The Desert Hideout

For a taste of desert living without going completely off-grid, this studio hits the sweet spot. You're close enough to Joshua Tree Village and the national park to explore easily, but there's plenty here to keep you happily on site. The interiors have that unmistakable mid-century feel, with glass walls opening the room up to views of the trees and your own semi-private patio. Then there's the communal pool, hot tub, fire pit and barbecue area, plus a retreat centre offering activities and a vegetarian cafe for when you're not in the mood to cook.

Home truths:
* Your host operates several homes here, so the exact view, layout and furnishings might differ slightly from the photos. However, the overall quality should remain the same.
* The pool, barbecue grills, and outdoor spaces are shared with guests across all suites on the campus, so you'll be mixing with fellow travellers rather than having them to yourselves. You'll also have access to the on-site retreat centre and vegetarian cafe.
* The shared hot tub is heated during the winter months, but it's not heated in the summer.
* There isn't a TV inside the studio, making it ideal for guests who truly want to switch off.
* You'll need a car here, as the home is surrounded by unpaved desert roads with a few ruts – though four-wheel-drive isn't required.
* Cell service in the desert is patchy and varies by provider – we recommend enabling wi-fi calling or downloading a VoIP app before you leave home.
* The lead guest must be at least 21 years old.