The Mojave Desert: Reconnecting Spiritually at Cultus Camp

I was high, but I took no drugs. It was like time froze and the world around me stopped turning. Silence. I could hear only my own thoughts racing through my head. No cell reception, no WiFi, no technology and no people. It was just the two of us and the wild off-grid Mojave Desert. This was my first glamping experience with my husband. And somehow, our solitude and the raw environment of this unique Airbnb desert dwelling, really hit home with me.

“Maybe it meant something. Maybe not, in the long run, but no explanation, no mix of words or music or memories can touch that sense of knowing that you were there and alive in that corner of time and the world. Whatever it meant.” ― Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

My husband, tired from our long hike that day, was taking a nap in the breezy safari tent.

I laid there on the open deck, soaking in the rich and warm rays of sun. A sudden deep sense of presence overcame me. I felt one with my wild surroundings. The sun, the desert, the trees, the plants, the wildlife. I was consciously connecting with them. There was no separation between us. Only balance and harmony.

These mysteriously overpowering surroundings were healing me. Giving me a sense of personal empowerment. I felt almost as if I had transcended into another realm. With every breezy wind stroke on my skin, I felt a deeper understanding of myself. Was I having an epiphany? Perhaps I was lost in meditation. I recalled a scene from a film I watched. Indigenous rituals using Peyote to heal and escape into a transforming journey into themselves.

I felt alive again.

The mystical atmosphere reminded me of my need for reconnection. It reminded me how much I wanted to detach myself from the shackles of my busy life. I wanted to find my spirit animal. I yearned for freedom…

THE PULL OF CALIFORNIA’S MOJAVE DESERT AND THE MUSIC SCENE

My story begins on the deck of Cultus Camp. A luxurious glamping site, sitting in a mystical pocket of the Mojave Desert in Pioneertown, California. I was enveloped in by mountains, desert, boulders and the ancient Joshua Tree Forest. There was something soothing about this environment.

Not by chance, the geographical location around Cultus Camp resonates a history of mysticism and spiritual hallucinations. It’s well-known to artists and musicians who visited in pursuit of transcending into the metaphysical realm. Many are known for experimenting with recreational hallucinatory drugs. Hence, why their blessings of the area and its sacred energy runs so strong.

For this reason, both travelers and settlers alike, are increasingly drawn to the Mojave Desert. Its close connection to the legendary rocker scene plays a large part for the traffic. Today, Joshua Tree remains a spiritual mecca for many artists and musicians. But there’s more to it. This place holds secrets that have to be experienced. Reading about isn’t enough.

THE RAW ELEMENTS OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Our visit to Cultus Camp and the Mojave Desert is perhaps one of the most experiential trips we’ve taken together as husband and wife. But not because of the world’s fascination with the music scene. Frankly, before this glamping experience at Cultus Camp, we knew little about the history of the geographical area.

For me, the most noteworthy aspect of this place is its beauty and enchanting atmosphere. And what stole my heart, is the contrasting and playful elements of the Mojave Desert.

I’ll paint a picture for you in words.

The ground is hot and dry, but also fertile with water. Cactus plants whose tips are poisonous to touch, also bear edible fruits safe to eat. The day brings with it a deep silence and absolute peace. The night however, awakens howling coyotes, winds and rustling sounds of wildlife.

This magical place celebrates and gives life. And this is why it’s so important and appealing.

A UNIQUE AIRBNB DESERT CAMP AND A WORK OF ART

Unlike any regular hotel, home or space in a destination, Cultus Camp is in itself a destination. It’s a secluded retreat for couples wanting to tap into the organic and wild realm of nature. And the best part? It lacks nothing. It’s a raw outdoor site without the uncomfortable camping negatives.

Fused by elements of glamour and camping, Cultus Camp offers a rare glamping experience to adventurous lovers.

But the Airbnb desert property isn’t just a unique camp site. It’s a work of art. A true masterpiece!

Owners, Jeremy and Katrina, built the camp as a private art installation. All the artwork with the exception of one piece was created by Katrina. Using elements of California’s Mojave Desert, they created a hideaway space that parallels the mystical environment that it’s in. Every detail has a meaning behind it. And every detail is what lets couples connect with the desert’s unpredictable surroundings.

“We actually created Cultus Camp for ourselves. This is our Sanctuary. It’s where Katrina and I got closer as a couple and truly experienced the natural world together. Enlightened by this glamping experience, we decided to share it with other couples. We want Cultus Camp to give couples an understanding and appreciation of our ancient landscape.” ― Jeremy Kenyon Lockyer Corbell (Artist, Filmmaker and Owner of Cultus Camp)

AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY GLAMPING EXPERIENCE

Cultus Camp is different from other desert rentals in this region of California. At this Airbnb desert camp, less is more.

Everything on the campground was built with environmental consciousness in mind. So there’s no need to feel guilty about taking advantage of the amenities in this raw environment.

In fact, its amenities pull from the sustainable natural surroundings of the desert and Joshua Tree Forest. Situated completely off-grid, power comes solely from solar energy. So there’s no shortage of electricity for charging needs.

The Airbnb desert camp also sits on a land where the purest water flows from the earth. You can drink the water right from the tap or take comfortable hot or cold showers.

RECONNECTING SPIRITUALLY IN CALIFORNIA’S MOJAVE DESERT & JOSHUA TREE FOREST

Cultus Camp is a playground for those who appreciate adventures. And it’s also a haven for those who seek personal, spiritual and relationship growth. If you’re satisfied with getting an amazing glamping experience, you’ll love this Airbnb desert camp. But if you’re a traveler seeking to connect with the natural world, this place will change you forever.

I fell in love with Cultus Camp, California’s Mojave Desert and the antique Joshua Tree Forest. This trip helped me grow in so many ways.

My relationship with my husband entered a new level of understanding and unity. And perhaps even more importantly, I found my spiritual center. I fell in love with parts of myself that I had forgotten about and re-connected with life itself. I know that I’ll be back one day to continue finding what I started searching for.

And as we were about to leave, I stood looking at the safari tent in the distance. My thoughts were overcome by the lyrics off U2’s epic album “Joshua Tree”:

I have spoke with the tongue of angels

I have held the hand of a devil

It was warm in the night

I was cold as a stone

But I still haven’t found

What I’m looking for.

Blog Post Feature: Originally Published on http://glamtravelgram.com/

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