Notes from the host
High Desert & Lake Retreat On a lake
High Desert and Lake Retreat, a unique destination, adjacent to Anza Borrego Parkland with hundreds of beautiful hiking acres, yet within 5 min. walk to downtown amenities and a hot springs Lake for swimming. Enjoy the interior filled with original art, inspired by the high desert. Tour the Grounds with perceptual sculptures, old RailCars, Meditation tub under stars, the Silent Tower, and a Train Caboose... Only 65 miles from San Diego attractions.
WEEKLY & MONTHLY DISCOUNTS
The space
A great stay for anyone looking for a meditative space. Enjoy fresh mountain air, original High Desert flora and fauna and hiking trails with views into Mexico.
Featuring an expansive living space and a bathroom with a large central bath. Sleeping for up to FOUR (4) GUESTS*, and a complete open kitchen with banquet seating.
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- We love communication!
- NO PARTIES please!
- NO RV Hook Ups available. Hooking an RV into our electricity is a Fire Hazard and a Code Violation.
- Pet Friendly: DOGS OK, NO CATS, NO HORSES. Please only house trained pets, no pets on furniture nor rugs, bring blankets for your pets.
- WEEKLY & MONTHLY DISCOUNTS
- Please don't touch the Art
- Outside Tub is shared with Magic Mountain Warehouse guests
- Keep the Security Door CLOSED AT ALL TIMES to avoid desert critters from coming in
- Please turn out all candles and turn off appliances upon leaving for short or long term
- No Fires outside the communal Fire Cages. KEEP the Fire-Cage Lid CLOSED AT ALL TIMES!
- LEAVE NO TRACE, and please PICK UP after PETS. The high desert environment is highly impacted by dog waste. Please respect our environment.
- ABSOLUTELY NO DRIVING ON THE LAND WITH ANY MOTORIZED VEHICLES. Pedal biking allowed ONLY ON THE BIG ROADS.
- PLEASE ALWAYS KEEP THE MAIN GATE LOCKED.
- Long term guests can reserve house cleaning in advance for a fee. (washer and dryer not available)
You will be greeted by a Greeter, who will briefly acquaint you with the marvelous surroundings: the white pyramid, an old inactive train yard with train cars for viewing and photography only, the silent tower, indigenous sites, caves, and many other attractions right outside your front door.
As you flip your Grill condiments on our installed Park Grill, you will be absorbing an unlimited view from mountain ridge to mountain ridge.
For the ultimate meditation, soak in the rustic tub under the stars for one or two people, built in a sculptural manner designed by artist shaman Q. This tub is located between our two guest houses and is shared to both guest houses.
Walk along solar lights to the Pyramid and experience the high desert wilderness at night, also enjoy sitting around the Fire Pit just behind the house.
A perfect trip for those who desire a get away from busy urban life. This landscape is a known Power Spot, a place emanating clear energy for an energetic boost and a perceptual shift. At night, Star Gazing from the porch is spectacular!
New Addition to High Desert Retreat and the Magic Mountain Warehouse: Just steps away from our site is the only hot spring fed lake in California. In the midst of this high mountainous terrain, is a Lake, fed from amazing mineral spring water. See photos. A $5 donation recommended at the donation box available in Jacumba St.
Visit the Downtown Restaurant and Bar at the Jacumba Hotsprings Hotel
Discover high desert elixirs, herbal tinctures, cold pressed juices, tonics and cocktails, handcrafted in our exotic desert hideaway bar. No reservations required.
Please BRING your favorite GROCERIES with you, especially fruits & vegetables. There is ONLY a small grocery store in town carrying basic items...
In the kitchen you will find: Coffee & Tea varieties. Tap water is ok to drink.
SOME GUESTS DO NOT GET CELL PHONE SIGNAL on our property. Verizon works well. Be sure to coordinate your arrival with our manager before arriving on the property. Or, prepare written directions in advance. Once you hook into the Wifi you can use Wifi calling.
Jacumba Hot Springs is a natural Power Spot. Vision quests have been conducted on our Grounds since the Pyramid builders time coming from the Valley of Mexico into the mystic mountains of Jacumba. The land holds many stone markers indicating ceremonial activities. To hike this land with the intention of receiving information to help with your daily life. We intend this land as a "Dreamscape" landscape.
