Death Valley Visitors Guide - 11th Edition

T he Oasis at Death Valley, formerly known as Furnace Creek Resort, is North America’s only authentic desert oasis. One of Death Valley’s best- kept secrets is being completely reinvig- orated by a well-deserved multi-million dollar restoration and renovation bring- ing new life and energy to this historic property. Rebecca Stone and Chris Vandall of Denver’s OZ Architecture immediately understood just what a unique project they were embarking on as soon as they arrived. “Coming through this arid, desert moonscape, there’s nothing out there,” says Stone, the architect of record and principal in charge on the project. “And then you round the corner and you hit this beautiful, hand-built inn that’s truly an oasis. There are palm trees and water and a beautifully crafted building that grows out of the rock. You don’t expect that after you’ve been driving for miles without seeing any trees at all.” All facets of the resort are receiving an update with the classic gem of the park, The four-diamond Inn at Death Valley, being adorned with a complete interior re-design featuring a new lobby, bar, and dining room, and enhanced landscaping, yet retaining its classic mission California-style. The Inn’s make-over also includes refurbishments to all guest rooms, and 22 new casitas are being added around the famed gardens. The vintage pool, with its signature stonework, will add cabanas and a new spa, as well as a new pool bar. Located in the shadow of the Oasis Gardens’ date palms, the Inn’s Casitas (due to be completed in the fall of 2018) will offer unparalleled privacy and luxury within easy walking distance of the Inn pool. In addition to the main sleeping quarters, each Casita also has a living room with a sleeper sofa as well as a wet bar – perfect for fixing your cocktail of choice while you hear the wind rustle through the palms overhead. The Ranch at Death Valley is having a completely new Town Square erected, replacing the former resort center. The new heart of The Ranch will be constructed in a complementary mission California style to its sister hotel, The Inn. The Town Square will include a new guest registration area, a new restaurant, retail shopping area and The Last Kind Words Saloon – the Ranch’s new signature entertainment space. “The ranch was very different,” says Stone. “It’s sort of national park in feel but also this homestead kind of place. It feels a little more like a dude ranch. I like that aspect of the ranch because you’re expecting to arrive at a national park but then there’s also this cool little saloon and steakhouse and cabins and motorcyclists hanging out on the front porch. It’s very welcoming. Not frilly or fancy.” The Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley, the lowest elevation golf course in the world, has also been updated and offers golfers the opportunity to challenge themselves while playing their “lowest” round of golf — guaranteed. The course has added more desert landscaping and new contours to make the course more water efficient. The 19th hole continues to serve patrons via its unique golf cart drive-thru, which is a must-do for every guest, as is their world-famous hamburger. Death Valley Vistiors Guide • 11th Edition 17 ! &# $ ! % ! "% ! Renovations Bring New Life and Energy to a Historic Resort An artist’s rendering of the completely new common area at Ranch at Death Valley. The Ranch’s 224 rooms have been upgraded and refreshed.