Desert Dreaming: 5 Design Getaways Across the American Southwest

Spending your summer stateside? Lucky you. Do it in style at any of these five design-forward desert retreats.

With its vast openness and desolate beauty, there’s an undeniable allure to the desert landscape that inspires contemplation and encourages introspection. Little wonder so many of us are drawn to seek solitude and get off-grid here — where impossibly big skies frame such rugged, otherworldly landscapes. Even better when you can spend a weekend or longer doing so in a thoughtfully conceived hotel that feels grounded in the splendor of its surroundings. From a hot spring oasis on the edge of Coachella Valley in California to a modernist casita retreat near Big Bend National Park in West Texas, here, we’re showing off five design-forward escapes across the American West to dream about for your next desert getaway.

A minimalist masterpiece near the Mexican Border

Willow House | Terlingua, West Texas

Uninterrupted views of the Chisos Mountains and Chihuahuan Desert inspired founder Lauren Werner to create this stunning design hotel outside of Big Bend National Park. Modeled after a traditional Texas ranch and taking cues from Georgia O’Keefe’s historic New Mexico home, each of the 12 casitas are decorated with art, vintage treasures and furniture sourced and styled by Werner herself. Socialize with fellow guests in a number of communal spaces at the main house or while cozying up around the fire pit. 

See and do: Spanning 8,000 acres of wild terrain, Big Bend National Park lends itself to off-roading, hiking and exploring on horseback. Nearby, Terlingua Ghost Town and Boquillas Hot Springs are worth a nose but soaking up the scenery and stargazing at Willow House is time well spent too.

A glamping experience at Amangiri

Camp Sarika | Kane County, Utah

The sister resort to ultra-luxe hideaway Amangiri opened last summer and has single-handedly redefined the back-to-the-wild glamping experience. Camp Sarika, whose name is derived from the Sanskrit word for ‘open space,’ features ten opulent tented pavilions whose terraces and pools afford the ultimate in privacy and a feeling of complete seclusion. Carve out time for a Navajo ritual inspired spa treatment and soaking up some rays beside the Insta-worthy swimming pool and sun deck at this coveted desert escape. 

See and do:  While the canyon landscape is perfectly suited for more adventurous activities like guided hikes and rock-climbing, yoga and meditation classes, plus telescopes for night-sky gazing are also offered. Nearby national monuments include the Navajo Nation Reserve and Zion National Park.

A five-suite posada beside Saguaro National Park

Posada by the Joshua Tree House | Tucson, Arizona

Expect to see plenty of sunsets and native wildlife at this dreamy retreat in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert. Natural materials like Saltillo tile floors, handwoven rugs and leather couches honor the landscape and feature throughout each of the suites, which can be booked individually or together for private groups. Surrounded by towering saguaro, prickly pear and desert flora, the beautifully reimagined adobe inn sits on a 38-acre property bordering the Saguaro National Park, making it an ideal back to nature escape.

See and do: Spend afternoons beside the canyon pool and evenings under the stars. Join a meditation session in the yoga room or movie night in the shared lounge; for sightseeing and regional Sonoran-influenced cuisine, downtown Tucson is a 30-minute drive. 

An off-grid holiday home near Joshua Tree

Casa Mami | Pioneertown, California

Part eco-vacation residence part design showroom, the furnishings and décor in this oh so tastefully finished Pueblo-style home are available to buy should you fall in love with pieces during your stay. Set on five acres outside the former Western movie set turned unincorporated community of Pioneertown, the aesthetic leans Scandi-chic meets Japan with plenty of vintage inspiration. Two double bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and lounge make it an ideal weekend bolthole for couples or friend groups.

See and do: In addition to nearby Joshua Tree National Park and its charming blink-and-you-miss-it downtown, famed live music venue and barbecue joint Pappy and Harriet’s and hip high desert restaurant, La Copine, are just minutes away by car.

A wellness retreat with Mount San Jacinto views

Two Bunch Palms | Desert Hot Springs, California

The 600-year-old mineral-rich waters at this desert oasis have soothed souls since the 1930s when it first opened as a private resort. Today, its 67 guest rooms incorporate contemporary touches and handmade elements like vintage tiles and Ipe wood detailing. The Capone Master Suite (named after the gangster who it’s rumored once owned the property) and Studio Suites feature private teak and concrete soaking tubs, although nothing beats watching the moonrise above the date palms while floating in the grotto.

See and do: For pool hopping and shopping, Palm Springs is just down the road, but for the ultimate transformative escape, stay within the grounds and take one of many classes on offer, which span yoga and Pilates to sage cleansing and angel card readings, between soaks.