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Oasis: A haven, a sanctuary, where water comes forth from a wellspring
of natural beauty to bring life to the surrounding area.
That may be the “official” definition of an oasis … but around Twentynine Palms, people just associate “oasis” with the 29 Palms Inn.
Located in the heart of Twentynine Palms, nestled around the scenic and historic Oasis of Mara, the Inn, as it is simply known by locals, is the best. You might not expect such a serene retreat can exist in this desert climate. But a saunter around the grounds will soon make a believer out of you.
Like the oasis where it stands, the Inn itself is a wellspring of life in Twentynine Palms. Socially and culturally, at least. A resort rich in comforting tradition and historical significance, the 29 Palms Inn specializes in sustaining the desert’s raw and natural beauty. The Inn is an ideal retreat. Anyone who can appreciate unabashed tranquility, a nap in a hammock with a favorite book, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the desert, will find the attraction of this unique place.
Here you’ll find no plasma televisions, no high speed internet access hubs, and no rigidly manicured lawns. Instead, you’ll find rustic and charming adobe cabins, a welcoming establishment run by the same family since 1928 (The Inn is owned by Jane and Paul Smith, and has been in Jane’s family since its beginnings.). Home grown food is served in the Inn’s restaurant where you may dine poolside under the stars listening to talented local musicians and the call of the owl who lives in the palms nearby, and ample opportunity to renew or establish an intimacy with the desert.
Many of the guests who stay at the Inn are repeat visitors, which attests to the quality and appeal of the Inn. On a typical evening at the Inn you may see everyone from Hollywood stars seeking a laid back escape from their hectic lives, to European and Asian visitors, local artists, and guests from around the country. Numerous families choose to host special events with their families here, as the Inn hosts weddings, family reunions, and is a superb spot for an extended weekend getaway.
If you’re a local fearing a predominantly “tourist” type of facility, don’t despair. As Paul notes, “The community complements us, and we complement the community.” The Inn is also a popular gathering place for locals.
The restaurant is bustling and lively, particularly on weekends (dinner and Sunday brunch reservations are recommended). The Inn has become a great meeting place. Many people in the area frequent the Inn often, gathering to discuss state of affairs, local news, and gossip around a glass of wine or cocktail, a nice selection of appetizers, and a full dinner menu.
Live music, preformed by desert musicians, can be heard in the evenings most nights. The walls of the restaurant have become an art gallery, as the Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council hosts rotating art showings there. Visiting authors drop by from time to time to host book readings and signings.
Even though the Inn has recently acquired a new food and beverage manager, very little about the restaurant has changed over the years, a fact for which regular diners there are thankful for—why mess with a good thing? Like the rest of the establishment, the restaurant embraces the natural, laid back ambience of the desert, indoor and outdoor dining, a bar, and a large tented area for special events.
The Inn sports an expansive garden, providing diners the freshest ingredients in everything from soups to desserts. The Inn bakes their own fresh bread everyday, and their sourdough recipe and starter yeast hails directly from a baker in England and has been passed down through the generations.
It makes sense that people gather at this desert oasis at the 29 Palms Inn, after all there’s been water here, the life force of the desert, and people have been attracted to this location for thousands of years. As Paul remarks, “Where water is, there’s food, comfort, that sort of thing.”
“It truly is an oasis,” Jane adds. She’s right. The 29 Palms Inn is a natural oasis, enhanced by man, that continues to nurture its inhabitants and rejuvenate desert visitors from near and far. -l