Nice place, albeit deserted (5)

I believe the answer is:

oasis

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'nice place' is the definition.
'oasis' can be an answer for 'place' (I have seen 'Place of refreshment ' mean 'oasis' so perhaps 'place' could also mean 'oasis'). I am unsure of the 'nice' bit.

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for oasis that I've seen before include "where palms grow" , "Green spot; rock group" , "Safe haven" , "Green area in desert" , "Pop group" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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