The Best — and Most Stylish — Airbnbs in Joshua Tree
The interior of Cabin Cabin Cabin. All photos courtesy of Airbnb.
Looking for a High Desert escape? Your hotel points are no good here. Book a one-of-a-kind cabin, ranch, Airstream, or tented camp. Almanac of Style founder Ruby Nichols picks nine super stylish Joshua Tree retreats for you and your pals.
JOSHUA TREE, California – Coachella makes the desert come alive. If you're like me (read: not in your teens), the mere thought of crashing on the floor with five other people after a massive night of partying sounds like a nightmare. Besides, you now have the cash flow to reserve your own bed. Congrats!
Imagine waking up to a clean place with sparkling natural light, hot coffee, and architecture that emphasizes the epic views. That's what these dream vacation rentals have in common.
Rosa Muerta
Hands-down one of the sexiest venues I've ever seen. Punk rocker-turned-studio artist-turned-architect Robert Stone describes it as "black to the bone." The one-bedroom retreat has one roof and walls that don't fully enclose the space, creating fluidity between indoor and outdoor elements. You'll be pleased to find all the modern luxuries you could want under that roof: a spa, fire pit, barbecue grill, kitchen, bathroom, outdoor shower, and bed. This is glamping at its finest.
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Acido Dorado
Acido Dorado is Robert Stone's foil to Rosa Muerta. Larger and brighter, the space is all white and metallic gold with reflective surfaces everywhere, including the ceilings. (Porn may come to mind, but is that a bad thing?) You'll find all the same luxury amenities and fluid indoor/outdoor spaces. In fact, the house can be opened up entirely to enjoy the outdoors in all its glory. Bonuses are a stereo system and indoor reflecting pool.
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Geodesic Dome House
I'm sure I had you at "geodesic dome." This beauty sits on more than 2.5 acres with 360 degree views of majestic mountains, valleys, and vistas from every window. The newly remodeled home was inspired by Bucky Fuller and designed to create, inspire, and relax. Size is another plus, as this four-bed, four-bath stunner sleeps up to eight guests.
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Cabin Cabin Cabin
Kathrin and Brian Smirke did it again. You may know them as creators of the other amazing geodesic dome in the desert. This time they created a modern boho cabin in Joshua Tree village inspired by the original homestead cabins of the desert. Every nook of this place oozes charm and character, like the outdoor clawfoot tub. The one-bedroom space is perfect for a small family, sleeping up to four.
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The Casey Jones House
Uniquely stunning architecture makes this one of the most memorable homes I've stayed in. Originally built by a shipbuilder, the ceilings maintain the wooden arches that give the historic site a futuristic vibe. An outdoor shower and floor-to-ceiling views of the desert landscape complete the experience. Perfect for a couple's getaway.
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Lazy Sky Retreat
For a more authentic glamping experience, you can choose to stay in a yurt, a teepee, or a cute little trailer at Lazy Sky. This mini community shares a small outdoor kitchen and bathroom with an outdoor shower. You'll break bread with other travelers while you're here, which is part of the appeal.
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Photo courtesy of Rimrock Ranch.
Rimrock Ranch
Originally built as a weekend retreat for actors Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, this 11-acre ranch in Pioneertown now serves as lodging and a venue for weddings and shoots. There are four types of to accommodations choose from: the main Hatch House, the Lodge, four original 1940s cabins, or an Airstream camper. Renters also enjoy use of the entire grounds.
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The Joshua Tree House + Casita
Sometimes love stories end with some fabulous real estate. Sara and Rich Combs bought their first Joshua Tree property a year after a fateful night's stay in the desert on a cross-country road trip. The two designers clearly collaborate well with two wildly popular rental properties under their belts — the Joshua Tree House (a 1949 hacienda) and the Casita (a two-bedroom home built in 1958). The modern boho design vibes allow guests to stay in the present as much as possible.
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Flamingo Rocks House
Hot tub stargazing is definitely a thing in the desert, but how about the stargazing you can do from this indoor tub? The affordable two-bed, two-bath spa-like retreat will make you never want to leave home.
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Spirit Wind Joshua Tree
An architectural oasis, this spacious three-bedroom property has high ceilings, a hammock circle, an "opium den," and all the views. If you don't need quite that much space, opt to stay in the guest house, Beavertail Loft. The artistic vibe includes a hot tub, a hanging chair, and rad mural by Xio Design Studio.
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This post has been reprinted with permission from Almanac of Style.