiculously windy. When the rain finally cleared up, it was 40 degrees outside so we spent the majority of the weekend indoors. Parts of the house reminded me a little too much of Ikea. However, I do have to say that the house was very well equipped. It had all the condiments and spices you need for cooking, tons of toys for kids, lots of DVDs for entertainment, and all the miscellaneous items you don't realize you need until you do like extra paper to make shopping lists, tape, and even a martini shaker. Each of the bathrooms had hair dryers and flat irons and although you had to bring your own shampoo and conditioner, they provided body wash. Also, Christa was very easy to work with and responsive by email. I would recommend Moonlight Mesa Retreats to anyone looking for a reliable, comfortable, and clean rental in Joshua Tree.

If you are looking for the ultimate relaxing retreat to get away from it all, Villa dei Fiori is an…read moreabsolute must! I have stayed in many vacation rentals in Colorado, Lake Arrowhead, San Diego, Barcelona and Madrid (just to name a few). But this Villa by far exceeds them all - I had the opportunity to stay twice - in Fall as well as Summer and I will certainly return. The Home: There are three bedrooms - each uniquely decorated with nice views. The home is air conditioned and very comfortable even in the hotter months. If you like to cook while on vacation, you will not be disappointed with the quality of the utensils and cookware in this kitchen. The knives are really nice and very sharp, there are utensils of every kind and the cookware is very extensive - not to mention a very nice collection of spices. If you love attention to detail, you will love this beautiful home and it's history. It is a space of eclectic beauty boasting gorgeous interiors, art work and a book collection like no other that allow for hours of reading enjoyment. There are so many beautiful details in this home, it would be impossible to name them all. The Property: The property itself is astounding. If you are looking for a true Joshua Tree experience of breath taking rock formation views, you need not even leave the property as there is plenty of day hiking just outside the doors of this amazing home. The property has a gorgeous completely gated pool as well as a spa and both are very secure. The peacefulness while laying by this pool is therapeutic. I have never experienced such tranquility watching hawks sore high above the rock formations set against crystal clear blue skies. Roaming the property is such a delight as there are acres of land and adventures to explore as you search for the hidden rock cave. Along the way you will find meticulously manicured landscaping of beautiful trees, native shrubs and elaborate rose gardens. It is very secluded and free from noises of the city which is especially nice if you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the rat race. I can not say enough nice things about Villa dei Fiori including the owner Dale who is such a delight and has wonderful stories of the home and the lovely surroundings. The pride and love he has for his home is very evident in all the details. I have stayed in other properties in Joshua Tree. This by far exceeds them all. Once you stay once, this will be your hidden get away gem forever. Shout out to Dale the owner: Thank you for providing your lovely home for others to enjoy and your gracious hospitality.

Think Glamping not European Villa…read more With so many glowing reviews on VRBO, I was a bit slack jaw upon arriving at how very un-Villa or 'stunning' this house actually is - It is a shack placed in heaven. My 3 stars here are based on my expectations created by the owner's VRBO and Website description. If you suspect it's going to be worn around the edges like everything else in the desert, you will not be disappointed. I believed what I read. So here I am with an honest review and photos. This house sits on an amazing lot right up against the Butt Crack boulders that Joshua Tree is famous for. You will be met by Dale, the guy in the photos and a very nice and caring man if not a 'little' OCD. He will take you on a 45 minute tour of the house. He will ask which of your party will be the 'light monitor' and he's serious. He will ask who will be doing the dishes because 'it's best to have the same person put them away if they are the one that took them out' - but don't worry if you forget because every cabinet has a photograph of the placement for the well worn pots, silverware, dishes, etc all put away like a surgery tray and you are to keep it that way. The unattractive cramped kitchen is also the main entrance foyer pass through. Dale texted us during our stay about things he forgot to tell us during our orientation, like it's windy cover the jacuzzi, close the doors, watch the snakes. Super helpful of course.. Meanwhile, grumpy neighbor requires that you do not make noise on the west side of the house. Which is where the pool and caves are. So at 4pm Dale fretted over my 6 year old who was laughing while exploring the caves. "he's not listening to what I said" Inside, furniture is pushed in a row against the walls like a house party (or funeral). Oddly, there are only 2 lounge chairs located in the front yard a few feet from the quiet street. But no loungers near the pool nor the drop dead gorgeous rear yard. No hammock. No cushy sofa. Nothing for horizontal chilling out, although we grabbed a pad and laid on the awesome boulders like sunning lizards. Pool impossibly freezing. Jacuzzi great. The only bathroom is tiny and gloomy 'be careful what you flush or you will be charged if we have to call the plumber'. The sheets are older and soaked in fabric softener, there are no extra sets of sheets or blankets. No throws. Pillows are dead. If you like nice bedding, bring them. The scratchy, polyester floral coverlets smell like your old Aunt Martha in Florida. Dale needs to hit Home Goods big time. There are french doors but only 1 window in the entire house that opens (master), so at night when the critters come out or during the frequent winds, you are to 'be sure to close all the doors'. No fresh nighttime air to lull you. The house is in a bowl geographically so no view of the sunset, but climbing makes it worth it. Stay here for the yard, which is so amazing and wonderful you'll be tempted to ignore the house. But I had to write this poopyhead review so others can manage their expectations.

