Still Desert

Sinking into a saltwater hot tub framed by boulders while the Milky Way stretches overhead is the kind of thing that makes this Joshua Tree house hard to forget. The desert does the decorating here – native cacti and Joshua trees fill the yard, quail and jackrabbits wander through, and a fire pit lounge sits high enough to take in sweeping valley and mountain views. Inside, exposed timber beams and a Japanese-style tea room keep the mood unhurried. The Friendly Hills Trailhead is a three-minute walk away, and Joshua Tree National Park is an eleven-minute drive.

Home truths:
* The kitchen is best suited to light cooking and simple meals rather than elaborate entertaining, so if you're planning on cooking dinner for a full group of six, it's worth tempering expectations.
* You'll need a car to make the most of your time here – the nearest town and the national park entrance are both a drive away, and there are no walkable shops or restaurants from the home itself.
* The driveway is steep, so take extra care when reversing or turning around. Up to four cars can park on the paved driveway, the dirt area at the top, and the dirt roundabout at the bottom of the hill – and please keep clear of the neighbour's side of the street.