A Thousand Nights with a View
Firstly, Laurent is super nice and responsive, and his property is GORGEOUS. We felt like we were staying in Eden with all the animals, the abundant fruit trees and the gorgeous views in all directions. Also, my partner was very pregnant, and Laurent was very respectful and accommodating.
The reasons for not giving it our complete endorsement is more to do with the expectations of the listing versus what was in person. The yurt is a little tired, as it had tears in the window screens and the front opening velcro could not be sealed shut, so bugs and the cold could easily come in. He did provide a warm blanket, and a device to ward off bugs, and the air mattress is as good as an air mattress can be, though.
Also, the previous reviews gave the impression that breads or some kind of breakfast would be provided. We were offered coffee, which was very nice, but we feel the description on the site should explicitly say no breakfast so as to not give a false impression.
Lastly, Laurent's teenage child and a group of friends were hanging out outside and then inside the house when we arrived. Trying to be COVID-19 safe, It made us a bit uncomfortable. I asked in advance about COVID-19 safety measures, and he told me that he was vaccinated, which was great. It would have been nice to know before arrival that others would be in the house, as well, since we had to go inside to use the bathroom. That being said, they were barely there the rest of the weekend, so it wasn't really an issue after that.
Katie C.recommendsApril 26, 2021
A Thousand Nights with a View
Wonderful stay with an incredible sunset view, gorgeous pool and jacuzzi and even more lovely host. Laurent was warm, gracious and full of stories over his delicious breakfast (amazing coffee, fresh juice and preserves...we were in heaven). We felt like we were staying in a good friend's gorgeous estate rather than just camping! It was very convenient to use his BBQ to cook dinner. If you're sensitive to cold or animal noises, I would just bring some extra warm clothes for the evening and ear plugs as the symphony of animals is not for everyone!
Candy L.recommendsApril 7, 2021
A Thousand Nights with a View
Relaxing Farm Stay in the Mountains
We had a blast staying with Laurent and his two charming great danes, Sascha and X. My son is three and just loved following Laurent around feeding the chickens, picking up the eggs from the coop, feeding the horse and donkey, watering the avocado grove. Laurent was so gracious in letting us tag along on his daily tasks. He also made us wonderful breakfasts in the morning and made time to chat with us about the farm. In our downtime, we used the pool and ate at their outdoor tables. The town is very close by and had great food. The yurt was comfortable and spacious. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a relaxing weekend out of the city! The air just smelled of wonderful orange blossoms, I wish I could bottle that scent.
Liliana G.recommendsMarch 29, 2021
A Thousand Nights with a View
This was an unforgiving weekend! I arrived on a rainy Friday night to a warm heated Yurt! I was a bit consider about the rain, however, Laurent assured me the yurt would be capable of sustaining the rain...and was he RIGHT!! I slept soundly, warm, comfortable, on the air mattress…oh yes, an air mattress…by the way THE BEST air mattress. Their dogs Sasha and X are beautiful, friendly, caring, loving hosts. X would come and check-in-on-me and even visit me for a while, so if you are not comfortable around dogs, I suggest you do not book. Also, the wild nature around the property speechless...beautiful. If you want to get away from the city life/off the grid this is the place to book. Laurent and his beautiful, loving, caring family were spectacular hosts. I felt so welcomed by Laurent and his family. They are sincere genuine people, which made my weekend stay wonderful. Thank you, Laurent, for the amazing freshly squeezed juice and amazing coffee. Laurent and his family added the extra wonderfulness, relaxing, self-care weekend I need. I will be booking another stay without a doubt.
Monica D.recommendsMarch 21, 2021
A Thousand Nights with a View
Amazing view!
Had a great time at Laurent’s place! The view and sunset by the pool is amazing! He accommodated our family of four and my boys truly enjoyed the jacuzzi and pool. Laurent even prepared pancakes and brioche for us for breakfast. Thank you for hospitality, Laurent!
Suzann S.recommendsDecember 8, 2020
A Thousand Nights with a View
Unforgettable weekend
We had the most wonderful weekend staying at Laurent’s hipcamp. We ventured out from there to hike the Santa Margarita River trail (his recommendation!) which we thoroughly enjoyed. Then back to relax in the hot tub. Then off to the wineries we went! So close and convenient. He and his daughter were so accommodating. He served us fresh coffee and baked delicious bread and croissants each morning which was the best! Upon returning from one of our winery “tours” we came home to the most beautiful sunset and my boyfriend, with the help of Laurent and his daughter proposed to me!! It was a day I’ll never forget. Thank you to Laurent and his daughter for making it one of the most unforgettable moments of my life!! We will be back...until next time. Cheers!
Alec J.recommendsNovember 15, 2020
A Thousand Nights with a View
Amazing host! Made us great breakfast both days we were there. Had very friendly dogs and insanely nice views. Would definitely recommend people coming here.
