[Desert Willow] + cleaning, taxes, and additional guest fees during checkout

California, United States

Guest rating: 5.0 / 5

Overview

Desert Willow is a standalone two-bedroom, two-bathroom house set on the 20-acre Wonder Willow Hot Springs property in Wonder Valley, California, less than 20 minutes from the east entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. The house is one of several private homes on the land, each fed by the same on-site geothermal mineral hot springs. It offers a large open living room, dining room, and kitchen, with a private granite soaking tub filled with mineral-rich hot springs water and a back deck for stargazing.

Rooms & Layout

Both bedrooms have queen beds, and a daybed in the living room can accommodate one additional guest. Large windows throughout bring in natural light, and the home is equipped with heating and air conditioning. There are no TVs or cable, and decor and linens are organic, sustainably sourced, vegan, and cruelty-free, with a tie-dye finish used to refresh stained textiles in an eco-conscious way.

Kitchen & Practicalities

The kitchen comes stocked with pots, pans, and utensils for cooking and serving, though it lacks a microwave, toaster, blender, or spices, so guests are encouraged to bring groceries given the limited nearby dining and grocery options. Wifi is available and described as the best in the area, though slower than in towns or cities; cell service is reliable. Because the property runs entirely off the water grid on hot springs water, guests may occasionally experience an hour or two of low water pressure affecting the bathroom, kitchen, or tub.

Location & Surroundings

Wonder Valley Hot Springs sits in a remote desert setting roughly 15-20 km from a cluster of restaurants including Kitchen in the Desert, Castañeda's Mexican Food, Desert Indian Flame, and Pho Nuts 29, and about 39 km from JT Country Kitchen and the Joshua Tree Saloon. Palm Springs International Airport is roughly 68 km away. A car is required to reach the property and get around, and self-check-in is offered with hosts available nearby to help.

Best for

Desert Willow suits couples, small families, or groups of up to five seeking a quiet, off-grid retreat near Joshua Tree National Park, with its private mineral hot springs tub and remote setting appealing to travelers wanting stargazing and restorative soaking over city amenities. It also works well for pet owners, since the property is pet-friendly (with a $40 per pet, per night fee), and for travelers comfortable self-catering given the limited nearby dining options.

Travel tips

A car is essential, as the property is remote and self-check-in is used, with hosts available nearby if help is needed. Bring groceries and any needed spices or small appliances, since the kitchen lacks a microwave, toaster, and blender, and nearby restaurant and grocery options are limited and 15+ km away. Expect slower wifi than in towns, reliable cell service, and occasional brief drops in water pressure due to the off-grid hot springs water system.

What guests say

With a 4.96 rating from 481 reviews, guest feedback for Desert Willow is overwhelmingly positive. Recurring themes likely center on the peaceful, remote desert setting, the appeal of the private mineral hot springs soaking tub, and the property's proximity to Joshua Tree National Park. The eco-conscious, distinctly decorated house and quiet, off-grid atmosphere appear to be standout draws, while occasional notes about limited nearby dining, slower rural wifi, or brief water pressure fluctuations reflect the tradeoffs of its remote location.

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