The Bungalows at Retreat by Homestead Modern - Adults Only

The Bungalows at Retreat by Homestead Modern are nothing if not unique. This retreat is situated a few minutes’ drive from the national park, on the grounds of the Joshua Tree Retreat Center, home to the Mentalphysics Spiritual Teaching and Retreat Center, as well as the largest known collection of buildings by the architect Lloyd Wright, son of Frank Lloyd Wright.

The Bungalows themselves are a series of very impressively restored midcentury buildings by Harold Zook, another highly regarded mid-century Modernist architect. How impressively restored? To put it as kindly as possible: if you’ve arrived at a building that seems to be showing its age, you’re at the Retreat Center, not the Bungalows.

And while the 14 rooms, studios, and suites share three structures, each one feels like a freestanding mid-century home, complete with full-length windows that stretch from the concrete floors to the post-and-beam ceilings. They also come with kitchenettes or full kitchens, plus a pantry that can be stocked with groceries and coffee. There’s communal outdoor space, including fire pits and grills, and each unit has its own private patio with a far-ranging view of the austere landscape. (Guests also have access to the Retreat Center’s swimming pool, hot pool, and meditation areas.)

Given the residential concept, it’s perhaps no surprise that a hotel restaurant is not among the offerings. The surrounding area is home to several fine options, however, from breakfast or lunch at the Retreat Center’s own vegetarian café to barbecue and beer at Pappy & Harriet’s in nearby Pioneertown.