With high ceilings and a huge kitchen at its heart, there’s no better place to enjoy sun-soaked La Quinta than this light-filled lakeside retreat. But we don’t think you’ll be spending much time indoors – not when you’ve got a back garden like this. Start your day with a refreshing dip in the pool before skipping down to the jetty for a trip across the water on your private boat. Then, pootle back home for an afternoon of tanning or find a shady spot on the terrace to make it through a few more chapters of your holiday read. When you do eventually head back inside, challenge your nearest and dearest to a frame of pool in the games room with a couple of fresh margs in hand while the appointed chef of your bunch gets the barbecue going. End each unforgettable evening around the crackling fire pit or in the bubbling rock formation hot tub, watching on as the stars emerge above the serrated mountainous skyline.

Home truths:
*Pool heating comes at an additional daily cost – ask your host for more details
* For month-long stays, utility costs of up to $500 are included in the price. If you exceed this amount, the additional costs will be taken from your deposit
*We recommend mid-stay cleans if you’re visiting for a while – this can be arranged with your host upon booking
*Although you have several amenities close by, the locale isn’t very walkable, so it’s best to hire a car
*Pets are allowed on a case by case basis – a fee of $150 per pet per week applies