Escape to The Moonstone, a Sierra Nevada sanctuary just 10 miles from Yosemite's western gate. Perfect for nature lovers, this luxury retreat is one of the closest homes to Yosemite Valley with access in just 20 minutes. Unwind in the outdoor copper soaking tub, or gather in the expansive outdoor living spaces featuring a wood-fired pizza oven, parilla, and dining area. Ideal for family and friends seeking relaxation and adventure near Yosemite National Park.
Welcome to The Moonstone Retreat
Where nature's tranquility meets luxurious living at an elevation of 1,500 feet. Located within the scenic Merced River Canyon, our retreat offers a serene escape from the everyday.
Our favorite features:
→ Surrounded by the calming sounds of the Merced River and mountain views
→ Gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances and soapstone countertops
→ Expansive yoga studio with heated reclaimed teak floors
→ Washer and dryer for guest convenience
→ EV charger for electric vehicles
The chef-ready kitchen is perfect for culinary enthusiasts:
→ State-of-the-art appliances including a gas stove and oven
→ Full-sized Sub Zero refrigerator, Wolf Oven and Cooktop
→ Essential cookware and bakeware
→ Drip coffee maker and French press with a selection of coffees and teas
Outdoor Living and Dining:
→ Separate outdoor dining area with a wood-fired pizza oven, ideal for al fresco meals
→ Outdoor copper bath, perfect for serene soaks under the stars
Families, couples, and friends will find peace and comfort in our thoughtfully designed spaces:
→ Three bedrooms feature king-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms, and private balconies for intimate views of the Sierra wilderness
→ The Bohemian Room: Tailored for children or additional guests, with three twin beds or one king-sized bed to accommodate your group's needs
The Moonstone Retreat is not just a place to stay—it's a place to live, breathe, and rejuvenate, surrounded by the Sierra's unparalleled beauty. This sanctuary invites you to relax deeply and connect with the natural world.
Serene Riverside Sanctuary: Luxurious Comfort in Yosemite's Embrace
Step into the tranquillity of Yosemite at The Moonstone Retreat, where each detail is carefully curated to enhance your sense of peace and connection with nature. This exquisite living space, framed by expansive windows and rustic wood beams, offers breathtaking views of the mountain-scape surroundings. Sink into the plush leather sofas or enjoy the soft comfort of sheepskin rugs by the crackling wood-burning stove, all while the soothing sounds of the Merced River envelop you in serene luxury.
Chef's Delight: Gourmet Kitchen & Dining with a View
Craft culinary masterpieces in the fully-equipped gourmet kitchen, designed with the epicurean in mind. Featuring sleek soapstone countertops and high-end appliances nestled within warm wooden cabinetry, this kitchen offers both style and function. Overlooking the spectacular landscape of the Merced River Canyon, it opens into an elegant dining area, where floor-to-ceiling windows not only frame the scenic outdoor views but also fill the room with natural light. Whether you're brewing morning coffee or enjoying a home-cooked meal, the space is perfect for gathering and making memories in a picturesque setting.
Restful Retreats: Private Bedroom Sanctuaries with Ensuite and Views
Each bedroom serves as a private haven, designed to offer guests unparalleled peace and seclusion. With king-sized beds, en suite natural stone bathrooms, and sliding doors that open to private decks, these rooms are crafted for comfort and privacy. Positioned to face different cardinal directions, every bedroom captures unique views of the Sierra’s captivating landscape, ensuring that every guest experiences their own serene piece of the wilderness. Revel in the luxury of bespoke linens and artisanal decor that harmonize beautifully with the natural setting outside.
Playful Bohemian Retreat: A Haven for Kids and Families
Located on the lower level, the Bohemian Room is a vibrant and playful area designed for children's enjoyment and comfort. This room features three twin beds, each set against a backdrop of lively, bohemian-inspired decor, creating a fun and inviting space for younger guests. With the option to convert two twin beds into a king-sized bed upon request, this room offers flexibility for families of various sizes. Large windows and sliding doors open to the natural surroundings, filling the room with light and connecting the indoors with the beautiful Yosemite landscape. It's the perfect spot for kids to unwind and play, leaving parents free to relax upstairs.
