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Observatory, Game Room, Hot tub, Fire Pit, BBQ, 360° View at Observatory Retreat

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Spa
Relax in the hot tub while enjoying the view.
Exterior
Exterior
Terrace/patio

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8157.9 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Living room

1 Double Futon

Living room

1 Queen Bed

Upstairs game room

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Observatory, Game Room, Hot tub, Fire Pit, BBQ, 360° View at Observatory Retreat

Observatory Retreat is a first-of-a-kind experience that provides exclusive access to a fully-automated high-tech observatory.

The observatory is a weather-dependent nighttime-only amenity.

You’ll also enjoy all of the following:
+ Game room (pool table, skeeball, air hockey, shuffleboard, Pac Man)
+ Hot tub
+ Views of JTNP and mountains
+ Fire pit
+ FAST wifi
+ Outdoor deck
+ 1750 sq ft 3 bed + 2 bath house
+ Fully-gated property

House:
Spacious 3 bed/ 2 bath + game room surrounded by 360° views of majestic desert.

Observatory:
Imagine a retreat where you are in control of your destination in space. Select a celestial object on the computer and the dome and telescope will automatically rotate to give you front row seats to the universe.

Featuring an innovative, futuristic design with custom lighting and sound system, the observatory brings an additional 110 sq. ft of space for your group’s galactic journey through space. This once-in-a-lifetime exclusive experience will bring space to you in a way that has never been done before at a vacation rental.

Note: The observatory is a weather-dependent nighttime-only amenity that requires basic computer knowledge. See weather criteria below.

Access to the observatory is granted from approximately sunset to midnight unless during this time the forecast shows:
• Wind speeds more than 25 mph: No access permitted.
• Wind speeds 15-24 mph, rain or snow, or 100% cloud coverage: Access permitted, but dome power will be disabled remotely (no opening roof). You may still enjoy the ambiance, relax and listen to music.
• Note: Access eligibility based on the forecast at approximately 4 PM.

Observatory Retreat is conveniently located near many activities in the Joshua Tree area:

20 min to Joshua Tree National Park
5 min to Local grocery stores
10 min to Pioneer Town
15 min to Integratron
35 min to Morongo Casino
40 min to Cabazon Outlets
40 min to Palm Springs International Airport

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

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
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
Property Registration Number STVR 66-20

About the area

Yucca Valley

Located in Yucca Valley, this holiday home is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Joshua Tree National Park and Mojave Desert Land Trust, while Hi-Desert Nature Museum and Pioneertown Wild West Theater are cultural highlights.
View more Holiday homes in Yucca ValleyOpens in a new window
Map
Yucca Valley, CA

What's nearby

  • Yucca Valley Community Park - 3 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Hi-Desert Nature Museum - 4 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Desert Christ Park - 5 min drive - 4.5 km
  • California Welcome Center - 6 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Sand to Snow National Monument - 10 min drive - 8.9 km

Getting around

  • Palm Springs Station - 35 min drive
  • Palm Springs, CA (PSP-Palm Springs Intl.) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Steak 'n Shake - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Observatory, Game Room, Hot tub, Fire Pit, BBQ, 360° View at Observatory Retreat pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Observatory, Game Room, Hot tub, Fire Pit, BBQ, 360° View at Observatory Retreat?

As of 29 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Observatory, Game Room, Hot tub, Fire Pit, BBQ, 360° View at Observatory Retreat on 21 May 2026 start from NZ$738, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Observatory, Game Room, Hot tub, Fire Pit, BBQ, 360° View at Observatory Retreat?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Observatory, Game Room, Hot tub, Fire Pit, BBQ, 360° View at Observatory Retreat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Observatory, Game Room, Hot tub, Fire Pit, BBQ, 360° View at Observatory Retreat?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Observatory, Game Room, Hot tub, Fire Pit, BBQ, 360° View at Observatory Retreat located?

This family-friendly Yucca Valley holiday home is located in a rural location, within 3 mi (5 km) of Hi-Desert Nature Museum, Yucca Valley Community Park and California Welcome Center. Desert Christ Park is 3 mi (4.8 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 11 out of 11 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 11 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Aimee H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A one-of-a-kind stay!

We had a wonderful time at Observatory Retreat! I adored the views, my kids adored the games, and everyone loved the observatory. You can really tell a lot of love and effort went into this property. Michelle was great and so helpful throughout our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tori L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet, fun, & beautiful!