Kristen C.recommendsNovember 5, 2020
A Thousand Nights with a View
An Amazing Staycation
Laurent and his family were amazing hosts during our staycation. Laurent was very welcoming and generous and his baked goods were delicious! It was a nice gateway from the city during this pandemic. Lots of little details make this place very special. We will definitely come back!
Melanie F.recommendsOctober 27, 2020
A Thousand Nights with a View
Gorgeous glamping + marvelous host!
We recently had the absolute pleasure of staying at Finca Céleste over the weekend, and we couldn’t be happier with our stay. An adorable, cozy little yurt nestled in the hills of Temecula wine country that’s less than two hours from LA? Sign me up!!
First, it has to be said: this place has the best host in the world. Laurent is warm, charming, gracious and generous...quite possibly the ideal host. The perfect balance of attentive and helpful while being respectful of his guests’ privacy and their separate experience on the property. We also had the pleasure of meeting his family, as well; they were equally lovely.
The property itself is gorgeous—sweeping views incredible for sunsets & stargazing, lots of lush land to wander and explore (we especially loved all the passion fruit and citrus). And don’t even get me started on the infinity pool with a view + bubbling attached hot tub. Heaven!! Nearby, great hikes abound (thank you, Laurent, for recommending the trek among the wild eucalyptus). The whole place has this perfect mix of tranquil and natural while feeling bustling and alive. Their two Great Danes, Sasha & X, are so sweet and goofy; as are the packs of teenage Guinea Fowl, chattering chickens, and mini donkey and horse near the front gate. Late night and early morning coyotes call & sing in the distance, yet somehow it doesn’t feel unsettling or disruptive.
The tent/yurt is exactly what it looks like in photos here. Very much a glamping vibe. It’s no-frills in there, but is still cute and comfortable: great bed (air mattress), Moroccan lantern hanging above, layered rugs on the floor. Outlet if you need to plug in a charger. Side tables for your books or a little Bluetooth speaker.
Separate guest bathroom is just steps away inside the main house, so don’t stress about having to pee in a bush or brush your teeth outside. Apparently there is a shower as well, but we didn’t use it. That’s what deodorant & dry shampoo are for, y’all!
During our two nights there (late October), the weather was what you’d expect for fall: 60s in the day, upper 40s/low 50s at night. Nothing you can’t handle after a long, gorgeous soak in the hot tub before bed.
*Do* absolutely bring extra blankets if you get cold easily. (We loved getting cozy under a couple fur throws I brought from home.)
What else...oh, yes. FOOD!!!
Breakfast is a wholly glorious and delicious affair. Beautiful toasted brioche, fresh butter, jams from fruit grown on the farm. Hot coffee, cold cream, local honey. Melt-in-your mouth croissants from Laurent’s own bakery.
Lots of cute wineries only 15min away—Laurent will tell you the best ones—and even a couple organic restaurants (and a natural groceries store) in the more suburb-y part of town. We brought our own gallon jugs of water and kept them in the tent for easy water bottle refills, but that was personal preference. We also brought our own wine opener so we wouldn’t have to borrow one at an inopportune moment.
Can you tell we were big fans of our stay?? It was the perfect relaxing adventure. Can’t wait to come back! Thank you for a fabulous weekend, Laurent!!!
Nicole M.recommendsOctober 12, 2020
A Thousand Nights with a View
Laurent is an exceptional host and invites you into his home with open arms, along with all his sweet animals. You're surrounded by so much beauty with an amazing pool. Laurent lets you use the bathroom in the main house, which was open and easy to access. The yurt was large and had thick walls that kept it warm in there at night. My only tip is to make sure you keep any and all food sealed up tight or the ants will get in! Would definitely recommend this stay to anyone.
Julie B.recommendsSeptember 27, 2020
A Thousand Nights with a View
Awesome site and host
We had a amazing stay at Laurent’s farm. The site is fabulous, the view is stunning and Laurent is awesome. Thank you for everything and see you soon!
Micharen L.September 25, 2020
A Thousand Nights with a View
My friend and I enjoyed two nights of this view. The pool and backyard area are amazing. The amount of bugs, especially ants were not. It was our first experience in a yurt and the amount of bugs was disturbing. Also, it sounded like something was trying to break in during the night/early morning. The bed is an air bed so it was extremely uncomfortable. The hosts were nice and provided coffee/bread as breakfast. I feel as though the property has a lot of potential, if the listing was taken care of better. The dogs were nice and non-threatening.
Nikki J.recommendsSeptember 12, 2020
A Thousand Nights with a View
Amazing place to escape from reality with the plants, animals and an amazing view. My boyfriend and I can not wait to go back and hang out with the doggies, Laurent and his beautiful farm! The home made jam and bread in the morning with our coffee and spectacular view is 100% the best way to start your morning.
