We found the Joshua Tree rental everyone wants to book

Joshua Tree has long been a classic weekend getaway for Southern Californians — and you’d think, given its popularity, it’d be full of trendy hotels. Those who have spent time here, however, know that is not true. While luxury lodging abounds in Palm Springs, about an hour away, overnight lodging in this patch of woods has long been limited to camping and home rentals, except for a very small handful. of roadside motels and the ultra weird Hicksville. In fact, it wasn’t until March 2022 that the first multi-location, Instagram-enabled hotel brand came to town, in the form of Motorhome Joshua Tree.

While the options linked above are worth checking out, the vast majority of people who come to Joshua Tree, myself included, seek seclusion – or at least not be above their neighbors. What’s the point of escaping into the expanse of the desert if you can’t spread out a bit? Forgoing a tent usually means sifting through rental home listings. Pros: There are a lot of them. Disadvantage: there is many, and it can be hard to tell if the photos tell the whole story. A solid new option is booking with Foxden Hospitality, which curates and manages a tight collection of the best and most unique homes in the desert. From there, if you’re looking for Joshua Tree’s newest, most luxurious, and amenity-rich rental, there’s only one destination left on your list: Joshua Tree Country Club.

THE HOUSE

Joshua Tree Country Club (JTCC) is not your average rental. Here, the level of design, attention to detail, and high-end finishes are more in line with what you’ll find in an aesthetically-minded hotel, like those at Proper or Ace. Building on its country club theme, the whimsical yet refined interiors feature colorful, custom paint jobs and wallpaper topped with a mix of vintage sports equipment, black-and-white desert landscapes and photographs of Slim. Aarons. All in all, the money and attention spent to make it something special is evident.

The only indoor common space in the house is a large room with high ceilings and an incredible view of the desert. It houses two sitting areas (one with a large TV) and a spacious fully equipped kitchen with a 12ft marble island on which to cook, dine and prepare cocktails. Next to the great room you will find a half bathroom decorated with old sports trophies, as well as three elegant and spacious en-suite bedrooms – the pool suite with king bed, the tennis suite with king bed and the suite croquet with two queen beds. In the bathrooms, and to further illustrate the house’s attention to detail, upon arrival you will find that the end of each toilet paper roll has been folded into a triangle and secured with a sticker bearing the name and the JTCC logo (the soap containers in the showers are also all JTCC branded). Also note: This house has a secret room that guests are invited to discover. And while it looks like the start of every Airbnb-inspired horror movie, know that it’s a thoughtful addition that only enhances the playful spirit of the house.

Overall, it’s hard to find fault with the JTCC, but for some visitors the room format may not be ideal. For example, if you want to maximize the house’s eight-person capacity, four people will need to share the Croquet Suite’s two double beds — or if three couples are staying, you’ll need to determine which ones will have the king-bedded rooms. On the other hand, it may work for some groups of friends or two couples traveling with children. You should also be aware that the JTCC is located along a main road leading into the national park, but quite far from it. This makes it easier to access the park, but makes the house less private than other, more hidden options. Luckily you will only be exposed to passing cars in the distance when using the tennis court and putting green in front of the house, whereas you will never know the road is there from the back yard and pool area.

APPROVALS

While Joshua Tree Country Club may not be Joshua Tree’s most private home, it makes up for it with a wealth of amenities. Above all, JTCC is the only rental in Joshua Tree with a private tennis court – and it’s a beautiful course, with incredible views and lines for pickleball, too. Next to the tennis court you will find a three-hole putting green to work on your short game. At the back of the house is a tournament-sized croquet lawn, because why not? All of the sports equipment—paddles, racquets, putters, balls, croquet gear, and a custom JTCC-branded cornhole set—can be found in the in-house Pro Shop, a remodeled and outfitted garage as stylishly as the inside the house.

Where you’ll spend the most time, however, is in and around the 40-foot pool, which comes complete with a large hot tub and Baja shelf with built-in umbrella stands. (Good to know: Heating the pool has an additional cost of $180 per day, which is probably unnecessary in the summer months but highly recommended in the winter months). Flanking the pool are plenty of lounge chairs, a massive daybed with two side-by-side queen mattresses, and a lounge area with an easy-to-use gas fireplace. There is also a large shaded outdoor dining area with an adjacent grill for outdoor dining.

Speaking of meals, if you don’t feel like cooking, Foxden Hospitality can arrange for a private chef to prepare meals throughout your stay or for just one meal. The staff can also arrange add-ons such as tennis lessons, a session with a personal astronomy guide, and wellness services such as massages and sound baths.

THE AREA

If you’re looking to explore the Joshua Tree landscape, JTCC couldn’t be more conveniently located. A 30 second walk from the front gate and directly behind the JTCC property is the entrance to Coyote Hole, an unmarked and little known trail leading to ancient Native American petroglyphs. A minute drive or short walk down the dirt road from the house will take you to the entrance of the Desert View Conservation Area. This hidden gem offers over 600 acres of protected land similar to the national park, but without the entrance fee, and is a known spot for mountain biking and hiking without the crowds. But since nothing beats visiting this national park, the west entrance to Joshua Tree National Park is a five-minute drive from the JTCC.

For less outdoor pursuits, a three-minute drive from JTCC puts you in the heart of downtown Joshua Tree. There’s not much here, but the popular Joshua Tree Saloon is worth a visit, as are any local shops that catch your eye. For more, drive 15 minutes into Yucca Valley and check out Frontier Cafe; the neatly curated Hoof & Horn for clothes, gifts and other bric-a-brac and the surrounding antique shops for something quirky to bring home. From there, continue five minutes on the road (it is the most beautiful road in the region) until Pappy and Harriet, the legendary bar, restaurant and concert hall. During your stay, be sure to take a stroll through the Old West-style movie set, where a few noteworthy shops and Instagram photos await.

RESERVATION

Rates per night at Joshua Tree Country Club vary widely. Although prices are subject to change, clicking on Foxden’s booking calendar I found weekday night rates for $926 per night and weekend rates ranging from $1,600 to over 2 $000 per night, depending on time of year. There’s also a two-night minimum, plus a cleaning fee and resort fee when you book through Airbnb (booking direct through Foxden seems to be cheaper). Yes, it is undoubtedly expensive, but rest assured that the cost is worth the value provided and is not entirely out of reach when split among a group of friends.
If JTCC doesn’t match your price, your vibe, your group size, or you just don’t need the amenities of a country club to make you happy, consider some of the other Foxden managed properties. , as the more private and perennial favourite. Skyhouse or wild theme desert doghouse.