This huge Palm Desert home is beyond luxury. A lawn the size of a football pitch (with goalposts you can set up if you fancy a kickabout) and a resort-style pool area make up the expansive backyard. There are many ways to escape the desert heat – swimming laps in the giant pool, secreting yourself away in one of the shaded seating areas, or soaking in one of the two sunken Jacuzzis. After the sun streaks the sky pink and orange and you’ve had your fill of uninterrupted mountain views, cosy up by the outdoor fireplace and set up the projector for an open-air cinema experience. Pocket doors fold away to open the great room to the desert air. At dinner time, it’s a choice between cooking in the huge open-plan kitchen indoors or the full alfresco kitchen. Cocktail hour can be taken inside or outside, with two wet bars, depending on whether you prefer darts under the stars or pool in the games room. And for those nights when cooking is just not on the cards, the restaurants of Bermuda Dunes are just a few minutes' drive away.

Home truths:
*Though there are some restaurants and shops within walking distance, a car is recommended to make the most of the area
*A couple of the bedrooms have two double beds, so you could squeeze four people in one room, but we prefer the idea of having them as lavish twin rooms
*The property is equipped with security cameras, but only outside (which means you have complete privacy inside)
*If you’re staying with an infant, a cot and children’s dinnerware can be provided – just ask your host when booking
*When it comes to parking, there’s space for three cars in the garage and ten cars on the driveway
* The entrance is not shared with any other properties
* There are plenty of laptop-friendly workplaces