- Folly Mojave, founded by Hillary Flur and designed by architect Malek Alqadi, is a sumptuous sanctuary situated at the intersection of the Mojave National Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park.
- While it’s self-sustaining and delightfully sparse, the Middle Eastern-inspired suites still present luxurious amenities in spades.
- Here, you can book any of the four two-storey suites named after an element (water, wind, fire, stone) starting from US$1,100 per night.
When you’re as privileged as we are here at B.H., to both experience all that we have, often on somebody else’s dime, and functionally exist as tourists of the high-end lifestyle, the number one question you’re confronted with is the ever-changing definition of luxury.
If you were to ask me, it isn’t white-glove service, an endlessly flowing supply of Krug, or even the plush interiors of a Rolls-Royce Droptrail. It’s peace and quiet under a clear sky, unspoiled by light pollution, and a good night’s rest against an otherwise rocky and rugged terrain that forces you to reckon with your base instincts.
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That’s essentially the promise of Folly Mojave, founded by Hillary Flur and designed by Malek Alqadi.
Set upon over 200 acres of secluded land – which itself is situated at the intersection between California’s Mojave National Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park – these wonderfully understated (and sustainably solar-powered) sanctuaries are an invitation to disconnect and heal.
It’s also the kind of place where you could imagine waiting out the fall of civilisation without a single worry in the near-apocalyptic world.
The second entry of the Folly portfolio, Folly Mojave, comprises five standalone concrete structures with burned natural timbers and blackened steel accents: four two-storey suites named after an element (water, wind, fire, stone), along with a single-storey amenity space.
Each suite boasts two king-sized beds (one regular downstairs, open-air upstairs), an outdoor terrace and fireplace with sweeping desert views, as well as a “Stargazing Portal”; while some even offer the added benefit of a private heated plunge pool and an outdoor bathtub.
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According to Alqadi, the design is a reference to Middle Eastern archaeological sites near his very birthplace.
“Rooted in the ancient architectural principles of archaeological wonder, as a child, I explored near my birthplace, Petra, Jordan, and the enigmatic allure of Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia – my ongoing vision is to seek to create spaces that are both reverent, resilient, and rooted in my origins,” explained the LA-based architect (via Dezeen).
“Rooted in the agrarian heritage of my upbringing and informed by rigorous academic research, my approach seeks to bridge the chasm between ancient architectural principles and modern technological advancements.”
Detached solar panel system aside, Folly Mojave derives its water from an on-site well, outfitted with a grey water system that recycles water used in the amenities and facilities to irrigate the landscape.
The shared on-site pavilion, on the other hand, offers spa treatments, a heated pool, sauna/steam room, cold plunges, outdoor showers, and a retractable cover that shades a lounge area with beds, a concrete bar, and nesting stools; as well as a private dining area that serves all-American fare by the fire.
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The human touch of hospitality hasn’t been neglected, either.
If there’s anything else you may desire, Folly Mojave assures that “no detail is too small and no request is too big.” The local concierge team is constantly on stand-by, “ready to assist those seeking a bespoke itinerary and customised stay.” Stays also include self-guided on-property hikes through the nature trail and en-suite Graze & Brew Coffee.
Think of it as a shelter for the body, mind, and soul.
A night at Folly Mojave starts from approximately US$1,100.
