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HIGH DESERT & LAKE RETREAT adjacent to Mountain hiking, and a Hot Spring lake

HIGH DESERT & LAKE RETREAT adjacent to Mountain hiking, and a Hot Spring lake

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On the border between Mexico and the USA, there exists a magical Power Spot
5 min. walk, a Hotsprings Lake for floating and swimming. Recommend $5 donation
Large main room with open kitchen
Property grounds
5 min. walk, a Hotsprings Lake for floating and swimming. Recommend $5 donation

Overview of HIGH DESERT & LAKE RETREAT adjacent to Mountain hiking, and a Hot Spring lake

Reviews
9.6 out of 10 Exceptional
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendlyPet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaceOutdoor space

Check out the area

Map
Jacumba Hot Springs, CA
  • Popular LocationWisteria Candy Cottage14 min drive
  • Popular LocationGolden Acorn Casino20 min drive
  • AirportSan Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)85 min drive
  • Popular LocationCamp Alaska Site Museum101 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

HIGH DESERT & LAKE RETREAT adjacent to Mountain hiking, and a Hot Spring 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.

***
- 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

Property manager

JQ and Twila Foresees

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Mountain view

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Please do not let your pets roam free at property

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
NO PARTIES, NO additional guests, NO SMOKING. Please only house trained pets, no pets on furniture nor rugs, bring blankets for your pets.
Please no driving with any kind of motor vehicle on the land, Bikes are allowed ON THE main TRAIL. Keep the main Gate locked at all times.
LEAVE NO TRACE..... Pick up after you PETS... NO FIRES ANYWHERE ON THE LAND except you can use the Fire Pit. Keep Fire CAGE CLOSED at all times.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 2-0701001-18

About the area

Jacumba

Located in Jacumba, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. El Vallecito Archaeological Zone and Pacific Southwest Railway Museum are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Sacred Rocks Reserve Labyrinth and Painted Gorge. Wisteria Candy Cottage and Imperial Valley Desert Museum are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Jacumba Hot Springs, CA

What's nearby

  • Wisteria Candy Cottage - 14 min drive
  • Golden Acorn Casino - 20 min drive
  • Laguna Mountain Recreation Area - 47 min drive
  • El Vallecito Archaeological Zone - 97 min drive
  • Camp Alaska Site Museum - 101 min drive

Restaurants

  • Tepary South West Grill - 8 min walk
  • Jacumba Lounge and Restaurant - 8 min walk
  • Mariscos el Kory - 107 min drive
  • Jay's Southern Cafe - 8 min walk
  • Maminos Pizza - 98 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is HIGH DESERT & LAKE RETREAT adjacent to Mountain hiking, and a Hot Spring lake pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at HIGH DESERT & LAKE RETREAT adjacent to Mountain hiking, and a Hot Spring lake?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at HIGH DESERT & LAKE RETREAT adjacent to Mountain hiking, and a Hot Spring lake?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is HIGH DESERT & LAKE RETREAT adjacent to Mountain hiking, and a Hot Spring lake located?

Situated on a lake, this holiday home is 8.1 mi (13 km) from Wisteria Candy Cottage and 11.5 mi (18.6 km) from Elevation Off-Road Park. Sacred Rocks Reserve Labyrinth and Golden Acorn Casino are also within 20 miles (32 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 17 out of 18 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 18 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 18 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 18 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 18 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

6.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kelsah B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Heavenly Artistic Retreat
We have been longing to return after discovering this hidden gem last year. It did not disappoint! A nice addition to this year’s trip was soaking in the re-opened hot spring pool in town. I could gush again but honestly words don’t do this haven justice. It is a multi-sensory experience unlike anything else, ever.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

