Deserted maybe, but it's a nice place (5)
I believe the answer is:
oasis
'place' is the definition.
(I have seen 'Place of refreshment ' mean 'oasis' so perhaps 'place' could also mean 'oasis')
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for oasis that I've seen before include "Fertile place in a desert, a watering hole" , "Fertile place like waterhole in desert" , "Place of rest in the midst of gloom" , "Place of refreshment" , "Fertile place in a desert, watering-hole" .)