There's something special about desert light, and this captivating Joshua Tree retreat is the perfect place to observe it. The sunsets glint off the vintage Airstream caravan in the garden, all visible from the outdoor Jacuzzi or cooling cowboy tub. It's clear as soon as you arrive that your hosts, Cherish and Ramon, have put a lot of effort into the interiors of the home, and they've bestowed it with a certain rustic desert charm that's hard to pinpoint. Of course, it doesn't hurt that you can step directly out onto the deck in the cool of the morning and watch the desert critters scurrying around before they're forced to retreat from the heat of the day. If you want to head off for the day, the west entrance to Joshua Tree National Park is only two miles away, your gateway to almost 800,000 acres of mystic desert.

Home truths:
* The home is out of the town, so if you’re buying groceries, you might want to stock up
* You'll need a vehicle to explore the area – just make sure it's got enough clearance for the dirt roads – there's free on-site parking
* There’s an Airstream caravan on-site – it’s uninhabited and should only be used for exterior photography
* Two sofas in the living room can be converted into beds
* Convenient self check-in
* Child-friendly amenities such as a cot and socket covers are available upon request
* Feel free to make use of the e-bikes