Tranquil Sanctuary: Expansive Yoga Studio with Riverviews
Our spacious 800 square foot yoga studio, set within The Moonstone, is designed to offer an immersive wellness experience for up to 30 yogis at a time. Boasting heated reclaimed teak floors and south-facing windows, the studio captures stunning views of the river's pools and the surrounding peaks, creating a serene backdrop for yoga sessions. This thoughtfully designed space also serves as a gathering spot, complete with a bathroom, tearoom utility, and an outdoor shower. The living roof adds a touch of vitality and connection to nature, enhancing the peaceful ambiance of this unique retreat. Whether engaging in a rejuvenating yoga session or enjoying a peaceful gathering, the yoga studio provides an ideal setting for relaxation and mindfulness.
Alfresco Culinary Delights: Outdoor Cooking and Dining
The Moonstone's patio is enveloped by the serene soundscape of the Merced River and surrounded by mixed oak and conifer woodlands. This culinary haven is equipped with a state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen featuring cast iron cookware and a wood-fired pizza oven, perfect for crafting gourmet meals under the sky. Wildlife sightings and the tranquil ambiance of the river enhance your dining experience, making every meal memorable. Whether you're firing up a pizza or grilling local produce, our patio offers a unique blend of relaxation and epicurean pleasure.
Note: For safety reasons, use of the parilla and wood-fired oven requires hiring one of our local chefs.
Explore El Portal: Gateway to Yosemite’s Wonders
As one of the closest private homes to Yosemite National Park, The Moonstone Retreat is located 10 miles from the Arch Rock entrance gate to the park. You will follow the very river that flows past The Moonstone, through the deep gorge of the Merced River canyon and into the hallowed walls of Yosemite Valley. The property is in El Portal, just off Highway 140, the easiest to drive and most accessible all-season road into Yosemite National Park.
The magic and wilds of Yosemite National Park are a mere 10 miles away, making The Moonstone Retreat the perfect staging ground for your days in the park. But the property itself is also a destination. There is excellent road biking right from the house on a traffic-free road for about 30 minutes of round-trip riding. In a short walk on a dirt path, you will find yourself delighting in perfect swimming holes for a day on the river. The Merced River is designated as Wild and Scenic and it lives up to its name. Deep green pools to cool and refresh, warm sculpted granite rocks to lounge and play on, it is a merciful and delightful body of water. And if you just want to sit and soak in the peace of the mountains, The Moonstone Retreat will provide stillness and quietude.
Activities & Attractions
From the doorstep of The Moonstone Retreat, take advantage of the traffic-free roads ideal for biking or explore the numerous trails that offer everything from leisurely walks to challenging hikes. Yosemite’s magic extends beyond its valleys and cliffs; nearby, the Merced River provides refreshing dips and delightful scenery, making every day an opportunity for new discoveries.
Community Vibe
El Portal maintains a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere, encapsulating the essence of mountain life. It's a community where stillness and quietude are not just found but are a way of life. Here, you’re not just staying at a location; you’re immersing yourself in an environment that rejuvenates your spirit and offers respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Additional Services: Enhancing Your Yosemite Experience
Your host and staff are ready to help you have the ideal time in Yosemite. We know our way around the mountains and can ensure you have a seamless stay. Additional services you can arrange include:
1. Grocery shopping prior to arrival: this is a remote setting, and you are 45 minutes from a real grocery store.
2. Chef’s services and catering: from vegetarian
inspired menus to barbeque.
3. Custom yoga instruction: highly trained yogis to enrich your body, mind and spirit
Guided hiking: stroll and learn about Yosemite with local experts, take challenging hikes with a knowledgeable guide.
4. Hire a Fire gaucho to lead you in a delightful hearthside dinner.
5. Massage: ease your muscles after a day in the mountains with the Merced River Canyon’s finest therapists.
Contacts will be sent to you once a reservation has been made for you to create the desired itinerary for your group.
