Villa Anita DV

Marcel Faulring

2024-04

We stumbled on this gem in the desert by accident while looking to book a place to stay near Death Valley. The quiet, remote location was exactly what we were looking for, for a long weekend getaway. The hosts, Carlo & Jack were absolutely wonderful. We were treated like family and we had some great conversations with our hosts and other guests during breakfasts and dinners. They are great cooks. The food was amazing served “family style” with other guests. You won’t leave hungry after one of their meals! The rooms (and all of Villa Anita) are cozy and truly unique, a one of a kind experience all around. Lots of art and unique decor to explore. Our kids loved it and it’s a great location to set up base camp to explore Death Valley and return at the end of a day of exploring. Carlo & Jack were the best hosts and we’re looking forward to going back again soon.

Augusta Gudeman

2024-04

We stayed here for our wedding this weekend in Death Valley National Park, and it was such an amazing experience! Words can't describe exactly what this place is - part bed & breakfast, part ever-evolving exhibit, part desert oasis (my family described the photos as looking like part of a Dali painting). Carlo and Jack made our stay magical from the first hour we arrived. They warmly welcomed us into their home and amongst their many dogs. Our rooms were all completely unique and very comfortable. We had all our meals made by the hosts - particular highlight was having soup served with every meal! They went above and beyond to create spaces and experiences that we could enjoy to celebrate our nuptials. They even got us a wedding cake from Las Vegas. Carlo spoke with me no less than 3 times before we arrived to talk through all the details about what we wanted out of our visit, and his attention to detail was excellent. The landscape surrounding the place was absolutely breathtaking. Both our friends and us were bowled over by the hospitality and experience we had.Nearby activities: Death Valley National Park, China Ranch Date Farm, Tecopa hot springsFood & drinks: homemade, fresh, lots of variety and lots of vegetables (which we especially appreciate as we normally eat a vegetarian diet). delicious.

Megan Faulring

2024-04

This place is magical! The atmosphere and ambience of the property was extremely relaxing - exactly what we were looking for in a weekend get away. Each “room” is unique and very comfortable. The hosts - Carlo and Jack made us feel very welcome and took amazing care of us during our stay. When we arrived, we were offered a glass of wine and given the grand tour. We had breakfast and dinner with our hosts and the meals were mouth wateringly delicious!! I cannot wait to return to this paradise in the desert!

Catherine Wood

2024-03

Carlo and Jack are the ultimate hosts. Carlo made sure to know when I was arriving and met me as I drove onto the property. This was followed by a tour, some wine, and a fun and delicious dinner with another guest and some of their local friends. Visiting with Carlo and Jack, you quickly feel like a long lost cousin being welcomed back to the family.I was very cozy and warm in the Bird’s Nest (temps ranged from around freezing to fifties during my stay). I truly think it was the most comfortable bed and pillows I have experienced while traveling.I loved exploring their property; around every corner, there was something new to surprise and delight me. The juxtaposition of found art next to the art of Mother Nature was the perfect mix for me.Oh, they also gave me a great recommendation for a local restaurant…shout out to Steaks and Beer!!!

Kaspen82

2024-04

This place is seriously amazing! It's exactly what you'd expect, but WAY cooler. And let me tell you, the real magic here? It's Carlo and Jack. These guys are the absolute BEST hosts ever - so friendly and awesome, I felt like we've been buds forever after just a few days. Trust me, the price might seem high, but it's a total steal for what you get. I've been around the block, visited a lot of countries, and this place? It's up there with the best of any place I’ve been. Can't wait to go back for more!

Jamie Myre

2024-01

Villa Anita is the place you will just keep coming back to! Almost as soon as I returned home from my first visit, I was buying flights to return! As an East Coast native, the desert scenes never fail to take my breath away, and the experience is only made more amazing by the immersive and artistic nature of the property. Carlo and Jack are kind, welcoming, gracious, and generous hosts with so much joy, love, and creativity to share. You could spend the whole day exploring their property or venture out into the quaint surrounding town, National Park, and HOT SPRINGS! You won’t regret a visit to Villa Anita :)

Dusty Rose

2024-04

Promises of an artistic, unique, friendly and relaxing stay near Death Valley were shattered upon the realization of driving into a junk yard. The farm to table dinner menu consisted of frozen bags of vegetables from Cosco. ‘One slice of bread each’ hummed one of the many young men working as ‘volunteers’ that Carlos is fond of. The rooms have no fridges or lights. Bring your own snacks. Or better yet, don’t go.

