In a quiet neighbourhood of South Palm Springs, this designer home has all the charm of a mid-century vacation rental with some 21st touches. Centred around a turquoise rectangle of swimming pool, sun loungers all point to highlight the rugged mountains for stunning sunset views at cocktail hour. Or, perhaps take a seat at the window-ledge bar, where drinks can be passed directly from the fully-equipped kitchen for that extra special service. Inside, the lounge is decked out like old Hollywood digs of the 1950s, right out of an interiors magazine, with leather, velvet, and stone modern textures complimenting a rustic gas fireplace. Each bedroom has its own boutiquey feel, with en-suites and terrace access to make you feel truly pampered. For the ultimate getaway within a getaway, the fourth bedroom is set out in a separate casita, offering the utmost privacy. But, dining under the shade of the trees, or gathered around the fire pit, opportunity to come together is also plenty. At the gateway to the Indian Canyons, golf, hiking trails, shops, restaurants, and cycle routes are close by without having to hear or see it all from the seclusion of this palm resort.

Home truths:
* The fourth bedroom is in a casita separate from the main house, so guests staying here will need to walk outside to reach the kitchen and living room
* The pool is heated, but between May and October this needs to be requested beforehand and costs extra
* We all like tunes by the pool, but outdoor music is not allowed in the neighbourhood