We had a great stay here for my birthday. The hosts are super friendly & accommodating, & put love into hosting this spot! The observatory was built beautifully & was a really amazing experience. Great views during the day & quiet neighborhood in a prime area.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Olivia i.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful getaway

My family & I had such a great experience. Such a cute spot and offers many activities, we also appreciated all the labels and instructions. Definitely recommend this rental.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Yiching K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Extraordinary VRBO experience for our family of four. 1. The observatory is very cool and unique . We spent hours there exploring the sky. 2. The hosts, Michelle and Jonathan, are very responsive. We had some technical questions for the observatory and texted them at night. Jonathan called us back and walked us through the details patiently. 3. A clean, neat and functional property with tons of entertainment options available. We had a blast!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashlee G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Incredible Homey Resort Style Home!

We loved everything about our stay from the homey feeling to the hot tub, arcade games, and amazing Observatory!!!! The home is in a great neighborhood and close to Joshua Tree NP. Kitchen is fully stocked so you can make great meals. You would never have to leave to have a good time but can go to the NP if you want! We have travelled the world and this is now our favorite vacation home rental!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Manel B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderfull

The house has plenty of sunlight, sufficient privacy, and the observatory was awesome! We had Steve come and operate it, with a very knowledgeable explanation of different planets, stars, nebula, and gallaxies.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jodie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great for star lovers, young and old!

The weather did not cooperate during our time in Joshua Tree, so we were very thankful to be staying at the Observatory Retreat! There were plenty of indoor activities and games to keep our family occupied. The hot tub was especially enjoyed. Michelle kept a close eye on the forecast and was in contact on our way there to make suggestions on timing to be able to enjoy the observatory. This was a truly unique experience!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steve M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great house with amazing views. The observatory was an awesome experience.

The house is exactly as you see in the pictures and it has everything a family needs. The games and the game room were a big hit with the kids but observatory really grabbed their attention. A truly one of a kind experience. It is a great location and easy to get to Joshua Tree and Pioneertown. Michelle and Jonathan are great hosts and responded right away to any questions we had. Stay here and you will not be disappointed.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anne W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous

We spent two nights for my birthday, and the property owners went out of their way to make it special. It was wonderful to have so many fun ways to entertain ourselves in the evenings. The observatory was amazing and we loved all the games as well. The house was clean and lovely, with terrific views. The beds and other furniture were comfy. Check in & out were flawless and communication was outstanding. I highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donald C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome views

Awesome place. Thank you very much!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leonard C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best of the BEST!!

How many descriptors can I provide?? This is an "EXPERIENCE", not a "rental-by-owner". If you have expectations, set them aside. Our family found that the overall fun & entertainment we had completely erased all other memories of previous vacation rentals. From the pool table, air hockey, and other big game tables downstairs to the smaller games upstairs (especially the nostalgic Galaga, Ms. Pac Man!), everyone was absolutely engaged the entire time. After sunset, the silhouetted view of the hills behind the house and observatory, with the backdrop of stars dotting between the clouds energizing the sky with lightning and thunder gave a welcome twilight smile to us all, while we ventured down the drive to the Observatory. Prepare to be amazed - after watching the instructional video from Johnathon and Michelle, of course! You are in the driver's seat from the moment you enter. All controls and celestial selections are yours to choose. The automation of the telescope and dome will put a sparkle in everyone's eyes, especially the children. Watch the action unfold! When it's time to relax, open up the jacuzzi and feel the magnesium bath your body and muscles in healing heat. Morning time found us cooking a nice breakfast and prepping for a bbq on the deck overlooking the valley below. the deck also has a spectacular view at nighttime, as well. Nearby, are several fun, quaint tourist-y landmarks and adventures - IF you choose to leave. The home was very clean and inviting. Bathrooms were ready for any needs. The kitchen was stocked with the utensils and dishes, amenities, and, even included coffee and hot cocoa! A family would have the best time here. The only, singular disappointment was leaving. ;) Thank you for this Experience!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

About the host

Hosted by Michelle

Host profile image
Hi there! We love the desert and its amazing vibe. Traveling is one of our favorite activities and our three boys love climbing the boulders in our backyard and in Joshua Tree.

Why they chose this property

Observatory Retreat is the only vacation rental *in the world* to provide exclusive access to your own fully automated observatory. In addition, Observatory Retreat provides you with a unique view of the desert as it is perched very high up on the hill. You'll be able to see from Joshua Tree to San Jacinto mountain. Our goal is to make sure you have the best time, whether it is playing games with family, exploring the backyard or watching the sunrise from the deck - you are sure to make some amazing memories!

What makes this property unique

Observatory Retreat is tucked in a rocky hillside amongst other gorgeous homes. You have the advantage of the easy paved roads of a neighborhood with a feeling of seclusion in your sky-high desert retreat.
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