Death Valley. The very name conjures images of cracked earth, heat mirages and scorched horizons.
But what you might not realise is just how accessible this otherworldly destination actually is. A mere four-hour drive from Los Angeles or two hours from Las Vegas will deliver you into the heart of Death Valley National Park, the largest national park in the contiguous United States.
Covering more than 13,600 square kilometres, Death Valley is a land of extremes — none more famous than its heat.
With a world-record temperature of 56.7°C recorded at Furnace Creek, it’s officially the hottest place on Earth. But how does it get that hot?
Blame its unique geography. The park’s deep basin sits well below sea level, where the air is denser and traps heat. The encircling mountains act as a natural bowl, locking the warmth in, while the dry, clear air and sun-scorched terrain amplify the heat.
It’s a place where summer feels like an open oven and shade becomes a luxury.
Despite the searing conditions, Death Valley is teeming with life. Coyotes, desert bighorn sheep, jackrabbits, bobcats, sidewinder rattlesnakes and even the elusive gila monster all call it home.
Birdwatchers will spot real-life roadrunners and burrowing owls, while desert pupfish survive against all odds in mineral-rich spring pools.
The landscape itself is stark and surreal. The valley stretches endlessly, broken only by occasional shrubs and technicolour hills streaked pink, green, purple and gold — the result of mineral oxidation, best appreciated in the soft glow of late afternoon light.
There’s a 180-metre-deep volcanic crater to hike while famous lookout points like Dante’s View and Zabriskie Point deliver some of the most memorable sunsets you’ll ever witness.
And then, just as you’re marvelling at the sheer vastness of it all, you stumble upon an actual oasis.
The Oasis at Death Valley is home to the famous Furnace Creek Golf Course (the lowest elevation golf course in the world) and the beautifully preserved Inn at Death Valley — a five-star resort in the middle of one of the most inhospitable places on the planet.
Originally built in 1927 by the Pacific Coast Borax Company to encourage tourism and give a boost to the Death Valley Railroad, the Inn is steeped in history.
Over the decades its old-world charm and remote allure have drawn Hollywood royalty like Marlon Brando, Clark Gable and Carole Lombard.
We stayed at the Inn in December and rather than oppressive heat, we were greeted by a cool desert breeze – the perfect contrast to the warm embrace of the Inn’s spring-fed pool.
The resort has 66 elegant rooms, a fine-dining restaurant and lush, unexpected gardens. Guests can choose between rooms in the main building or casitas – we chose the latter and were given our own golf buggy to get around.
On one of our buggy adventures we even crossed paths with a local coyote, casually loitering near the pathways.
The Inn’s architecture is a highlight in itself. Styled in Mission Revival, the building features soft stucco walls, red-tiled roofs, arched doorways and breezy arcades.
Materials were sourced from the surrounding desert, including adobe harvested on-site and native stone, giving the structure a sense of true harmony with its environment.
Just a short drive from the Inn you’ll find The Ranch at Death Valley, a more relaxed, family-friendly sister property.
We dined at the delightfully themed Last Kind Words Saloon, where the menu was pure Wild West — think barbecue ribs, onion rings and mac ‘n’ cheese served up in rustic style.
It’s hard to believe that such a remote and extreme place could be so rejuvenating. One night wasn’t nearly enough. I could have spent days soaking in the silence, star-gazing into the endless night and relishing the timelessness of this desert escape.
And speaking of stargazing – Death Valley is an International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places in the world to see the Milky Way in all its dazzling glory.
On a clear night the stars stretch out in a canopy above, unobstructed by city lights or modern noise. It’s humbling, grounding and utterly unforgettable.
If you’re looking for a luxury escape that feels like you’ve left the modern world behind, the Inn at Death Valley delivers in every sense — history, heat, stars and soul.