LivArt: Within the history of contemporary art, various movements have arisen, and are represented by the style of the artists. We have the following categories in art: portraiture, landscape, color field, pop, super realism, and performance art. All of these forms of art have traditionally been exhibited in galleries and museums.
There are vacation stays, and there are museum stays. We offer the latter with a large exhibit space of spiritual art. It is our intent that every visitor encounters at least one piece of art, that remains in their heart. LivArt invites a person to dream with the art in a prolonged living situation. Through staying within our environments for a few days, both day and night, the experience transcends an exhibition. Every person is allowed to interact with the art at their own pace, but more importantly, to be absorbed by the experience. LivArt is art that momentarily becomes your own life.
REVIEWS from other Sites::
Adam July 22
This place is magical. It's like a spiritual retreat, spa, and museum in one - but, besides that, there is extremely strong energy on this land. I'm really, really grateful that Q & Twila have opened up their beautiful property for others to have the pleasure of experiencing and enjoying.
Santi July 22
This was our second stay and was even better the second time around!! My soul is instantly quieted and rejuvenated at the High Desert Retreat. The access to the hot springs fed lake is divine. If you are a lover of soaking in nature, book this place.... the lake, outdoor tub, and indoor tub too are all amazing! The property is such a special place and truly a work of art:)
Chelsea June 22
Q and Twila's place was amazing! It was so wonderful to be back after coming to the property years ago for the Telemagica music festival. The art both around the property and in the house is awesome, and the Pyramid, hiking in the surrounding desert, and the hot springs lake were major highlights too - and the giant tub in the house! We'll have to try the outdoor tub next time we visit. The house itself was extremely clean, comfortable, and a very relaxing and inspiring space. Great communication both by Q and Twila and the property manager who met us on the property, and lots of clear signage around the house to help you figure the space out and give you clear checkout protocols. We loved it, and will definitely return!!
Jim June 22
We had a wonderful weekend away at Q and Twila's place. First off it was very clean!! We were very comfortable in the house. It was spacious and the AC worked great. As mentioned previously, everywhere you looked had an interesting piece of art to see and think about. The property was also very well maintained and obviously cared for. It is just as described and pictured and a very unique experience! Robert, the caretaker was friendly and helpful. The hosts were gracious and had lots of interesting information to share. Will be back and recommend to friends!!
We also went to a nearby white sage farm which is worth a visit.
Fabrianne May 22
This is our third time and it’s even better now that the lake has been restored. There are communal use kayaks, as well as a hot springs shower to sit in. And it’s only a 3-minute walk. This site is one of our favorite getaway spots. The quiet solitude and spiritual energy of the high desert is really special, and Q & Twila’s space has everything you need. Next time I’ll have to remember measuring cups (if needed for a specific recipe) and a water filter. Their tap is safe to drink but not the best tasting. Otherwise, there was nothing we were missing. Everyone loves it here. Bring art supplies as you’ll likely feel inspired like we always do!
Cami May 22
This is the real deal - property plus spiritual experiences included. We will be back and Back. Thank you sooo much!!💜👁🧡
Beth may 22
On our second stay, we gained new appreciation. The physical setting is amazing in itself. Beautiful hiking all around. Short walk to amazingly restored spring fed pond, now inviting swimming and kayaking. Back on the grounds of the Institute of Perception, the art of Kirk Roberts makes for a special experience. His uninhibited, visceral imagery of nature and the border between the real and imagined or dreamed world speak volumes and inspire thought and creativity. This is a unique and special place. Q & Twila, thank you for sharing. I hope you continue to do so and thrive as the town experiences a revitalization. Beth & TC
Annika April 22
High Desert Retreat is incredible. So many AirBnBs look great in photos but are underwhelming or soulless in person This is the opposite. It exceeded my expectations. The house is a gem - filled with tons of beautiful art, interesting books, unique design and furniture details, a luxurious soaking tub, large, well-equipped kitchen, comfy bed, all in a magical setting. It's the perfect place to get away for the weekend. There is so much to look at and explore, both in the house and on the property. I don't have enough good things to say. Just book it. You won't regret it.
Lisa March 22
We came home today and my whole family (including our dog) were so sad. The High Desert Retreat is a magical place in every way. The home is even more stunning than we expected and we loved the art. My daughter attempted to count the pieces and we all decided to each choose a favorite but it was so hard. The beds were so comfortable, the bathtub was to die for, and the grounds were magical
Hosted by JQ and Twila Foresees