We had the most amazing stay at Retro Ranchito in Palm Springs! We were really looking forward to…read moresome downtime in a beautiful, quiet place, and this home went far beyond our expectations. The house was absolutely amazing, and every little detail made our stay so special. From the gorgeous landscaping and relaxing hammock to the pool and the private outdoor shower, there was so much to enjoy. The kids especially had an absolute blast in the pool -- they spent hours swimming, playing, and having the best time. It was honestly wonderful to see them having so much fun and enjoying the space so freely. A huge thank you to Leafe for being such a wonderful host and for all her amazing recommendations. She made our Palm Springs experience even better! We absolutely loved every day we spent at Retro Ranchito and would happily come back here the next time we visit Palm Springs. We can't wait!

We absolutely loved our stay at this wonderful, tranquil home in the desert. What a peaceful,…read moreserene place, we even enjoyed the yoga studio! And the views from the enormous windows were amazing! We saw the most incredible sunsets, sometimes while relaxing in the hot tub. Far enough out to feel completely checked out and secluded, but close enough to civilization in case you needed any creature comforts. Can't wait to go back.

The following review is for the Luna Mesa House:…read more From the outside, this place looks like a run-of-the-mill desert bungalow. The inside, however, resembles an IKEA show room, albeit much more sparsely decorated and functional. Here are the features that we liked: + Pet friendly + Hot tub (already warmed up for us upon arrival) + TV, DVD player, iPod docking station + Free WiFi + Hammock + Well provisioned kitchen (so you don't have to eat out) + Lots of books, DVDs, and games + Sofa that folds out into a second bed + Close to Joshua Tree National Park Here's what we disliked about the place: - A tad pricey ($200 a night) - No closet to hang your clothes - It's located off a bumpy dirt road Overall, the Luna Mesa House is a really nice vacation rental.

This review is for the Villa Rocosa house…read more We stayed at Villa Rocosa for 5 days and it wasn't enough! I never thought I would love the desert, so we planned a short getaway. We ended up loving the place and Joshua Tree park, so we stayed longer. Villa Rocosa seems the perfect size for a weekend escape for two. The layout is very open - a bar separates the kitchen from the living room which doubles as bedroom with a Murphy bed - and the living room wall is built into a formation of rocks that bring the outside in. It gives you a sense of being in the Mojave (with the comfort of a Swamp cooler!) There is a small TV and a selection of movies on DVD, although you'll probably want to spend your time watching the small animals outside (like the curious Greater Roadrunner who came within a few feet of my wife as she was sunbathing...) And there is free WiFi, so you can post all your pics of Joshua Tree in the evening after your hikes :) The small refrigerator was roomy enough to stock food for the entire time we were there (we only ate out once - at Royal Siam... decent Thai food). There are grocery stores, a Walmart, etc. and Gas/Convenience stores nearby. The entrance to Joshua Tree National Park is just a few miles up the road, so it is very convenient for any hiking or off-road trips you might want to do. The dirt road leading to the house is definitely rocky/bumpy at certain points. In our Jeep it was nothing, but if you have a smaller car, you'll probably feel it. The house and the area are very quiet... and the stars at night, amazing! This is definitely a great spot for getting away from it all. We took advantage and did some songwriting. But regardless of what you want to do, it's definitely a quiet little place to get away and relax. Over all, a very good experience. We like it so much, we've already booked our next trip to discover the Sky House! (...and hit the dusty Joshua Tree trails we couldn't get to this last trip).

