Summary:
The 14 suites comprising The Bungalows are situated on the historic Joshua Tree Retreat Center campus, surrounded by serenity and endless views of Joshua Trees but with the convenience of being just a mile away from The Village and National Park. The Bungalows are newly renovated in a manner that honors their midcentury architectural heritage, while providing the comforts of modern living. The Bungalows offer generous communal outdoor space and access to the Retreat Center pool.
The Space:
Each room, while connected to one building, has its own entrance and semi-private patio with seating.
This is an 18+-only property.
Rated one of Michelin Guide's Top Hotels worldwide for 2023
"The only way a hotel makes the cut is by having extraordinary style, service, and personality. It must be a jewel of its community, and it must never, ever be boring.” - Lucy Lieberman, International Director of MICHELIN Guide Hotels
"Since debuting in 2010, Homestead Modern has earned a reputation as the leader in offering the High Desert’s most chic remote accommodations ...Now the company is expanding to offer a hotel-style destination, firmly cementing its foothold in desert hospitality.” - C Magazine
On the edge of Joshua Tree National Park, where a forest of wild paloverde trees meets towering granite boulders, the Joshua Tree Retreat Center welcomes the first traditional premium hospitality offering in the area. The 14 suites, now known as The Bungalows, were designed and constructed in 1960 by the architect Harold Zook as accommodations for the site’s on-campus teachers. Located in the northwest corner of the center’s more than 130 acres of desert, The Bungalows still feature their original wood exteriors, while the interiors seem sun-bleached, with earthy jute and sea grass rugs, woven cane-backed chairs, and intricate millwork to evoke a bare-sand feel.
The spaces were redeveloped by the hospitality company Homestead Modern and restored in collaboration with the consulting designer Brad Dunning; as a nod to the work of the Swiss architect Albert Frey, the rooms are accented with yellow textiles the color of Encelia flowers, a hue popularized by Frey in his modernist structures in nearby Palm Springs.
Floor-to-ceiling glass panels and sleek concrete floors blend with expansive outdoor patios and the views beyond. During a stay, guests can cook in their kitchen, on the site’s communal grills or dine at the retreat center’s vegetarian cafe.
HOMESTEAD MODERN & SELF CHECK-IN:
Guests of The Bungalows enjoy the same level of hospitality as those of Homestead Modern’s properties in the High Desert. With simple design changes and integration of technology, we strive to reduce unnecessary contact with your environment, reduce congestion points, enhance cleaning protocols, and offer our guests a low-touch experience with high guest service. We utilize an intelligent lock for each Bungalow that creates a unique code for each guest, allowing a self check-in process.
There is no front desk, though our local support team is available from 9am-9 pm daily via phone, text, or email, and we also have managers on site from about 10 - 6pm daily, usually.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE:
Through our partnership with Public Goods, guests of The Bungalows will find a refrigerator and pantry stocked with healthy and sustainable snacks and drinks upon arrival. These items are available for purchase (added to your bill at check-out).
We have premium suites and doubles available as well, found on Airbnb and our website.
ALL ROOMS INCLUDE:
►Parachute Premium Linens & Towels
►Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress
►House of Hiatus Bathrobes
►Walk-in showers w/ Malin & Getz Body Products
►Kitchen with Refrigerator, Microwave, Stove, Dishware, Silverware & Local Ceramics
►French Press w/ Local Coffee In Each Room + Creamer + Sugar
►Salt, Pepper & Cooking Oil Provided
►Curated Offerings of Books, Games & Art
►Mid-Stay Housekeeping Available (additional fee)
►Access to Retreat Center campus and classes (when available/additional cost)
►Swimming Pool & Hot Tub, w/ Pool Towels Provided
►Air Conditioning, Heaters & High-Speed Internet
►Communal Overlook
►Iron, Ironing Board & Hairdryer
►On-Site Parking and EV Chargers Available
►High-speed internet (200Mbs+)
►The Bungalows Do Not Include TVs.
