[Olive Cabin] + cleaning, taxes, and additional guest fees during checkout

California, United States

Guest rating: 4.9 / 5

Olive Cabin is a small, standalone 480 sq ft studio cabin at Wonder Valley Hot Springs in California, positioned as a quiet desert retreat about a 15-minute drive from Joshua Tree National Park. Each home on the roughly 20-acre property has its own private soaking tub; this cabin’s standout feature is a private solid-granite rock tub outdoors, filled from the property’s mineral-rich hot springs water for soaking under the night sky. Inside, the cabin includes a king bed, an indoor bathroom with shower, a front patio, and a kitchen stocked with pots, pans, and utensils for cooking and serving (no microwave, toaster, blender, or spices). The property is smoke-free, pet-friendly (with rules and fees), and does not provide TVs or cable, emphasizing a low-distraction stay. Wi‑Fi is available for a fee and is described as the best available in the area, though slower than typical city speeds; cell service is generally reliable on most carriers. Dining and supplies require driving in this remote area, with restaurants such as Kitchen in the Desert (~15.5 km), grnd sqrl (~16.3 km), and Benny’s Family Restaurant (~15.9 km) among nearby options.

Best for

This cabin is best for couples and solo travelers seeking a secluded Joshua Tree–area base with a distinctive private hot-springs soaking experience (the outdoor granite rock tub is a core draw). It also suits travelers who want a screen-free, quiet retreat and are comfortable being in a remote desert setting where driving is needed for food and park access.

Travel tips

Plan to arrive by car: the entrance is on a dirt road about 0.5 mile from the paved road, and driving is typically required for restaurants, stores, and Joshua Tree National Park (Uber is available but the area is remote). Bring groceries and any cooking extras you rely on, since the kitchen is utensil-equipped but lacks items like a microwave, toaster, blender, and spices, and local grocery options are limited. Because the property is entirely off the water grid, occasional “low-tide” periods can briefly reduce water pressure for the shower, kitchen, and tub.

What guests say

Guests repeatedly highlight the desert setting and night-sky viewing, noting an especially striking stargazing experience. Reviews emphasize that the cabin matches its listing and feels comfortable and clean, with responsive hosts who communicate clearly. The private granite rock tub fed by hot springs water stands out as a memorable feature. On the downside, some guests mention desert critters and the need to be prepared for them, and the property’s off-grid water system can lead to occasional low water pressure periods as described by the hosts.

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