Embrace solitude at Folly Mojave, an off-grid desert retreat
Folly Mojave is a wilderness escape enveloped by hundreds of square miles of natural scenery and designed by LA-based architect Malek Alqadi

Few off-grid experiences feel as in touch with their surroundings as Folly Mojave does. Designed by the LA-based multidisciplinary architect Malek Alqadi, the 200-acre wilderness retreat sits at the intersection of the untamed Mojave National Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park and makes a bold architectural statement, inspired by the area’s earthy hues, rocky textures and surreal, Martian-like terrain. The property is the latest in hospitality brand Folly’s collection of secluded stays, which debuted near the town of Joshua Tree in 2018 with a contemporary cabin also designed by Alqadi.
Folly Mojave
‘Folly Mojave acts as a nature-derived, divine space, welcoming guests seeking wellness, healing and self-reflection,’ says Alqadi. The property boasts three standalone structures, labelled suites, that embody the four elements of nature and seem to appear and disappear into the landscape in the harsh daylight. The Water suite, which seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor realms, boasts a regal bed, well-equipped kitchen, lofty ceilings, lavish walk-in shower, eco-conscious solar utilities, premium amenities and an open-air sky terrace that acts as a fully operational bedroom for those interested in observing the Milky Way at night.
Overnight suites at Folly Mojave
The Water suite at Folly Mojave features a façade of sand-mixed, board-formed concrete with charred wood details. The Folly Mojave’s design was influenced by the ancient architecture of Alqadi’s birthplace, Jordan, and Peru’s chullpas towers
Overnight suites at Folly Mojave
The two other suites – Fire + Stone and Wind – deliver analogous experiences, framing awe-inspiring vistas through vast windows. Each independent structure flaunts a raw, monolithic allure, with blackened steel accents punctuating their concrete shells. Reclaimed wood, charred using the ancient Japanese technique of shou sugi ban, adds a complementary texture.
The choice of materials speaks to the desert’s resilience, a subtle nod to the connection between human ingenuity and the natural world. Solar panels come in the shape of a tree-like form ‘planted’ next to each suite, enhancing energy efficiency while inviting guests to experience innovative technologies firsthand. ‘Folly Mojave strives to operate as a self-sufficient microgrid, with the sun reigning as the primary energy source – truly disconnecting from external utilities,’ notes Alqadi.
Overnight suites at Folly Mojave
Overnight suites at Folly Mojave
Overnight suites at Folly Mojave
Overnight suites at Folly Mojave
There is also a fourth outdoor structure, the Mara Pavilion, inspired by the Oasis of Mara (one of five palm oases in Joshua Tree National Park and first settled by the indigenous Serrano people). Designed for various self-care and wellness activities, offerings include movie nights, yoga classes, sound baths and intimate gatherings. Within the pavilion itself is a sauna, steam room, cold plunge pool and heated pool, while therapists can provide a range of holistic spa treatments from a specially curated menu.
And for those seeking a breathtaking desert dining experience, Folly Mojave boasts a private outpost, located a short drive or hike away, which offers campfire dinners and s’mores at dusk.
Mara Pavilion at Folly Mojave
Mara Pavilion at Folly Mojave
follycollection.com, malekalqadi.com
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
A version of the Wallpaper* USA 400 appears in the August 2024 issue of Wallpaper*, a guide to Creative America, available to download free when you sign up to our daily digest of news, in print on newsstands, on the Wallpaper* app on Apple iOS, and to subscribers of Apple News +. Subscribe to Wallpaper* today
Sofia de la Cruz is the Travel Editor at Wallpaper*. Before joining the team in 2023, she worked for Hypebae and Hypebeast UK, where she focused on the intersection of art, fashion, and culture. Additionally, she contributed to Futurevvorld by covering a variety of sustainability topics.
-
ICON 4x4 goes EV, giving their classic Bronco-based restomod an electric twist
The EV Bronco is ICON 4x4’s first foray into electrifying its range of bespoke vintage off-roaders and SUVs
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
‘Dressed to Impress’ captures the vivid world of everyday fashion in the 1950s and 1960s
A new photography book from The Anonymous Project showcases its subjects when they’re dressed for best, posing for events and celebrations unknown
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Inside Camperlab’s Harry Nuriev-designed Paris store, a dramatic exercise in contrast
The Crosby Studios founder tells Wallpaper* the story behind his new store design for Mallorcan shoe brand Camperlab, which centres on an interplay between ‘crushed concrete’ and gleaming industrial design
By Jack Moss Published
-
Is a tiny tattoo the best holiday souvenir? Kimpton Hotels think so
In partnership with Tiny Zaps, Kimpton Hotels is bringing city-inspired tattoo pop-ups to five U.S. locations
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Alba Los Angeles is an Italian vacation disguised as a restaurant
This buzzy NYC import brings a slice of la dolce vita to West Hollywood
By Carole Dixon Published
-
At Bar Etoile, Scandi-chic meets leisurely Los Angeles
This new Melrose Park joint mixes art-world references, French bistro vibes and an out-of-this-world martini
By Carole Dixon Published
-
The world's most heavenly destinations for astrotourism in 2025
We're in for a big year for celestial events. These are the world's best hotels to see the cosmos as you've never seen it before
By Anna Solomon Published
-
Printemps' New York outpost blooms with possibility – and enchanting design
Thanks to designer Laura Gonzalez, this new retail mecca blooms colour, atmosphere and narrative
By Anna Fixsen Published
-
At Bar Siesta in Los Angeles, meals linger and moods perk up
This new Silver Lake hotspot showcases Spain's design, culture, and delectable tinned fish
By Carole Dixon Published
-
New York’s only revolving restaurant is back in action
Located inside the New York Marriott Marquis, The View Restaurant and Lounge reopens following a 360 refresh courtesy of The Rockwell Group
By Adrian Madlener Published
-
An Upper East Side townhouse is transformed into a chic French bistro
At Chez Fifi, Sweden’s Joyn Studio has created an elevated setting that transports diners to 1930s Paris
By Dan Howarth Published