Accessible (ADA) Bungalow Highlights:
*380 square feet
*Sleeps Two Adults in one king-size bed
*Dining Table
*Patio w/ Seating Options
*Bluetooth Speaker
*Electric Stove Top
*Wheelchair-accessible bathroom w/ grab bars in the bathtub
*Hand-held shower heads
Guest Access:
The Retreat Center campus is available for all our guests, though they often host events that require our assistance in maintaining a peaceful, quiet environment. Classes & spaces available to guests of The Bungalows will vary based on their programming schedule and require additional fees.
The Neighborhood:
Outside of Joshua Tree Village, this area is secluded but offers easy access to the quirky, eclectic, and vibrant collection of unique High Desert shops, restaurants, and music venues. When you’re ready to explore, Joshua Tree National Park’s West Entrance is an 8-minute drive away.
You can find great eats, drinks, shops, and things to do. Here are a few recommendations:
• Start your day at Joshua Tree Coffee Co., known for its famed coffee made from locally roasted beans
• Marvel at the handiwork at the World Famous Crochet Museum
• Pick up some lunch or a souvenir from the Joshua Tree Certified Farmers' Market
• Find your next favorite read at Space Cowboy Books
• Perhaps close your day with the food, drinks, and music offered at the rustic Joshua Tree Saloon
Up for a day trip? Don’t miss these area highlights - they’re worth the drive.
• Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum (9-minute drive) - As far from a stuffy gallery as you can imagine, this outdoor sculpture garden contains a unique collection of folk-art.
• Pioneertown (20-minute drive) - Put on your ten-gallon hat and stroll down Mane Street of this Wild West-inspired town, also known for Pappy & Harriet’s, a notable restaurant and venue.
• The Integratron (20-minute drive) - New age-y healing destination with a sound bath, originally designed by ufologist George Van Tassel with the goal of reversing the aging process.
• Palm Springs (40-minute drive) - Artsy town known for vintage shopping, art galleries, and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
• Mt. San Jacinto State Park (90-minute drive) - Expansive, hilly landscape with foot and horseback trails surrounding 10,834-foot Mount San Jacinto.
Of course, let’s not forget about the essentials. Everything you need is within a short walk or drive:
• Closest supermarket: Vons (9-minute drive)
• Closest liquor store: Mike's Liquor (8-minute walk)
• Closest pharmacy: Star Pharmacy (2-minute drive)
• Closest bank: U.S. Bank (8-minute drive)
• Closest gas station: 76 (1-minute drive)
Getting Around:
Many roads in the high desert are dirt, so please take it slow. While a car is required to get around, a four wheel drive car is not, but note that roads will often have ruts, particularly after a rain.
Other Things to Note:
• EVENTS & COMMERCIAL PHOTOSHOOTS: Are not permitted without prior approval, applicable permit and additional fees.
• DOGS: There is a one-time fee of $100 (per stay, per pet) for TWO dogs up to 40 lbs in weight. We appreciate your cooperation, as the Bungalows are equipped to accommodate only two small to medium dogs.
• MID-STAY CLEANS: Mid-stay cleans are complimentary for anyone staying with us for seven days or more. If you would like a mid-stay clean, our team is happy to coordinate at a cost of $60 per clean.
• RETREAT CENTER CAMPUS: There are a variety of classes, workshops and activities hosted by our partners at The Joshua Tree Retreat Center. Please check their website for their most updated schedule and fees. We are not responsible for the programming, pool, cafe nor any part of the retreat center campus outside of The Bungalows, though we are lucky to be neighbors to it all and always excited to help our guests interface with this historic campus. We ask our guests to please be respectful of any private or silent retreats they encounter during their stay.
• ROAD CONDITIONS: Many roads are dirt, so please take it slow. A four wheel drive car is not required, but note that roads will often have ruts, particularly after a rain
• HOSTED BY HOMESTEAD MODERN
Interaction with Guests:
Our property manager, Homestead Modern, is local and has staff available from 9 am-9 pm.
