Desert sanctuary at the crossroads of two iconic landscapes
Set on more than 200 secluded acres where the Mojave National Preserve meets Joshua Tree National Park, Folly Mojave offers a rare kind of luxury: space, silence, and a night sky unspoiled by city lights. Born of founder Hillary Flur’s vision and crafted by architect Malek Alqadi, the property is a self-sustaining retreat that leans into sparse, high-end comfort rather than ostentation. With solar power and thoughtful water systems, this is a place where luxury has a sense of responsibility—and a generous helping of star-filled alchemy after dark.
A design conversation rooted in ancient principles
Alqadi’s contemporary interpretation nods to Middle Eastern archaeological sites near his Jordanian roots. He describes Folly Mojave as a bridge between ancient architectural wisdom and modern technology—an approach that informs materials, scale, and the way light, heat, and wind are choreographed within the spaces. The result is architecture that feels reverent, resilient, and surprisingly intimate for four two-storey suites plus a communal pavilion, all designed to weather the desert’s extremes while offering a sanctuary for healing and restoration.
Four elemental suites: a minimalist yet luxurious residency
The second Folly portfolio entry centers on four two-storey suites—each named after an element: water, wind, fire, and stone. Inside, guests find two king-sized beds (one on each level, the upstairs bed opening to an outdoor perspective), an inviting outdoor terrace, and a fireplace framed by sweeping desert views. A “Stargazing Portal” invites celestial watching, turning the bedroom experience into a nightly ritual. Some suites extend the luxury with a private heated plunge pool or an outdoor bathtub, all positioned to maximize the drama of the landscape while preserving intimate privacy.
Shared spaces and self-sustaining comfort
Beyond the personal retreats, Folly Mojave offers a central pavilion that serves as a spa-like hub. Guests can enjoy spa treatments, a heated pool, a sauna or steam room, cold plunges, and outdoor showers. A retractable canopy shades a lounge area with beds and a concrete bar, while a private dining zone serves All-American fare over the fire. The on-site water system taps a well, with a greywater loop recycling used water to irrigate the grounds—an eco-conscious detail that keeps the landscape healthy without heavy infrastructure.
The human touch in a high-desert setting
Even in a landscape built for solitude, Folly Mojave leans into hospitality. The on-site concierge team is ready to design bespoke itineraries and tailor a stay to guests’ rhythms. Whether you’re seeking guided nature walks on the property’s trails or a self-guided journey with locally sourced grazing and coffee delivered to your suite, no request is too small. It’s a retreat that prioritizes rest—quiet mornings, clear skies, and a nightly return to a bed that invites deep sleep after long, awe-filled days in the desert.
Is this luxury or a lifestyle redefinition?
Luxury at Folly Mojave is less about gilded surfaces and more about what lies beyond them: the absence of noise, the weight of a star-streaked sky, and the discipline of sustainable comfort. The experience invites reflection on what it means to live well in a place where the land is both the patron and the guest. Rates start at around US$1,100 per night, a reminder that true exclusivity in this setting is measured by space, quiet, and the restorative power of nature as much as by service or design flourish.
