I’m going to keep this post short and sweet, while giving you all the info you came here for. In a word, the trip was AMAZING!!!!
Los Angeles
We flew into LAX, immediately grabbed a burger at IN-N-OUT, rented a car, and headed to the beautiful Silverlake Pool & Inn. Designed by Avi Brush, our 2 night stay was comfortable, pretty, and conveniently located in the Silverlake area. Close to attractions like the Griffith Observatory and cute local restaurants. Quick mentions: Bacari restaurant was incredible, and Tiki Ti Bar was a must do.
Joshua Tree
From the city to the desert. One tip, don’t leave at rush hour, it took us 4 hours to get there when it should have been 2. But the drive was pretty, and Joshua Tree is magical. Props to my friend for finding this RANCH. It was a large property in the little town of Yucca Valley, just outside of The Joshua Tree National Park. I loved it so much I checked Zillow to see if it was for sale. It wasn’t. The sunsets on the property were stunning as expected. 10/10 would rent again.
Saguaro Desert
Our two night stay at the Posada was… hmm I can’t think if a good enough adjective. Breathtaking? Incredible? Just think of a really good word and it was that. Designed and owned by Rich and Sara Combs. There is only 5 rooms, so at most you’ll have around 10 people there. The property has SO MANY chill areas, if you don’t want to be around people, you don’t have to. There is a CANYON pool, river rock hot springs, fire pit, rooftop, dining areas, common kitchen, the list goes on and on. It’s a stunning place, and I thank Rich and Sara for letting me stay and experience the beauty of the Saguaro desert. 20/10 would recommend, and will be booking again. Even in the summer you could tour in the morning and pool all afternoon.
Sedona
Im not going to link our Sedona hotel, because frankly - it was trash. We regrettably spent two nights at the Arabella Hotel, and I would never darken their doorway again. The hotel itself was OKAY, it was giving 90’s Holiday Inn with your family, but the two toe nails we found on the carpet upon entering our room was a big NO. Other than that Sedona was STUNNING. 10/10 would recommend seeing this beautiful place. We did the Devil’s Bridge hike (pictured above) which was about 3 hours round trip. The next morning we woke up early and drove two hours to THE GRAND CANYON, which could be a post on its own, but rather than bore you with ooh’s and ahh’s, I’ll just say put it on your bucket list if you haven’t been. The highlight of Sedona was the secret swimming hole 1 mile north of Slide Rock, if you drive up past the entrance, there is a picnic parking area you can leave you car there. It’s a rough hike down, but eventually you’ll reach the swim spot pictured below. Beautiful red rocks, freezing cold water and views that will remain in your memory forever.
Phoenix
200,000/10 would recommend staying at The Rise Uptown if you’re spending time in Phoenix AZ. First, the hotel lobby is a POPSICLE STAND!! You get 2 free pops with your stay, all made by the in house chef, like come on. They had boozy, fruity and savoury flavours. To die for really. The room was comfortable, beautifully designed and gave you that boutique hotel feel. The pool club was awesome, we spent most of the second day there. Entry is free for guests, the food was excellent, get the piña colada. We spent some time in local shops, restaurants and toured the Desert Botanical Garden which was a dream.
That’s it! I hope this was helpful, we really did have a great trip. The car we rented was a tiny Honda Fit, I’d actually recommend something more powerful, possibly 4 wheel drive lol. DM me on IG with any questions.
Best,
Elena