This palatial villa is set across five acres of beautifully manicured gardens (there's barely a blade of grass out of place here) with typical SoCal flora, including cacti and ancient desert trees. The infinity lagoon pool is like a desert oasis, with waterfalls cascading from the hot tub, a mountain backdrop, and loungers between the palms. A shaded porch covers the outdoor dining space, and there’s a gas grill to make the most of balmy nights. Practice putting on the four-hole green before hitting the world-class golf courses nearby (an eight-minute drive away), or try your hand at fun lawn games. Inside, there are two grand sitting rooms with a sunken wet bar in between for the ultimate evening entertaining. Budding chefs will feel at home in the gourmet island kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances and plenty of prep space. The master bedroom comes with a soaking tub in the en-suite, and a private seating area outside sliding glass doors. Three bedrooms are in the separate guest house, which has its own games room with a billiard table and cocktail arcade table. Should you need one more reason to stay here, a short seven-minute drive will get you to Palm Desert's ultimate shopping destination El Paseo, while hikers can take in the picturesque views from the Indian Canyons, less than half an hour away from this sanctuary of palm paradise.

Home truths:
*The separate guesthouse has its own kitchenette, but guests staying in these rooms will need to walk outside to reach the full kitchen
*You will need a car to get around – parking is available for up to eight vehicles (four in the garage)
*Additional guests may be accommodated on the pull-out sofa in the office
*The nearest grocery store is a seven-minute drive away