Johnny Burke

2024-01

Barbara and I received a warm welcome from Carlo and Jack the moment we arrived. We were given a tour of the property, dropped our bags in the room, and attended dinner with Carlo, Jack and the other guests that evening. There was a social hour, with wine, before dinner. Once we were acquainted, we all sat down at a large table and were treated to one of the finest meals I have ever eaten.Carlo is an excellent chef and Jack makes sure everything runs smoothly. The food, wine and conversation were all great. The next morning, we enjoyed a fine breakfast and a leisurely departure.Carlo and Jack are very good hosts. The hotel art collection is unique and interesting. The desert location is peaceful and quiet!

Mara Holloman

2024-01

Villa Anita...what can I say. One of the most amazing an unique airBnB experiences ever. If you want your own experience of "night at the museum" this is the place to do it. The art is so incredible to be immersed in and it's truly an unforgettable experience curated by the iconic Jack and Carlo. Those two really are something. The most welcoming and kind-hearted hosts who don't just create a place for people to visit, they create a home for people to stay. Communication is an art these two know very well. They make you feel like one of the family with their tours, classes, wine hours and incredible feasts at the enormous dining table. I really appreciate how they don't just get to know you but also create a space for guests to mingle and get to know each other. I've been three times already and I'm planning my next visit in a few months! Can't wait!

Emily Gould

2024-01

One of the coolest places I’ve ever been! The hosts are absolutely wonderful and made us feel so welcome. The desert scenery and the property itself are so amazingly breathtaking. The rooms were clean and quirky in the best way. I was fortunate enough to stay in the Bottle Room and Birds Nest which were so cozy and cool, I wish I could live in them forever! Villa Anita is a once in a life time experience that you CANNOT MISS!

barbara leahy

2024-01

At Villa Anita, tucked into a little known corner of Tecopa, CA, Carlo and Jack have created their own version of paradise; an art-filled world of pure imagination. It simply pulls you in with wanting to do nothing more than wander around and view it all! Perched on the edge of the desert, nature lends a hand to this intriguing setting with beautiful sunsets and starry skies.Carlo and Jack could not be more hospitable. Their warmth and personal touch make you feel right at home from the moment you arrive. And the food! Carlo's cooking is a not-to-be-missed culinary extravaganza and healthy to boot! Choose from a variety of eclectic accommodations and enjoy the company of other guests as Carlo and Jack take you under their wing and treat you to a most unique, entertaining and definitely memorable experience.

Michael J. Epstein

2023-11

Carlo and Jack (who were both fantastic) hosted a large group of us shooting an independent film. We were well fed and very comfortable in the rooms, feeling more of a communal experience than one typically finds in traditional lodging. The property is a beautiful, unique setting filled with sensory treats! Every time I looked around any of the spaces, I saw something new and compelling. It also sits on the edge of open desert with a gorgeous sunset view. If you're looking for something different and special, this is it.

An Ho

2023-10

Wonderful experience in an unique location with awesome hosts Carlo and Jack. We had a very special stay at Villa Anita in the DV desert, enjoyed great company with interesting and personal talks, discussions and words of wisdom! Most excellent food and and lovely company of great hosts between memorabilia, furniture, art along with music from the recordplayer. Unfortunately, we could just stay for 1 night, sure a place to stay longer or come back to. Keep it up and be safe!