This cabin is clean and fully equipped with modern amenities to make every guest comfortable -…read morestove with oven, refrigerator, Kuerrig coffee machine, pots and pans, spices, TV and a DVD player with a diverse collection of DVDs tapes!! However, the character of this cabin lies with a mini-"museum" of the owner's amazing vintage collection: from a couple of rustic cars, colorful neon signs (two of which a can be lit during the evening for a breath-taking backdrop while star-gazing or doing your evening BBQ), decade old posters, antique furniture and two vintage trailers: it is like stepping back to another era! Beside the cabin is a small cottage whose walls are adorned with bottles of different hues that glow from the outside: what fine craftsmanship! In the backyard, there is a small dish plate with pet food, so you'll be amused to see wild birds and hares sharing the pellets. The place has glorious views of the mountains and the desert! Overall, the place is a feast for photographers and art lovers: a fusion of modern and vintage comforts, plus it is secluded enough for those who wanted to experience the serenity of the desert. The owner is professional, accommodating and courteous.

"No man needs a vacation so much as the man who has just had one"…read more.. Once you visit Bungalow in the Boulders this quote will have meaning for you too. It's the kind of place you don't want to leave. And when you do leave - you're quick to plan your return! Imagine if you will, a place that transports you back to a time when life was simple. Traveling was about good clean fun. Bungalow in the Boulders is THAT kind of place. Don't get me wrong - it has all the amenities that life has to offer. Great bathrooms, a wonderful kitchen.. and even something you won't need: A TV. Believe me, you won't crave modern entertainment when you let your imagination soar at this place. From vintage cars, to mid-century trailers and neon signs from eras past... Your curiosity and childlike wonder will take over. You'll find yourself saying things like "How DID they do that?" as you stare at the beautiful maze of bottles that make up a private little cottage... Just a stone's throw from the main house. Bungalow in the Boulders is filled with wonderment for kids of all ages.... Making it the perfect place for families, friends or couples just looking for a private getaway. This might be one of the few times in my life where it wasn't about the journey, but the destination!

I wish I could have stayed for a week loved everything about it, gardens , hot tub, the viewread more

Always a bridesmaid, not yet the bride…read more The landscape is magical. Tranquil. Heaven. Danielle was a most pleasant and patient host. I'll always love the desert. I think it's where I belong. My sister and brother in law made the best decision to make it official here.

It was great the we went on a Monday in the middle of summer. Almost had the place to ourselves…read more Loved it! Great massage and body scrub too! Scenery is always a delight

Wow, such a great house with wonderful view on mountains. Very cozy, lots of rooms, huge kitchen!…read more I loved it all, but the best part is when you are at the hot tub with mineral water while watching the sky full of stars. My friends were very happy too. We had an amazing time! Thank you!

Warning! Do not stay here! Stayed here last week April 2022…read moreand found dirty laundry and empty crumpled beer cans under my bed! The bathroom ceiling light was full of dead bugs so when you looked up while showering you saw a disgusting unkempt bathroom. The outside furniture was old and dilapidated to the point where the inside foam was showing , all the cushions had the fabric ripped. This place is filthy with junk laying all around the outside yard. It is a totally mess. All the photos of the place have been taken back in 2012 and since then the entire place has deteriorated. The photos are false advertising and do not at all represent where you will stay. I addressed these things with the owner Lori but she has ignored all my emails. This place is bad news.

My husband and I were just married here last 11/05/22 and Lori's place is nothing short of magical…read more I stumbled upon her place about a year before my husband proposed and as soon as he popped the question, I knew EXACTLY where I wanted to get married. We are huge campers and we wanted to treat our guests to a rustic, glamping experience in the desert. Lori and her homes are absolutely AMAZING! She shows such warm hospitality and she went above and beyond to make sure our special day was perfect! It's also amazing that her properties are all dog friendly. It was so important for us to make sure our pups were included and she made all that possible. The homes are fenced and gated so my pups had a blast running around in their own private dog park! Even more incredible is that Lori herself doggy sat our pups the evening of our wedding so we could really let loose at our reception. She has many dogs herself so I knew they were in good hands!! The flexibility she offered with check-in/check-out, meeting with our vendors and even shuttling a few of our guests staying at the far end of Thunderbird, I'm forever grateful for all the time and dedication put into our wedding. One thing for others to keep in mind if they plan to book an event with Lori is that she's pretty much a one-woman show. Have patience when trying to get in touch. The majestic beauty of the landscape around makes it all worth it. Lori, thank you so much for sharing your homes with us and making our wedding dreams come true. We're forever grateful and look forward to visiting again in the future! For any couples looking to get married here in the future, I used the following vendors: Day-of Coordinator - AF Braggins Party Rental - High Desert Party Rental Porta Potty - Burrtec Caterer - World Famous Tacos Bartender - Shaken Not Stirred (Rob Neighbors) Cake - Fine Art Cookies DJ - Desert Vibe Events Hair/Makeup - Beauty by Ally D. Officiant - A Touch of Elegance (Lucy Felix)