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A visit to Joshua Tree National Park has long been on my must-do list, and I was particularly interested in getting that quintessential desert stay experience. Scanning Joshua Tree listings, I saw everything from stargazing domes and Airstreams to tiny A-frame homes, repurposed shipping containers, and luxury modern villas. I was looking for something that felt like home, though—a secluded desert pad that would satisfy my desire to relax and connect with nature while ticking the boxes of my eco-friendly criteria.
Located a 15-minute drive from the east entrance of the National Park, the listing for Arro Dunes, an Airbnb in Twentynine Palms, spoke to me thanks to the exquisite detail the host used to describe the property—painting a vivid picture of what I could expect from my stay. I was lured in by its vast acreage, 360-degree mountain views, and design that promised an “oasis for slow, intentional living,” with a strong focus on natural and environmentally-conscious materials. A bit of a splurge for just my partner and me (the spacious two-bedroom, one-bath rental would be an ideal shared accommodation for two couples or a small family), but we wanted to treat ourselves to a memorable stay.
I knew Arro Dunes was going to be something special, and pulling up along the dirt road and seeing the property peacefully ensconced in a bed of wild desert flora, it did not disappoint. Sitting on 10 unfenced acres once home to the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe, the grounds of this renovated 1950s homestead are purposefully undisturbed, preserving the natural landscape upon which the home sits. As an urban city dweller perpetually exposed to noise pollution, I was immediately struck by the silence; nothing could be heard but the sounds of a gentle breeze tickling the leaves and rhythmic birdsong. While the listing is transparent about the types of desert fauna you may expect to see (think: coyotes, snakes, scorpions, and even mountain lions), I was relieved that we crossed paths with little more than lizards, bats, and roadrunners.
Walking through the front door was like stepping into a glossy home design magazine: a blend of thoughtfully procured antiques and treasures, modern luxuries, and a Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic. Every corner was meticulously curated to enhance the home’s neutral palette set against the backdrop of velvety golden desert hues. Desert foliage such as dried cacti, tree branches, and tumbleweeds served as decorative accents to reinforce the home’s natural feel.
Sustainable design sits at the heart of this property, with natural fiber and eco-friendly textiles, and an extensive use of bio-based, low-impact building materials, designed with the health of guests and the planet in mind. After a quick tour, I headed to the vinyl collection to set the tone while we unpacked; a Johnny Cash album seemed appropriate. You almost don’t want to make yourself too at home, because the space is just that perfect.
Opportunities to ‘desert bathe’ are plentiful—with a 10-foot cowboy stock tank pool built into the 100-square-foot deck, and a 100 percent energy-free wood-burning cedar hot tub that requires a bit of work to prepare, but is well worth the reward. We took full advantage of all of the outdoor amenities, enjoying our meals alfresco, stargazing by the fire, and even indulging in some playful competition at the primitive-style bocce ball and horseshoe court.
The property’s proximity to the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Combat Center, however, did catch us relatively unawares, with military drills within ear (and eye) shot. While the sounds of distant explosives and helicopter flybys were a stark contrast to the otherwise peaceful serenity, we found they made for some interesting memories that made the experience that much more unique.
Arro Dunes left us wowed with what the property had to offer. It delivered the quiet repose we needed and the desert experience we hoped for, and we left with a full heart, a nurtured soul, and wonderful memories.