Julien Cohen

2024-04

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Harry Holtzman

2024-03

It’s true that Villa Anita is a unique and surprising place. The rooms are built with recycled materials. One has the impression of being inside a fairy-tale in the desert. We were welcomed with offers of beer and water. They invited us to share dinner with them. Carlo is apparently a great cook.We brought tamales and wine to the meal. It was really pleasant to share the time with the inhabitants of this exceptional art space/ inn.But kindness and welcomes are not free here. At the end of our stay, David asked us to pay the bill for our meals and drinks.We had no intention of being fed free of charge. However, it is regrettable that we were told the prices at the end and not at the beginning, and from our perspective the people at Villa Anita lack straightforwardness and simple professionalism and perhaps even honesty. It’s easy to state or post prices.We are really sad to have this bad impression at the end of our stay.So, if you go to Villa Anita, take care to have them stipulate all the extra costs of your stay.

francine Duffy

2023-08

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D J

2024-01

Whew! Exercise CAUTION!! ⚠️After an overnight to a nearby lovely Tecopa neighborhood hot spring location, my poor boyfriend who had once stayed at VADV in 2020, made the mistake of attempting to pull thru the driveway astride this eccentric property in order to assess any changes and show it to me.Mind you, this back drive does not have a gate- closed or otherwise- BECAUSE IT IS A PUBLIC WAY. Nor does it display appropriate signage posted to alert to the presence of dogs or other potential guest pet animals.Halfway up the drive we were met with a curious affront of a human being- the owner, unfortunately- who proceeded to chastise and insult us in a rather ornery and unnecessary fashion as soon as he realized we did not have a reservation nor were we current guests of the bed and breakfast.It was a deplorable and enervating conversation that sadly could have been calmly avoided entirely.Again, do be wary.Noteworthy details: See review

Daniel Feliciano

2023-05

This is an amazing gem in the desert. Carlo and Jack are warm and welcoming. Breakfast was 10/10. It was so refreshing to connect with strangers over coffee. After coffee you move to a community dining room where Carlo and Jack bring you breakfast. Our group stayed in the Farm House. It was clean and well decorated. Leave your expectations at the door. Remember you are experiencing 21st century desert pioneers. This is a true experience. Everything in the farm house has been placed with intention, enjoy the experience! You can hike right out the front door of the farm house. Thank you Carlo and Jack for giving our group an amazing experience! You have created something very special.

Karen Kevin Brower

2023-05

At first glance, Villa Anita looks, well, iffy. It is definitely NOT your typical lodging. It is a crazy quilt of art, pathways, buildings, and more art, pathways and buildings. We were greeted by Carlo as if we were family. He offered us wine or beer (quite welcome after our 6 hour drive.) He escorted us into the main house living room which held two other guests (Kate and Anna) and Jack plus five dogs. The house smelled so good as Carlo was baking a ham for dinner. Jack showed us to our room which was the built around a vertical boat anchoring one wall. Wonderful, roomy, a great bed (Sophia Vergara, no less), and lots of treasures. We ate dinner at the brewhouse in Tecopa Springs rather than with the other guests. It was a peaceful and relaxing place to decompress and spend the night. I wish we could have stayed longer, but we had commitments. We highly recommend it for travelers who don't want the sameness of hotel chains.

Theodore Bosworth

2023-05

I truly loved my stay at Villa Anita. Nothing exactly like it in the world. Quirky. Eclectic. It's a fully unique desert experience. The desert is an odd place that attracts uncommon people in an timeless place not easily described. All of the strange beauty and charm of the desolate Mojave can be found at the end of a dirt road in tiny Tecopa. It is not just the desert's haunting presence. It's the odds and ends surviving in the dry air. It is how the desert is so endlessly full of surprises. Not the least of these are the warm and hospitable hosts, Carlo and Jack. They are crazy good cooks, interesting and maybe just a little crazy period. But they are crazy fun. The Villa Anita is not a substitute for a Holiday Inn. The accommodations are lush but desert lush, and the experience will be memorable. The hosts will insist.

Darilyn O'Brien

2023-05

Villa Anita was an incredible, unique experience. So much to see and absorb; such an interesting and creative place. We absolutely loved Jack and Carlo – they have created a space that brings complete strangers together for engaging conversations, leaving with phone numbers exchanged and plans to stay in touch. It was an amazing time.

