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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Gaia Villa is a sanctuary where the grounding, healing, and loving energy of Mother Earth represents just a few of our core intentions. We have made it our mission that all aspects of the property and surrounding land serve a refuge for anyone visiting the space.
We also 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 a home for our guests to connect with oneself, each other, and nature's medicinal energy.
JOURNEY
There are countless stories around every corner of the villa and land. It was a year in the making while in the midst of the 2019 pandemic. In an ironic way, this worldwide tragedy dominated by fear and isolation was synchronistically the time period when courage and love was poured into every aspect of this retreat property.
Each room and amenity was meticulously and personally curated by May, the founder, and her tribe of supportive family and friends -- from hanging each piece of art, designing and laying rocks for the meditation labyrinth, to installing the natural flagstone walkway.
As they say, "It takes a village!" Every guest who has visited Gaia Villa contributes to the healing energy of the space. We hope you feel it when you visit!
ORIGIN
Hi, I'm May, owner of Gaia Villa and also the founder of re:YOGA Therapy, an LA-based yoga therapy and wellness provider. Some may say I'm a bit obsessed with holistic wellness but it perfectly led me to Gaia Villa.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but the creation of Gaia Villa was more of a healing journey for me than a business endeavor. My first love and career was in real estate development. In hindsight, it made sense as I experienced a challenged upbringing. Being born of Chinese-Cambodian survivors of the Khmer Rouge and on a refugee camp, our family was constantly on the move even after immigrating to the States. I rarely felt at home or at peace.
This led me to pursue wellness where I studied and taught yoga abroad for 2 years in countries such as India, Nepal, Thailand, and Singapore. During my extensive travels, I envisioned creating a healing space where I can combine my love of real estate, travel, and wellness.
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
TEAM MEMBERS
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
TEAM MEMBERS
KIM
PROPERTY MANAGER AND
GUEST SERVICES
We are so grateful to have Kim as our onsite 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. But 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.”
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Kim
Our Guests' Experiences
Thank you for sharing this beautiful space with others in the way you do. This weekend has been so restful and connecting, thank you, thank you!
~ Tara
Thank you for your gorgeous space to allow us to focus on our practices, our betterment of our minds and bodies, and to create an amazing community!
~ Brook
So many amazing moments and connections were made here this weekend! Thank you for making this space available and making this trip possible!​