MISSION
"Gaia" is the goddess personified as "Mother Earth". She is the life energy that nourishes and integrates all living beings.
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We believe that at the core of human happiness and wellbeing is an innate desire for more meaningful connections. Gaia Villa was designed to serve as an intimate healing retreat space for our guests to connect with oneself, each other, and nature's medicinal energy.
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As part of our mission, we offer outreach programs to support nonprofit organizations and underserved communities. All individuals deserve to experience the intrinsic right to feel safe and at peace.
TEAM MEMBERS
MAY
FOUNDER
May is the creator and soul behind Gaia Villa. She is also a certified yoga therapist and the founder of re:YOGA Therapy, a Los Angeles–based collective offering therapeutic yoga and holistic wellness.
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Gaia Villa was created from a deeply personal process of healing and integration. Her earlier professional path began in real estate development, later evolving into a more purpose-driven journey.
Born in a refugee camp to Chinese-Cambodian survivors of the Khmer Rouge, May turned to the ancient wisdom of yoga for wellbeing and mindfulness practices for grounding. She studied and taught abroad for two years across India, Nepal, Thailand, and Singapore to deepen her practice and broaden her perspective.
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Today, she pours her heart and energy into Gaia Villa to serve as an offering...
"I invite you to be our guest.
Come with an open heart.
Leave stories that no longer serve.
Let's co-create magic!"
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May
KIM
PROPERTY MANAGER AND
GUEST SERVICES
We are so grateful to have Kim as Gaia Villa's property manager!
She brings invaluable experience to our team with 12 years in concierge services, 10 years in the ER, 5 years in restaurant management, and a local connection having been born and raised in Palm Springs and having spent the last 5 years in Joshua Tree.
And most importantly, she offers a loving, nurturing experience for our guests, meticulously taking care of details small and large and always ready to offer a helping hand before and during your stay.
“What I love about working at Gaia Villa is that I get to be a part of changing people's lives in a small way. Gaia Villa has purpose and it wraps its arms around the guests and provides a safe space to help in their journey and I get to take part in that. It is really life changing.”
Kim
BRIANNA
MARKETING MANAGER
Meet Brianna, our Marketing Manager extraordinaire!
With a 500-hour yoga certification, she's not only well-versed in the art of human connection but has also led retreats and yoga teacher trainings worldwide.
Her love for travel and passion for bringing people together shine through in everything she does.
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“I find joy in shaping and sharing the stories that capture our transformative retreat experiences. It's not just about promoting a destination; it's about curating moments of serenity, connection, and transformative wellness. Every endeavor is an opportunity to invite others into the embrace of Gaia Villa's unique blend of nature, nurture, and rejuvenation."
Brianna
Our Guests' Experiences
We booked our first retreat here and it was a great choice for a small group. The house was clean, as pictured. Hosts communicated well. The amenities covered all our needs. The location is not far away from civilization where you can get necessities. There is Walmart ten minutes up the road. It was quiet and dark enough to see stars. Also near the park, about a 15 to 20 minute drive. Highly recommend.
~ Khaled
We hosted a retreat here in October and it was a 10/10 experience! It feels larger than the pictures - super high ceilings which make it feel expansive and it's decorated sooo lovely. Our guests absolutely loved it. Not to mention the care and intention put into every little aspect of each area in the villa - they've thought of everything you could possibly want or need! Great communication and the hosts of this place truly care :) I truly think there's nothing like it in Joshua Tree that compares especially to host a retreat!
~ Ashlyn
Incredible retreat experience. Gaia Villa is a very special place. We look forward to booking year after year. We had 16 people on retreat and utilized the yoga studio for our meditation space. It worked out perfect. We couldn't have found a better place to host this. May and her team are wonderful to work with!! Many thanks to them for all they did to welcome our group to Gaia. HIGHLY recommend!!