Master Bathroom…

In the Master Bath brand new tiles greet you, each made from small pebbles and smoothed to a glisten like a welcoming, mountain creek. Other tiles decorate the base with paw prints of native Josh wildlife–bobcat, coyote, mule deer and more—each lining the deep, inviting tub and open shower area. So much fun to suds on the newly, non-skid tiles unencumbered by curtains or doors! Simply enjoy the breathtaking landscape of the ever-changing scenery outside the window within reach of your serene soak and scrub.

New cabinets, new floors and doors, a new sheen about everything…

Many of you offered some great suggestions and we listened. So now all cabinets are equipped with easy-to-open handles. All wood surfaces outside and in have been newly painted and refinished with a rich, new stain matching the vibrant energy of the desert surroundings. The look continues on the deck and the outside benches and chairs on every level of JTO. Even the floors have a new sparkle and finish like never before.

Fully equipped kitchen…

You bring the food, we provide all the extras. From Mr. Coffee, to some of your favorite spices, teas, espressos, hot chocolate, as well as dishes, cutlery, pots, pans, and more. It’s all here. At JTO you know that the joy begins where yesterday left off , starting the very moment you enter this luxurious hideaway. We know what you desire to enjoy peace, pampering, sustenance, comfort, sensuality, delight and beauty. It’s right here.

So, to the answer, “What’s new at the Oasis?” we have to say that JTO is as gorgeous as ever. We’ve just made it even more desirable to enjoy everything about it. Welcome home.

Cara Wilson-Granat

“We are having a marvelous time at your lovely house in this utterly
amazing, spectacular environment.  Today with the few drops of rain came
the most beautiful skies, all the rocks so sharply etched, incredible
clouds, simply breathtaking.  Late this afternoon some movement caught our
eye outside the bedroom window.  Two bobcats!!  One stood on the top of
the rock, surveyed the scene as though he owned the place, ambled down, as
the other one came up and slowly knocked something off the rock, looked
around for several minutes, then walked over to the deck where she sat on
the hot tub cover for a while and then made her way down into the rocks.
We were, needless to say, ecstatic.  We saw lots of birds, a few lizards,
heard quite a few coyotes, and yesterday, on the Barker Dam trail, saw a
rattlesnake.  We will leave here reluctantly!  Thank you so much for
creating this peaceful, inspiring environment from which we can so deeply
appreciate the beauty surrounding us.

Again, thank you so much.  We feel so fortunate to have discovered Joshua
Tree Oasis.

Warmly,
Barbara”

Dear JTO,

When we return to a place we’ve been to before we always keep our fingers crossed, hoping that the property has been maintained as nicely as we remember. JTO only seemed better than ever! Your house. The landscaping.  The setting.  All amazingly gorgeous and artful.

Needless to say, my husband John and I had a fabulous time at JTO. Our first stay 2 years ago, I took photos but did more hiking and no drawing.  This time I drew. I wanted to share with you what I came up with….

Attached is a detailed narrative from Urban Sketchers featuring the artisty of Marcia Milner-Brage, created at Joshua Tree Oasis…

An Iowa lowlander visits the Mojave High Desert of Joshua Tree, California: Part III

Junk and making creative use of junk seem part of High Desert culture around Joshua Tree, California, where my husband and I spent a week earlier in March. At the vacation rental house, a rusted out Chevy pickup, permanently marooned in the driveway, served as a firewood bin. Our initial days were cool, but finally warmed so drawing outside was comfortable.

Often when doing a watercolor, I first sketch with a warm grey Faber-Castell PITT artist pen, which is permanent Indian ink.

Rusted Out Chevy scanned once home.

A cactus garden, using cattle troughs and old red oil drums, was along the driveway-facing side of the house.

So much fun to get messy with my Neocolor crayons!

My last drawing before leaving Joshua Tree Oasis was in the guestbook. A quick ink sketch–a view from inside with cactus close to the house, rocks in the mid-distance, and mountains beyond.

Good-bye to the desert.

Paintings by Marcia Milner-Barge   http://www.flickr.com/photos/marciamilner-brage/

There’s so much going on in one of the most gorgeous desert venues in the Palms—from Fashion Week and the Coachella Music Festival to the Humana Challenge Golf Tournament and the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, to top plays and legendary actors, musicals, cabaret theatre, symphonies, jazz concert series, on and on. Check it out here at: www.palm-desert.org/events

You could plan your entire desert vacation seeing and savoring it all and either before or after your favorite Palm desert events, factor in the one and only hideaway that’s easily becoming the most popular magical resort of all. Joshua Tree Oasis. Here is where you can easily go au natural in a world of natural beauty and sumptuous luxury surrounded by everything from bobcats to a bubbling Jacuzzi and the kind of privacy and peace that can only be found just an hour’s drive from Palm desert. Think of it—wildflower festivals, horseback riding, a food and wine festival at the Palms—and then a nearby Oasis of unparallel beauty and elegant escape at the Josh—where you can sunbathe, horseback ride, mountain climb or simply melt into a bubbling Jacuzzi under a billion stars dazzling above your head at night.

Life is truly meant to be savored. Have desert first!

Words From Cara

The other is the best-kept Joshua Tree Vacation Rental Retreat, waiting to fill your senses with all kinds of natural wonders and soothing backyard beauty.

Check out:

Palm Springs contributes to the Getty Foundation’s “Pacific Standard Time: Art in L.A., 1945-1980” initiative with this examination of photographic artistry and Southern California’s pool culture from 1945 to 1982. Influential photographers explore the connection of the aqua oasis with postwar architectural and landscape design, suburban privacy, family fun, escape, subcultures, and Hollywood glamour.

Check into:

A vacation experience for incurable romantics, anniversary celebrants, best friends, families, artists, writers, poets, musicians, and everyone who ever needed to tune-out all essence of civilization in exchange for complete regeneration of the spirit.   Joshua Tree Oasis is an unprecedented vacation experience..

There’s definitely more to the desert than meets the (discerning) eye!

Cara Wilson-Granat