Victor Coffin

2023-05

I found this experience on atlas obscura of interesting places while researching a road trip through the area. It looked interesting and I was not disappointed. Its a non standard experience but our host, Jack, made sure to be in constant communication and breezed us through and introduced us with the entire space. They were flexible with us throughout our 3 day visit. We took advantage of in house meals offered and were never disappointed. The food was great and the spirited dinner company of other guests was a really nice vibe, no matter the meal. We ended up buying some art that caught our eye. Enjoyed the desert and the night sky. Accommodations unique and fun. It was private and wonderful. If I am back through the south death valley area again, I would absolutely stay here again to visit my new friends, Jack and Carlo.

Robbi Mees

2022-05

Just returned home from a 5-day, 1200-mile road trip on California back roads. The highlight of this trip, and possibly of most all our travels, was our 2-night stay at Villa Anita in Death Valley. Our road trip rule is never to stay at chain hotels or eat at chain restaurants. Villa Anita is the least “chainy” place imaginable in the most wonderful ways. It defies description. Explore their beautiful website to get a sense and imagine how you might feel in the sublime, surprising, artistic environment -- a novel combination of stimulating and soothing. Add the exceptional hospitality and culinary talents of hosts Carlo and Jack, the stunning endless views of the desert and the six-dogs kicker! We would have stayed longer if we didn’t have reservations elsewhere. Can’t stop remembering and smiling at our good fortune. We will most definitely be back.

Shannon Densmore

2022-05

Do yourself a favor and book a stay at Villa Anita!Carlo, Jack, and their entourage of sweet dogs were so welcoming, entertaining, and friendly. I am sorry that we only had one night in these amazing place. There is so much to see and explore. And there is nothing else like it.We stayed in the bottle room, which is a work of art and feels like a small apartment with many hidden bonus spaces full of curated objects that will transport you back in time.Carlos and Jack are fantastic cooks and full of great stories. There were 3 other guests staying at the Villa while we were there and we had such a lovely dinner party.I hope to come back sometime for a longer stay so that I can take some ceramics classes with Jack.We stopped at Delight Hot Springs and China Ranch on our way out of town (headed into Death Valley) and I would recommend both.

Mark Bidinger

2023-05

My wife Lisa, Daughter Katie, and I had the opportunity to stay at Villa Anita last year. Wow, what an experience. This eclectic gem out in the middle of nowhere was such a great find. We're from MI, and wanted to do a Southwest road trip, so we stayed nights in AZ, NV, CA, and UT. All of the other nights were spent in budget hotels or last-minute finds along the way. With some research ahead of time, we'd looked for one night to be more of an "experience" than a "stay", and found a few references to Villa Anita... so we said "hey, why not, this looks fun. Lets try it!".Getting there was a great trip. Miles of mountains, valleys, and beautiful scenery in every direction. Next thing we know, we're pulling into this tiny town, traveling down streets with single and double wides on each side. Wife says, "uhh, this is where we're staying?!" I guess so! So we get to the edge of the dead-end street, and see a long, artsy driveway path and I knew from the pics I saw online that we'd arrived.There was a small area to park, and little signs amongst various reclamation art installations directing you to the gated entrance of Villa Anita. Ringing the best doorbell you'll ever see (no spoilers), and Jack meets us at the gate, introducing himself and welcoming us to the villa. He walked us back to "the lobby", which is a comfortable living room where we met the host, Carlo. He's unlike anyone I've ever met, in the best and funniest way possible. He took us on a tour of the grounds and all of the other "rooms" (which are various trailers), each one with it's own motif and theme.We were only one of two families staying that evening, so we had a choice of rooms. We chose the nautical themed one. It's literally everything you would expect and nothing you could imagine staying in all at once. We stayed in February, and the heating wasn't the best, but there were plenty of blankets and comforters. The 3 of us rested very well.If you have the opportunity to try the dinner or breakfasts, I highly suggest both. They were worth the money, and definitely worth the delicious experience of a comfortable dining setting with a couple strangers and friends.My daughter and I were just reflecting on our trip, and she said "I think over the 7 days and 4 states we were in, that crazy little place we stayed at and walked to the nearby mountain and watched the sunset was probably the best part of the entire trip". Well said, if it was the best memory I made with my daughter, it was well worth the trip. I highly recommend Villa Anita. Thank you Jack and Carlos!

