This Is The Perfect Eco-Luxe Stay for Mindful Travelers Headed to the Coachella Valley
Husband and wife Tony and Gaby Aziz recently brought their Heart Core Hotels brand from Hawaii to California with The Yucca, and it’s a stunner. Set in a lovingly remodeled original 1950s-era motel, this boutique pet-friendly property in Desert Hot Springs blends contemporary California and mid-century design with sustainable luxury—from vegan bed linens and bath amenities to its plant-based breakfast. A sanctuary for spending downtime in the desert, the eco-chic stay also features a saltwater mineral swimming pool and spa, petite fitness studio, plus rescue chihuahua Sushi, who serves as the “Chief Marketing Officer” and loves to greet and snuggle with guests.
A Sweet Central Coachella Valley Location
A low-fi destination for health and wellness, Desert Hot Springs might not quite have the movie-star cachet of sister city Palm Springs, but thanks to an aquifer underneath the town, what it does have is warm mineral waters that draw visitors from all over the world looking to soak and unwind. Located on a quiet residential street (with a designated parking space for one car per guest room), whether coming to shop, spa or hike, The Yucca is perfectly positioned for exploring the Coachella Valley and Greater Palm Springs area or attending one of the famous music festivals held here, then coming back to chill.
Drive times range from 26 minutes to Yucca Valley, 30 minutes to the Old West movie set-turned-year-round unincorporated community Pioneertown and 35 minutes to the Joshua Tree National Park main entrance off Highway 62. Downtown Palm Springs is just 20 minutes away, and for Coachella and Stagecoach devotees, it’s about 36 minutes (without traffic) to the Empire Polo Club in Indio.
Rooms and Suites are Insta-Gorgeous
A midcentury Palm Springs meets desert-inspired design aesthetic features across guest rooms at The Yucca—each a little haven of peace and tranquility, especially being an adults-only hotel. From vegan paint and botanical bar soaps by Cathedral City-based brand Desert Supreme, plenty of additional eco-friendly and natural materials have been incorporated too: blond woods, natural fiber throws and fluffy Heart Core Hotel robes by Brooklinen. Beds are dressed in vegan silk sheets by SIJO that feel great against your skin while framed graphic prints of Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley flowers adorn the walls.
Retro Frigidaire bar fridges are stocked with complimentary cans of sparkling water and beer but there’s plenty of space for brought drinks and snacks. Another thoughtful touch for modern travelers are the bedside tables with USB charging ports. In addition to the four poolside rooms, the more private and seriously darling Dragonfly Suite features a full kitchen while two additional rooms inside the main house, including a Writer’s Retreat Suite, will be available to book soon.
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Mountain Views From the Peaceful Grounds
Set within one of Desert Hot Springs’ original midcentury modern hotels, The Yucca still boasts stunning San Jacinto Mountain views. At its heart stands a 60-year-old olive tree, offering guests the chance to pick fresh olives when in season. The mineral water pool and spa steals the spotlight, lined with chic wooden loungers and canvas shade umbrellas. There’s plenty of space to unwind, take a swim, or grab the perfect Instagram-worthy shot between dips. Each poolside room includes a cozy outdoor seating area, ideal for morning coffee or an evening glass of wine.
For fitness lovers, the studio features a Peloton bike, all-in-one home gym, yoga mats, and balance balls. Outside, the “Kind is the New Cool” sign sets the vibe near a fire pit, perfect for toasting s’mores under the stars. Soon, guests can also enjoy a pop-up outdoor cinema, a new addition planned by Gaby and Tony.
Tasty Vegan Eats and Thoughtful Amenities
One of the hardest choices at The Yucca? Deciding where to enjoy breakfast—in-room, on the patio, or floating in the pool. We suggest option No. 3, a Bali-style floating tray, for the ultimate morning indulgence. Dishes are made to order, entirely plant-based, and delicious. Think whole wheat blueberry pancakes, avocado toast, and overnight oats with Coachella Valley dates. Sip coffee from local roaster Chingon in oversized mugs, and don’t forget the mimosas. Guests can also enjoy one-off dinners and events, like a recent Cafe Gratitude pop-up led by LA-based Chef Om.
From arrival to departure, Gaby and Tony are incredible hosts, always ready with welcome drinks and local tips. Need a sun hat? Borrow one from their stylish loaner collection before heading out to explore. If you’re missing your furry friend, Sushi the pup is always around for guest cuddles, whether poolside or in-room.
Each Stay Gives Back to the Community
Spending a few nights at this Desert Hot Springs hotel isn’t just about relaxing in the desert. It’s about giving back too. Committed to making travel accessible, the hotel partners with a local high school through its nonprofit, the Heart Core Fund. Together, they create travel scholarships for kids in Desert Hot Springs, opening doors to new experiences.
Supporting the local community doesn’t stop there. That plant-based breakfast and green detox juice come from organic produce grown nearby. Each week, Temalpakh Farm, a 53-acre estate in Coachella Valley, delivers fresh ingredients for guests to enjoy. This farm is run by the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians. Specializing in small-batch ceramics, artist Ganna Demidova designed plates, bowls, and mugs stamped with “Be Kind” for the hotel. Soon, these eco-friendly ceramics might be available to purchase, along with water bottles and doggy bandanas, at the mini boutique.
The Yucca
66358 Desert View Ave
Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
800.897.1631
Keri Bridgwater is a freelance writer covering travel and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Fodor’s Travel, Marie Claire, Matador Network and InsideHook, among other outlets and publications.
