Desert Property Design and the Ultimate Joshua Tree Staycation at Rancho Panoramo

 As a real estate consultant in Joshua Tree, I spend most of my time helping clients bring their desert property dreams to life—through land use guidance, permitting, and everything in between. But recently, I got the rare chance to slow down and actually experience one of those dreams for myself—at a stunning property called Rancho Panoramo.

The home is owned and design built by one of my consulting clients, and I had only seen it once in person during an inspection. After I helped him navigate a tricky real estate process, he was relieved and grateful. During a follow-up call, he casually mentioned, “If you ever want to stay a night out there, let me know.” I didn’t think much of it in the moment—but I tucked it away.

As my birthday approached and I wrapped up our project, that offer popped back into my mind. I reached out and asked if the invitation still stood—and soon, my birthday plans turned into the ultimate desert staycation with some of my favorite women.

Let me tell you: Rancho Panoramo is a dream. Set at the edge of Joshua Tree National Park, it blends modern design with natural beauty in the most effortless way. Native plants wrap around the house like it’s always been part of the landscape. The home features a wood-fired cedar soaking tub, an outdoor pizza oven, a custom sound-insulated movie room, and panoramic views in every direction. It’s a love letter to desert living done right.

For my birthday night, I invited a few girlfriends: Victoria, a wildly talented photographer who captured the night; Nami, who brings grounding joy and contagious laughter; and Sarah, a new friend in town who made us the most delicious fresh lemonade with coconut water and lemons she brought. We kept it simple and special—pizza dough from Luna Sourdough in Yucca Valley, a spread of toppings, and cozy fires to tend as we cooked and connected under the stars.

We laughed. A lot. We soaked in the tub, shared stories, and held space for each other in that effortless way that happens when you're surrounded by nature, good design, and people who feel like home.

The next morning, we sipped coffee slowly as the sun warmed the sky. Then Kim Wexman, a local sound healer, arrived and led us through a private sound meditation in the sound room. Her presence, the resonance of the crystal bowls—it grounded us deeply and sent us back into our routines feeling lighter, clearer, and cared for.

This stay reminded me how vital it is to pause—to gather, to reflect, and to enjoy the spaces we help bring into the world. Whether you’re a local craving a staycation or planning a getaway to the desert, Rancho Panoramo is next-level. It’s professionally managed by The Cohost Company, who made sure everything was seamless from start to finish.

As a real estate consultant, it’s such a full-circle moment to see a project like this come to life—and then get to experience it as a guest.

I highly recommend pulling your friends together and booking your own desert reset here. It’s magic. And sometimes, one night is all it takes to remember who you are.