Travis M.recommendsSeptember 6, 2020
A Thousand Nights with a View
Magnificent Yurt Experience!
A Million Dollar view. The yurt was spacious, well kept, and the property grounds were Fantastic. Along the hillside was every fruit tree you can imagine, with wonderful wildlife. This place is a hidden gem. Comfortable settings, seclusion, and a wonderful infinity pool with breathtaking view. Host and family was wonderful, couldn’t have had a better stay.
David M.recommendsAugust 23, 2020
A Thousand Nights with a View
Wonderful time awaits
Finca Céleste is as advertised in the gorgeous pictures and glowing reviews. This will be another, though all has been said by now.
The ambiance is spectacular and the reception is warm. You will get a true camping experience in terms of the accommodations, and the feeling of being pampered at a resort from the morning coffee and eats as well as the pool and view and tranquil surroundings . Laurent is a splendid host and we very much appreciate the engaging conversations we shared over the breakfast spread he served, much of which originates on the farm. 10 out of 10 would do again!
Vanessa S.recommendsAugust 16, 2020
A Thousand Nights with a View
The entire experience was more than expected! Laurent’s property is absolutely gorgeous, and we loved trying his brioche bread and hearing about/seeing everything the farm has to offer. It was a wonderful way to disconnect for the weekend! Highly recommend!
Jessica A.recommendsAugust 11, 2020
A Thousand Nights with a View
Wonderful View & an amazing evening with the stars.
Melinda G.recommendsAugust 6, 2020
A Thousand Nights with a View
Perfect, Peaceful, and Private!
Just got back from a quick mid-week stay on Laurent's beautiful farm. He was such a welcoming host, and is helpful and hospitable in every way. You cannot beat the view from the yurt and the infinity pool, truly a perfect escape from busy city life. The animals, including his two great danes are all people friendly, but can be loud, so if you are a light sleeper, bring some earplugs if you want to sleep in. We hope to return again in the future! Thank you for a great stay Laurent!
Angie L.recommendsJuly 25, 2020
A Thousand Nights with a View
Short but sweet stay
My husband and I enjoyed our stay here. We loved everything about from the serene farm to the gentle giant dogs. Laurent was the best host and his baking is impeccable. We can’t wait to visit Temecula again and just visit him to say hello (and help him weed his beautiful farm). Haha.
Mbenda N.recommendsJuly 1, 2020
A Thousand Nights with a View
Incredible views and fresh pastries
I went for my birthday with a friend and it was honestly so amazing. The views are even better in person, incredible. Laurent and his family were so sweet and kind, making us really feel like home with great conversation. He even baked us fresh pastries for breakfast and gave us a great food recommendations for the city! The dogs were really sweet too (must like dogs, they’ll be there with you the entire time) it was such a peaceful experience. We stayed in their Jacuzzi for hours. If you are a light sleeper then I would definitely bring earplugs because the coyotes and roosters are loud. Also make sure you pack warm because it’s pretty cold at night! Will definitely go back
Samantha M.recommendsJune 30, 2020
A Thousand Nights with a View
Laurent and his family were the best. Kind, generous and responsive. The property is gorgeous and we stayed warm, dry and cozy in the yurt, even when it poured our first night!
Roxana E.recommendsJune 16, 2020
A Thousand Nights with a View
Amazing adventure!
A must! Amazing host, place and a complete adventure! We went with our 5 and 6 year old kids and they had such a good time, they enjoyed all the animals, pool, etc. Laurent was the best! Definitely have to come back!
Tarlan S.recommendsMay 26, 2020
A Thousand Nights with a View
Dreamy
The best experience ever!
Great place, exceptional hospitality! Wonderful host.
The Morrocon style tent was super cute and romantic, me and my boyfriend loved our little private balcony with beautiful view.
Laurent is very welcoming and makes you feel right at home. He made us breakfast the first day and we chatted a little bit and it was like we’ve known him forever.
He also baked me a pie for my birthday I got sooo excited (sweetest thing ever!!)
I recommend this place if you love camping and hanging out with great people. We will visit again.
Alexa C.recommendsJanuary 3, 2020
A Thousand Nights with a View
Beautiful property in wine country Temecula! Laurent was such an accommodating and wonderful host! The yurt is situated in their back yard which overlooks the town, and had a cute bistro table for coffee, eating, and reflection time :) Laurent let us use their fridge in the garage for food and we accessed the guest bathroom through their house.
We visited in the winter which was mostly tricky because it got dark and cold so early in the day, but we ventured into the town right nearby for some entertainment. The property has a gorgeous pool which I imagine would be perfect in the summer!
Laurent offered us coffee in the morning, and helped us with any questions we had. Beautiful location and wonderful host! Big thanks to Laurent and his family for the utmost hospitality!!