Palm Springs, California – venues with a view

A hop, skip and a jump from Los Angeles (within two hours) lies a classic piece of modern Americana – think Mad Men meets boutique and luxury resorts, in a desert setting. Made famous, or infamous, by the Hollywood Rat Pack, Palm Springs lies on the edge of the Coachella Valley, in the Colorado Desert.

Surrounded and sheltered by three mountain ranges, warm desert light bathes the city. Its location means it's always been popular as a weekend retreat from Los Angeles, but the city and surroundings have put their 'glitz' back on, of late, and, of course, there is the massive draw of the annual and ever-so-hip Coachella Valley Music Festival. There is an established stable of luxury resorts, from The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage, Parker, Avalon and L'Horizon to the soon-to-open Andaz, downtown.      

From resort downtime by the pool to mountain trekking, great restaurants and a vibrant arts scene to cocktails by the pool in a truly authentic 50's American setting, there is no shortage of experiences to be had, but perhaps our favourite ‘venue with a view’ is stargazing in the vast dark skies of the neighbouring Joshua Tree National Park – now that is just stunning!

If you are California-bound, we'd be delighted to share our hidden treasures, and tell you why we think the state is rather special. Drop us a line at hello@worldspan.co.uk.