Buena Vista sits on more than 40 acres in Thermal, out at the quiet southern end of the Coachella Valley, and it gives a big group the rare feeling of having an entire destination to themselves. A private freshwater lake sits at the center of the property with mountains rising behind it. The 7,700-square-foot mid-century modern estate sleeps 20 across nine bedrooms in three separate buildings, so everyone has real room to spread out and still ends up at the same table for dinner.

The main house is where everyone gathers. An open floor plan runs from a living room anchored by a full gallery wall to a long dining area and a chef's kitchen with updated appliances and room for more than one cook. The game room has billiards and shuffleboard, and a surround sound system carries music through the house and out to the patio. Three bedrooms are here: two with a king bed and one with two queens.

The guest house adds four more bedrooms. Bedroom 4 has a king and its own ensuite bath, Bedroom 5 has a queen with an ensuite, and Bedrooms 6 and 7 each have a queen. The apartment beside the barn holds the last two, a king bedroom and a bunk room with four bunk beds that works well for kids or the friends who don't mind sharing. Across the estate there are eight full baths and a half bath.

The Experience
Step out onto the back patio and the view runs straight across the lake to the mountains. It's the shot in the photos, and it looks even better in person. Mornings are best on the water before the desert heat sets in, with a stand-up paddleboard, a pedal boat and two inflatable kayaks ready at the shore. The lake isn't for swimming, but it is stocked with bass, bluegill, carp and the occasional catfish, and guests who bring their own gear do catch them (catch-and-release only). For a swim, the pool and spa sit just off the main house, ringed by oversized loungers under the palms.

Afternoons can get competitive. There's a tennis and pickleball court, volleyball, a bocce court and horseshoe pits, plus a rodeo-style entertainment area with its own saloon. When the light starts to go, the lakeside dining area is where the group tends to land. Fire up the BBQ (double burner and sink included), eat outside with the water in front of you, then pull up one of the 13 chairs around the bonfire pit. A game of pool in the game room is a good way to close out the night. Between the lake, the courts and the house itself, plenty of groups spend their whole stay without getting back in the car, and more than a few wish they'd booked an extra night.

The Location
When you do head out, Thermal puts you right in the middle of the valley's polo and golf country. Empire Polo Club, home to the Coachella and Stagecoach festivals each spring, is about 10 to 15 minutes north, which makes Buena Vista an easy base for festival weekends. The PGA West courses in La Quinta are about 10 minutes away, and Old Town La Quinta's shops and restaurants are roughly 15 minutes. El Paseo in Palm Desert is about a 25 to 30 minute drive, downtown Palm Springs about 45. For hiking, the Painted Canyon and Ladder Canyon trails in the Mecca Hills are around half an hour east, and Joshua Tree National Park's south entrance at Cottonwood is about 40 minutes away.

Events
Buena Vista took Best Event Venue in the 2025 AvantStay Awards, and it shows. Weddings, milestone birthdays, family reunions and company retreats all have room here, with an outdoor arena overlooking the lake, two outdoor restrooms and parking for large groups. The 3,500-square-foot barn, with exposed beams, air conditioning, heat and its own speaker system, is available to contracted event guests for an additional fee and is not part of standard stays. Our concierge team is happy to help with planning from the first inquiry to the last song.

Included Activities & Amenities
Pool & spa with surrounding oversized lounge areas
Freshwater lake with paddle boat, paddle boards, and kayaks (one of each)
"Rodeo-style" entertainment area complete with a saloon
BBQ with double burner and sink
Bonfire-style fire pit with 13 chairs
Billiards and shuffleboard
Bocce ball court
Tennis Court/Pickle Ball Court
Volleybal
Surround sound speaker system (indoor & outdoor areas)
State-of-the-art gourmet kitchen with updated appliances

Additional Experiences & Services
Private Chef with Custom Menu Creation
Cooking Classes with Private chef
Kids Activities (Magician, Bouncy House, Water Slide)
Spa Services (Massages, Facial, Manicure, & Pedicure)
Bartending Service & Mixology Lessons
Meditation & Sound Bath Experience
Wine & Whiskey Tastings
Painting Classes, Arts & Crafts
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Stargazing with Astrology Expert
Yoga, Workout, & Wellness Classes
Security Services
Babysitting Services
Transportation and Charter Services
Mid-stay Cleans

Events Perks
Parking for large groups
Two outdoor bathrooms for large-scale events
In-Market Concierge
Access to Buena Vista's 3,500 sq. ft. barn featuring an indoor speaker system, air conditioning and heat.

Main House:
Bedroom 1: 1 King bed
Bedroom 2: 2 Queen beds
Bedroom 3: 1 King bed

Guest House:
Bedroom 4: King-sized Bed w/ ensuite
Bedroom 5: Queen-sized Bed w/ ensuite
Bedroom 6: Queen bed
Bedroom 7: Queen bed

Apartment (located next to the barn):
Bedroom 8: King bed
Bedroom 9: 4 bunk beds

The Lake:
The lake is not swimmable, but guests are welcome to enjoy it using the two inflatable kayaks, a stand-up paddleboard, and a pedal boat provided. The lake is home to several fish species including carp, bluegill, bass, and the occasional catfish. Fishing is permitted on a catch-and-release basis, and guests are welcome to bring their own equipment.

AvantStay provides a personalized hospitality experience to elevate your stay. With our Concierge Service, guests have access to our tech-enabled services like fridge stocking, private chefs, massages, transportation, special occasion celebrations, baby gear rentals, ski gear, beach gear, and more. For anything you need, we're at your fingertips via concierge@avantstay.com.

A 90-minute drive from LA, Palm Springs has earned its reputation as a long-time favorite desert destination. Attracting movie stars, such as Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra, it boasts an old-Hollywood history dating back to the 20s. Mid-century modern architecture adds to a nostalgic feel while trendy shopping, hip restaurants, and lively bars keep things modern. Hop from one renowned golf course & spa to the next, or explore the Coachella Valley desert by way of hiking, ATVs, or horseback.

Local Attractions: Palm Springs Art Museum, Tahquitz Canyon, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Indian Canyons Hiking Trail, Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs Air Museum, Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey, Antigua Kitchen + Bar, Johnny Costa's Ristorante.

Home Truths:

Parking Details:
A maximum of 8 cars can park onsite.

All bookings over 30 days require a security deposit to be charged after booking