If you want a chance to commune with nature and have a respite from the hurly burly world, then the Villa dei Fiori is just the beautiful oasis in which to relax thoroughly. This Villa which is in the high desert about 30 miles above Palm Springs (as the crow flies) and about 50 miles by roadway, lives up to its name with its surfeit of roses, wisteria and even an imposing Joshua Tree that the owner has "adopted". We found the accomodations very tastefully decorated in an elegant style with much attention to detail and incredible selection of books for anyone who would like to browse.
We enjoyed the many special patio areas just outside the french doors to sit and have breakfast or to look for falling stars and meteor showers. Once at the villa there is no need to drive anywhere and the house and pool are wheelchair accessible.
The beautiful oval pool is just the thing to cool off and enjoy story-telling, beverages and cocktails amid the rocks and flowers. I had a great hike up thru the "valley of the moon" that is on the extensive property that is directly adjacent to the Joshua Tree National Monument. If you did leave the property during your stay a trip through this national park or a trip to Palm Springs are wonderful diversions.
We also made a flashlight-lit trek to the quite near "hidden cave" for a campfire and a quite unique experience. The owner, a former Hollywood set designer, has done extensivethe landscaping to create privacy. There is a beautiful array with of, lavender, firethorns, cypress, palms, palo verde, wisteria and yucca trees. This is a unique place for a getaway, a wedding or a relaxing commune with the nature of the high desert of California. The accomodations are a bit pricey, but I believe that one could negotiate a senior price discount.
