Area Attractions: The Oasis at Death Valley

Winter is here, and that means finding a hot spot for the great escape. While tens of millions of people will head to the usual suspects, what’s old is new again and what’s always been hot is cool. A resort in Death Valley that opened on February 1, 1927 (91 years ago) is reopening due to a glorious renaissance.
 
Enter The Oasis at Death Valley (formerly Furnace Creek Resort), a true American oasis with date palm trees, lush gardens, pools and even a golf course. This truly unique and exotic resort in one of the most beautiful places on Earth is ideal for that winter checklist:

• It’s very sunny.
• The water (large natural spring-fed pools) is always 85 degrees.
• It’s wonderfully warm (average high is 73 in February, 82 degrees in March, 90 in April).
• Rain is rare. It’s in a pristine American desert.
• It’s one of the only sanctioned Dark Skies in the U.S., where you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
• It has a USGA golf course (the lowest on Earth).
• It’s a great outdoor destination (bike, horseback, Jeep tours, photography, ghost towns, etc.).
• It’s a dry heat.
• It’s not crowded – a vacationer’s hidden gem only two hours from Las Vegas and four hours from LA and a spectacular drive in both directions.
• It’s historical, beautiful and home to some of the original Star Wars locations, filmed down the road (bring your costumes for 2018 holiday cards).
• And the Inn at Death Valley is opening its doors after a multi-million dollar renaissance.

Xanterra Travel Collection, which owns the little oasis in one of the country’s largest national parks, is wrapping up a multi-million-dollar renaissance of the 1920s Inn, Ranch and golf course. The 66-room Inn officially reopens and is ready for its close-up on February 1, 2018, exactly 91 years to the day it originally opened. Its dining room working fireplaces are now adorned with some of the owner’s renowned paintings of the era, and the outdoor terraces with sweeping views are now shaded and furnished to provide a true inside/outside experience. The rooms have all been redone, as well, including all new bathrooms. The historic pool with natural spring fed 85-degree water now features cabanas, a pool bar and café and is next door to a new spa overlooking the Oasis Gardens. Twenty-two new casitas will open in July. 

There is no doubt that just as the Native Americans, the ‘49ers of the California Gold Rush, the legendary Borax 20 Mule Teams and Hollywood all discovered the true American oasis in Death Valley, so will the 21^st century vacationer looking for something truly authentic and experiential.