Death Valley is one of the desert wonders of the world, making for some of the most beautiful scenery in Eastern California with sand dunes, salt flats, mountains, craters, and the lowest lake in North America. Protected as a national park, the valley covers 3,000 square miles and is known for being the hottest and driest point in the country.

Despite the harsh temperatures and terrain, many people make the trek out to the desert to spend time at The Oasis at Death Valley, which is home to two unique resorts that have undergone a $100 million renaissance. Originally called Furnace Creek, the resort was built by the Pacific Borax Company in the 1920s and became the winter getaway for Hollywood royalty such as Marlon Brando and Clarke Gable. Due to its natural beauty, George Lucas filmed scenes from the original Star Wars movies there.

Over the years the Oasis expanded, and is now home to an Inn, a Ranch, as well as the Furnace Greek Golf Course—making it the ultimate luxury getaway for everyone from families seeking adventure to solo travelers that want to relax in a desert paradise.

The Inn at Death Valley

Since 1927, The Inn at Death Valley has been an elegant hideaway for guests. The historic AAA-rated, four-diamond resort offers unprecedented service and luxury, and includes an updated lounge and bar, as well as a brand-new library. Visitors can opt to stay in a variety of rooms, suites, and pool bungalows, in addition to casitas that come with golf carts. Spend an afternoon soaking in the tiled spring-fed pool, relax with healing treatments at the all-new spa, and enjoy a workout in the state-of-the-art fitness center.

The Inn offers a selection of guest services and amenities that will help make the most of your stay in Death Valley National Park. There are two tennis courts, a sauna, exercise room, and hiking, as well as room service, complimentary wi-fi, terry robes, and more.

The Ranch at Death Valley

Also part of the $100 million renaissance, The Ranch at Death Valley is a former working ranch that has been transformed into a family-friendly hub of activity. The perfect base for exploring the largest national park in the lower 48 states, the Ranch offers a classic mid-century feel and has a Spanish Colonial Revival town square filled with towering date palms and California mission architecture. Guest rooms are adjacent to the Furnace Creek Golf Course, and many open onto patios or have balconies that overlook the grounds.

The Ranch is also home to a new restaurant, ice cream and coffee bar, saloon, and general store. It also offers horseback and carriage rides at its stables, Jeep rentals to explore the park, and a full 18-hole golf course. Other amenities include a spring-fed pool kept at 87 degrees, communal fire pits, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a kids playground, and so much more.

For more information and to plan your next trip, visit oasisatdeathvalley.com or call 760-786-2345. Follow them on Instagram: @oasisatdeathvalley

[Images courtesy of Oasis at Death Valley]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk