A healing oasis in JOSHUA TREE, CA

Joshua Tree, CA is a place that holds a lot of mystery, beauty and legend. Up until the recent opening of Sacred Sands, a luxury two bedroom (soon to be four) bed and breakfast retreat, there was nowhere to stay and soak up the desert other than your tent or pretty funky accommodations. We did the tent thing a few years ago and woke up to blistering heat with no shade and a hangover. Some of our group has never felt worse due to massive dehydration which occurs in the desert if you're not careful-- and drinking bottles of wine (and maybe a little Wild Turkey- never again!) around a camp fire is a sure fire way to ensure lack of hydration. SO, we had found no reason to return until we read a little write-up in Sunset magazine about the delightful sounding Sacred Sands.

Sacred Sands is a truly unique and healing oasis located on the edge of the Joshua Tree National Park. Owners and managers Scott and Steve, not only helped design the tasteful and luxurious green property, but they actually physically helped build it. They have thought of everything and though they don't push anything, their desire is that their property be a healing experience for all of their guests. Our favorite details are the private outdoor areas outfitted with sunbeds, lanterns, blankets for stargazing, outdoor showers and hot tubs treated with sea salts and tea tree oil in place of chemicals. Sea salts and tea tree oil are natural detoxifiers and our skin was left glowy and soft and we have never been so relaxed. The rooms themselves are impeccably decorated and we loved the Moroccan inspired lantern, four-headed shower and ironed fine linens. Scott and Steve also personally do an energy cleansing of the rooms after each guest.

Sacred Sands was the perfect peaceful home base from which to explore the Joshua Tree National Park which has ample hiking trails. We conquered Barker Dam and Ryan's Mountain which were both easy hikes. The beauty of the Park is staggering. A $15 pass lets you come and go for a week.

Another highlight was The Integratron, a truly unique and obscure healing experience. So obscure that we hadn't heard of it until last week. The Integratron is a "historic Dome located at the intersection of geomagnetic forces in the Mojave Desert. Its mysterious architect intended to use it to rejuvenate the human body. Energy and sound are focused and amplified by the geometry of this one-of-a-kind structure." Hmmm. We were totally unsure of what to expect but willing to give a "Sound Bath" a try-- a healing experience where you lie down in the Dome and quartz crystal bowls are played to balance, relax and bring greater awareness to the body and mind. We have to tell you, it was a lovely experience and we definitely felt calmer -- as if we had had the deepest meditation of our lives. We will go back!

As for dining in Joshua Tree... There are some great lunch spots. We loved the Natural Sisters Cafe. Their eggless tofu sandwich is delicious AND good for you! The date shake from Riccochet is one of the best things we've ever had. Crossroads Cafe is the local "go to" spot. We were ready to go for dinner, but they close at 8pm and the ambiance on a Tuesday was a little lackluster so we tried Bistro 29, a twenty minute drive away in 29 Palms. It is definitely the fanciest option around which is not saying much. We had a perfectly fine dinner, but don't expect culinary greatness. When we return, we're thinking we'll do one night at Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace that is lively, attracts some great bands and serves up some delicious BBQ, and the next night get take out from Crossroads and have a picnic back at Sacred Sands.

That's the thing. We will be back. There is something so sincerely calming and inspiring about the desert, so Steve and Scott, job well done-- we had a healing experience alright!

STAY

Sacred Sands

www.sacredsands.com

63155 Quail Springs RoadJoshua Tree, CA 92252(760) 424-6407