It was like coming to visit my grandfather's house.
It was a B&B to enjoy such an "extraordinary" experience.
Unique space
A 20-minute drive east from Desert Hot Springs, which is lined with hot spring hotels.
Turtle Back Mesa is located in the middle of the desert with nothing around it.
It is a small B&B with only 3 rooms to stay.
The room I stayed in, Mesquite, shared a shower room with the room next door, Palo Verde.
There were doors on both walls of one shower room, so that one could go back and forth between the two guestrooms if they wanted to.
Very unique, but I thought some might be concerned about the security.
Started by Marlyn and Ernest Sussman, this B&B does not fit into the usual framework of an inn, partly because Marlin was an artist.
If you value personal space, this may not be the place to stay for you.
I felt a close proximity to the hosts as if I had come to visit my chatty grandparents.
I learned that Marlyn, who had spoken about her illness during this visit, has since passed away.
Today, Ernest continues to serve the same excellent French toast for breakfast.
Unforgettable and extraordinary
Clothing was optional in the walled courtyaRoad
The soaking area was located on the outside of the wall facing the wilderness.
There was a pool that could fit about 10 soakers and a two-person-sized cylindrical tub.
As for the pool, the policy was not to fill it with water on days when there were few guests.
I was led to the tub, so I removed the half-moon-shaped cover and began to soak.
The water was lukewarm.
I felt the water flow from the water outlet, but it appeared to be circulating to maintain the water temp.
It would have been nice to have had a little of the thermal water characteristic of the area, but it was difficult for me to find freshness in the water.
Although I was not personally satisfied with the water for its purpose, I enjoyed the memorable and extraordinary experience.
Summary
Turtle Back Mesa Bed & Breakfast, Desert Hot Springs, California, U.S.
My rating
Type: Lodging
Rule: Clothing optional
Chemical use: Not detected
Water temp: Up to 138 degrees F