2/10 Terrible

Jodi

Liked: Cleanliness, communication
We were excited about our Thanksgiving getaway and all the reviews made it sound like fun. What they don't express is that Jacumba is an extremely poverty-stricken town overrun with refugees coming through the nearby border wall. About 100 new people a day are being housed, if you can call it that, in camps near the property. Those are just the people being told to wait there and they will be processed. We saw these people and about 75 lined up and tagged by border patrol to be removed for deportation on the side of the road. A quick internet check revealed an article written by NPR just days before our arrival outlining this humanitarian crisis, specifically in this town. The nearby wall is known to have miles of holes along this town and a steady stream of coyotes dropping off refugees. There are helicopters overhead at night and DIA SUVs in the area. We were not comfortable knowing that there were people out there looking for refuge in the desert, especially with abandoned train cars on the property. As for the house, we had wondered why the windows and a slider doors were covered with locked panels of corrugated metal, not allowing any light into the bedroom or bathroom. We were told to keep every door and gate locked even when home. The furniture was ripped and torn and covered with rugs and only one chair was comfortable. We left on Thanksgiving day to return home, staying only 2 of our 5 nights. My husband felt ill and we did not feel comfortable staying any longer.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Justin N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Jacumba getaway
So much to do on site, very clean and artistic. A great energy the space had. Highly reccommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brent F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magical Expert
There’s nothing like this place. Yeah it has a feeling the moment you set foot on the property. This is our second time staying and it was awesome! I highly recommend this place for a relaxing getaway. We will definitely be back!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Henry F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Inspirational location.
We had a great time exploring the desert and making music in this private, unique location. Everything was exactly as stated. Thanks again for a great stay!
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2023

About the host

Hosted by JQ and Twila Foresees

Host profile image
We are artists. We use sound & vision to create beautiful Worlds. Our artistic visual manifestations can be seen throughout our various Nodes.

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, 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.

At the Institute of Perception, our home and the surrounding desert is the Art we are sharing with guests. The natural landscape around our home has been preserved through our dedicated intention to keep hundreds of acres in a pristine wild state. Sculptural way-stations are scattered throughout the land on the Institute of Perception Grounds.

We have preserved hundreds of acres for this purpose. We have built permanent perceptual sculptures like the White Sky Pyramid to enhance a traveler's "Seeing" and creativity. Various mazes, rock circles and other smaller tributes have been placed on the land by other seekers.

Our influence comes from the original artists of this land, the American SouthWest, emanating from the valley of Mexico... the Toltecs and the Pyramid builders.

Our favorite author is Carlos Castaneda.
Our favorite movie is El Topo.
Our favorite music is the Doors.
Our favorite multimedia show is our own production:
aLL Orange Multimedia.

JQ & Twila

Why they chose this property

The entire area with hundreds of acres is available for hiking, mountain biking, jogging or doing yoga on the front porch, surrounded by the beauty of the desert.
Each visitor is allowed to interact and perhaps leave their own small gesture as a piece of art on the landscape, just like the original indigenous travelers did so long ago, and in turn will be found by a future visitor to this landscape, enhancing their journey.
1. A natural Power Spot
2. Soaking tub under the stars
3. Modern open space home with all the amenities.
4. Hot Spring fed lake
5. Railroad cars and a Caboose
6. Unlimited hiking and boulder climbing
7. The White Pyramid
8. A house with museum quality art inspired by the outside land
9. A central large round tub in the bathroom
10. A 1971 Lowrey keyboard and organ in the living space.
11. Outdoor Fire Pit and outdoor camping grill

What makes this property unique

There are few places offered with surrounding wild open space , with a modern home that is designed for comfort and inspiration. There are few houses that have been built on a natural Power Spot. This is it. We have built a modern house, filled with magical art that represents the experiences we as artists have had living for many years in this fantastic landscape. . We hope that your creativity is enhanced by the interior design of our home that was built by local mountain craftsmen and then filled with mid century furniture, wondrous art, and even a 1971 Lowrey keyboard and organ. We have repurposed original hundred year railroad foundations into water features for bathing under the stars, and resurrected an ancient water tower into an echo tube. Next to your home are railroad cars, and a caboose. Walk the unlimited grounds to discover art left by the original Tolteca inhabitants side by side with contemporary sculptures. Visit the large sacred boulders with evidence of grinding stones. Leave your cares and hike with California quail that wander across your path. The house has eleven foot ceilings, a huge open space with kitchen, living area, and office, while the bathroom has a large central circular tub. We offer this retreat to any one, families and friends who long for the tranquility of open space, and only an hour from the major city of San Diego with all its restaurants and attractions. But once you swim in the hot spring fed lake a few steps from the High Desert Retreat, you will probably forget manmade attractions and continue to float and relax in the healing waters. Our house and the grounds were built to inspire the spiritual remembering that we all seek in times of chaos. We offer you the relaxation of wild nature. Soaking in our sculpted monument tub, right outside your door, gazing at the Milky Way of Stars and forgetting everything that needs to be forgotten, and replacing it with beautiful memories, is our gift to you and your family.

Languages:

English
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