Tranquil Desert Retreat . Short walk to hot springs & close to Joshua Tree!
Guest rating: 4.9 / 5
Overview
Tranquil Desert Retreat is a private vacation home in Desert Hot Springs, California, permitted as a short-term rental (Permit # VR20-0019) for up to 6 guests. Set in the foothills near Joshua Tree National Park, the house is decorated with panoramic desert mountain views in mind, including artwork by artist Michael Parkes. It offers a quiet, residential alternative to a traditional hotel, with the town's geothermal hot springs as its centerpiece draw.
Rooms & Layout
The home has three bedrooms outfitted with feather duvets, high-quality linens, and Barefoot Dreams blankets and robes, plus two full bathrooms stocked with extra towels and dedicated make-up washcloths. An additional air mattress is available on-site for extra sleeping capacity beyond the three bedrooms. Keyless Schlage locks and a smart garage door opener are built into the check-in process.
Amenities
The fully equipped kitchen includes an oven, stove, and microwave, and the home also has a washer, ironing board, cable TV, and free Wi-Fi, along with air conditioning and heating for desert temperature swings. Outdoor living centers on a patio with zero-gravity chairs for sunset viewing, and there's an indoor fireplace for cooler evenings. Free parking is provided on-site, and the property is smoke-free.
Location & Surroundings
The retreat sits within easy walking distance of hot springs and is close to several bus stations (from roughly 211m to 866m away), making local transit accessible without a car. Nearby dining options include Azure Palm Café just 350m away, plus a cluster of Mexican restaurants and other eateries within 1.5 to 2.3 kilometers. Palm Springs is a short 10-15 minute drive away, and Joshua Tree National Park is roughly 30-40 minutes by car, with Palm Springs International Airport about 14km away.
Wellness & Recreation
Desert Hot Springs is known for its geothermal aquifer, and the property is described as just a couple of blocks from Two Bunch Palms and The Springs, two well-regarded local spas, with a soaking partnership arrangement mentioned at Nurturing Nest. Guests can also explore Coachella Valley attractions such as golf courses, casinos, the Palm Springs Tram, The Living Desert, and Cabazon outlet shopping, all within driving distance.
Best for
This retreat suits couples, small groups, or families seeking a self-contained desert getaway centered on relaxation and hot springs access, thanks to its walkable proximity to local spas and soaking facilities. It's also a good fit for road-trippers using it as a base to explore Joshua Tree National Park, Palm Springs, and the wider Coachella Valley, given the short drive times cited to each. The full kitchen, washer, and three-bedroom layout make it practical for longer stays or multi-family groups traveling together.
Travel tips
A car is recommended for reaching Joshua Tree National Park (about 30-40 minutes away) and other Coachella Valley towns like Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and Indio, though several bus stations sit within a short walk of the property. Time an evening soak at nearby hot springs with sunset on the patio's zero-gravity chairs, a combination the hosts specifically recommend. Consider stopping at the Integratron on the way to Joshua Tree, and note that Cabazon outlet shopping near Morongo Casino is about 10 miles west if you plan a shopping day.
What guests say
Guests consistently praise the property's location, highlighting easy walking access to nearby spa facilities like Azure Palms and convenient driving distance to Palm Springs, Twentynine Palms, Whitewater, and San Bernardino. Reviewers also mention the scenic desert mountain views and comfortable bedding. Cleanliness and tidiness were specifically noted as strong points. On the minor downside, one reviewer mentioned the living room seating felt limited and suggested a step stool would help getting onto the master suite bed.
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