William Savage

2022-05

Villa Anita is a magical oasis in the desert. The property is a maze full of lush gardens, art, and treasure. I went with a good friend and our experience was absolutely refreshing. Carlo and Jack are the perfect hosts and they have really welcoming energy! We had breakfast and dinner with them and the dogs almost everyday we stayed. Great stories were shared and they gave us some great recommendations on places to visit. I went with a good friend and feel like I left with two more.

Michaella Denning

2023-05

Absolutely amazing. I can’t say enough good things! As soon as you arrive Jack and Carlo make you feel like you’re family and everywhere you turn there’s something new to discover and see. The rooms were fabulous and so unique. I highly recommend joining them for your meals during your stay, they are absolutely delicious & getting to eat around one big table and talk and laugh with everyone is just the cherry on top! We will definitely be back!

Gemma Marmalade

2023-05

Villa Anita is an utterly exceptional bohemian retreat that stimulates the heart, soul and senses. You cannot resist Villa Anita with the mindset of the daily, logical grind - instead, you so easily submit to the incredible location out in the desert; turning off your cell phone, losing connection and switching on a beautiful light to humanity, art and experience. Carlo and Jack symbiotically make your visit abundant with warmth, service and energy whilst breathing air, space and serenity into it.Everything is beautiful.Everything.It is a place of joy, peace, quiet, stimulation, rest, and energy.If you're searching for a re-set, need time to soul search, or need to experience the wonder of art, beauty and friendship, this is it.Don't miss it.Go openly with the spirit of embracing the new and you won't be disappointed, in fact, you will be forever changed for the better.

Sam Ward

2022-05

Villa Anita is a truly unique experience. From the moment I arrived, Carlo, Jack, and Issac made me feel invited and welcome. They've created something really special out there in the desert - and it was absolutely the perfect place to stay on my weekend adventure out to Death Valley.I'd very much recommend leaning fully into the experience and joining the owners for meals and conversation. They're all extremely interesting and personable, and hearing them talk about what they're building really is inspiring. Again, lean into it! It's not your average hotel or vacation experience, and that is a very good thing.The rooms are unique and cozy - there's so much to look at. The real star of the show is the outdoor spaces - it feels like it goes on forever. I could spend weeks just finding new interesting spaces to lounge or read or hang out.Stay at the Villa Anita if:* You have an open mind to unique stays / experience* You enjoy art and creative spaces* You want to unplug and unwind completely* You're curious and enjoy learning new things* You want some top-notch home cookin'* You want to meet some of the happiest dogs on Earth* You don't mind earning a fun nickname :)Don't stay at the Villa Anita if:* You're just looking for a place to crash - there's so much to experience here! Don't waste it.* You need to do work. This is a place to unplug. As others have mentioned, there's very limited connectivity. This is a good thing.Big recommend:* You may be there to explore Death Valley. That's cool, but definitely set aside a morning or afternoon just to wander around the space for a few hours. Make some time to find a cozy spot to read and relax. You're paying for a really unique space, here, not just a bed - enjoy it! If Jack is offering a tour, you should do it.* Go to China Ranch!! The hikes there are great, and it's so nearby. Death Valley is cool, but because of the heat and dryness, it's not always the most interactive place. Also, just ask Jack - he's got great recommendations.* Again, eat the food! It's delicious.* Be part of the place, not just an onlooker. Talk to the hosts! Learn about the project! Take a class!Thank you Carlo, Jack, and Isaac for an unforgettable weekend!

kim schaller

2023-05

Art + Nature + Story = Villa Anita. I stayed there for 2 nights following a bike trip through Death Valley. Looking for a place to chill before heading back East. VADV was the ideal respite. Jack and Carlo and their family of 6 dogs were the perfect hosts. I took advantage of the breakfast and dinner meal offer and those times together were fun and filling! I took early evening walks out into the desert to marvel at the sunsets in solitude, visited China Ranch Date Farm and spent an afternoon at Delights Hot Springs. It was a truly unique, memorable experience that I'll never forget. I've read a bunch of reviews and some clearly did not understand what the experience was going to be. It's nothing like anything you'll ever do. Leisure travel for me is about exploring "different", meeting new people, seeing new things, reenergizing myself -- VADV exceeded my expectations. I'll be back!