Desert Alchemy, a secluded cluster of modern containers in Joshua Tree, offers 5-star luxury and endless views of the high desert. With private bedrooms and bathrooms in separate containers, complete privacy is ensured for couples or groups of friends. Enjoy an indoor/outdoor experience with large glass panel doors that open to almost 9 acres of land featuring ample seating areas, a propane BBQ and prep space as well as one cool ping pong table.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 656 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
Outdoor space
Add dates for prices
About this property
Hotel Reset prototype. 9 secluded acres.Art Gallery.Dark Skies.Hot tub. Aliens.
The Portal at Joshua Tree isn’t your typical container home and unlike any other vacation property. It’s the perfect stay for the modern nomad, whether you’re stopping through on a California road trip, working remotely or on a romantic weekend away, you’re not going to want to leave. It’s 5 star luxury that melds seamlessly into its rugged high desert landscape. The Portal has been featured in articles about architecture, design and DIY because of its famous architect/builder, Ben Uyeda. In Spring of 2025 Ben opened up the first hotel in the High Desert in 15 years and The Portal is where it all began. You can see this container build on his world famous YouTube channel “Home Made Modern.”
This secluded cluster of fully built out shipping containers sits perched up on its own little mini hill with amazing hikes leading up to your personal magical hilltop overlooking much of Joshua Tree, including the National Park. Each container, with carefully curated colors and textures boasts endless views of the high desert. It also has all new and top of the line Mitsubishi mini split AC/ heating, Haier stainless steel refrigerator, stove and microwave and a brand new tankless water heater. The bedrooms and bathrooms in separate containers offer couples or groups of friends complete privacy.
The Portal is perfect for guests who relish a truly indoor/outdoor experience and appreciate modern design. The large glass panel doors open completely, bringing almost 9 acres to play, work, create or simply relax by the fire pit directly to your doorstep. The outdoor area has ample seating areas, a new propane BBQ and prep space as well as one of the coolest ping pong tables around. Have a drink and soak up the sun in the cowboy tubs - there’s 2 6’ tubs so there’s plenty of room for everyone. Soak up the moonlight next to the propane fire pit, super easy to shut on and off. The Jacuzzi J335 hot tub is the perfect way to melt the stress away, and perfect for stargazing. **Please do note that the cowboy tubs will be closed October- March but depends on weather and drought status.
Stay up late or book during the New Moon for the best views of the endless blanket of stars above.
Although The Portal is isolated, downtown Joshua Tree is a mere 15 minutes away and the West Park Entrance is only 30 minutes away.
Because our house doesn’t really fit into all the boxes on here, below is a better description of the property. It consists of 3 containers in a little cluster over 8 acres.
Container 1 “The Studio”: sleeps 2, has a full bathroom, full kitchen, dining room/living room. It’s the center of the action.
Container 2 “The Guest House”sleeps 2 and has full bathroom including a bathtub. Views are amazing. Has a back door so guests in that space can come and go without disturbing anyone. The third container is private and not included in the rental. The Portal sits on nearly 9 acres of ruggedly beautiful desert landscape to explore including our very own trail up to the hilltop where you can see views of the park. We have provided multiple seating arrangements to enjoy the outdoors to eat, chill, and stargaze.
Other things to note Dogs: We love them! Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes and coyotes though! Do not leave them at the property unattended but also please don't take them out with you in excessive temperatures. Note that there are very few places in the park that dogs are allowed.
As us about: Reiki Private Sound bath Personal tarot readings and tarot parties Personal photo shoots/portrait sessions in the park or on the property
Property amenities
Beach
Beach towels
Pool/Spa
Hot tub
Massage
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car available
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Electric kettle
Hob
Lobster/crab pot
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Chef service
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Entertainment
Books
Games
Smart TV
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Laundry
Laundromat nearby
Work spaces
Desk
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
2 pets total
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Gravel flooring in public areas
Hardwood flooring in public areas
No lift (single-level property)
Single level property
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Housekeeping on request
Iron/ironing board
Meal delivery service
Location highlights
In a rural location
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Things to do
Table tennis
Birdwatching nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Rock climbing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Lock the doors and return the keys
We apologize that our tiny construction doesn’t allow space for a dishwasher so please wash and dry used dishes.
Make sure hot tub lid is secured with strap with clips.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
NO HUNTING/FIREARMS
No smoking/fires
Guest count on reservation must match the total guests on the property.
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses a grey water recycling system
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number CESTRP-2020-01136
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
About the area
Located in Joshua Tree, this holiday home is in a rural area. Joshua Tree National Park and Sand to Snow National Monument reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Hi-Desert Cultural Center and Hi-Desert Nature Museum. Relax and indulge in the area's health/beauty spas, or seek out an adventure with mountain biking, hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby. Visit our Joshua Tree travel guide
Is Hotel Reset prototype. 9 secluded acres.Art Gallery.Dark Skies.Hot tub. Aliens. pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much is parking at Hotel Reset prototype. 9 secluded acres.Art Gallery.Dark Skies.Hot tub. Aliens.?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Hotel Reset prototype. 9 secluded acres.Art Gallery.Dark Skies.Hot tub. Aliens.?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Hotel Reset prototype. 9 secluded acres.Art Gallery.Dark Skies.Hot tub. Aliens.?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Hotel Reset prototype. 9 secluded acres.Art Gallery.Dark Skies.Hot tub. Aliens. located?
Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is within 9 miles (15 km) of Noah Purifoy Foundation, Noah Purifoy's Outdoor sculpture Museum and Joshua Tree Community Center. World Famous Crochet Museum and Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center are also within 9 miles (15 km).
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All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
An amazing stay! Immaculate setting, peaceful and beautiful! So glad we stayed here. We will definitely return. This weekend was wonderful! The hosts were very responsive and kind people. I cannot recommend them enough! Thank you so much for an amazing weekend in Joshua Tree!
Had a peaceful and relaxing weekend with fiancée and our friends. The place is just far out enough to feel secluded and special, while still being super close to downtown and the National Park. Very clean and great communication from host.
Had a wonderful time with my wife and two dogs. The place is isolated… But that’s what we wanted. You’re in the desert wilderness so there is wildlife - coyotes for us but easily shooed away. The property is well maintained, super cool, and has some luxurious components. The property manager is incredibly communicative and super sweet We loved our stay and would absolutely come back again
Property manager was excellent once I got through the VRBO communication desert.
A beautiful, peaceful, and comfortable weekend was experienced in the desert. The 1.5 mile washboard dirt road to the home was a surprise, but doable, part of the container living adventure. The dark sky was worth the trip as well as the sunrises and sunsets without city noise. Yasmeen, the host, was responsive offering a very warm welcome.
My significant other and I had a wonderful time at this property. It was very well kept and had everything you need. The jacuzzi was a great touch in the evening.
Tamarie W.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Guadalupe
28 May 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication