Desert DELIGHT

With its chic hotels, vibrant cultural scene and year-round sunshine, Palm Springs has something for everyone

- ANDREW SHAW

Why go?

Located in southern California’s Coachella Valley, Palm Springs was once the favourite destination of stars such as Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe. Today, this compact desert resort still retains that Hollywood glitter but offers much more. Visitors can enjoy luxury spas, world-class restaurants and shopping experiences, as well as wonderful cultural, geographical and historical attractions. And with more than 350 days of sunshine a year, blue skies are just about guaranteed.

High spot

The San Jacinto mountains offer a stunning backdrop to Palm Springs, and a must-do activity is to take a trip to the highest peak on the increible Aerial Tramway. On the spectacular 10-minute ascent, the car rises to the Mountain Station at 8,516ft. But be sure to take something warm to wear. You may be sweltering in the desert heat when you board the tram car but step out into a snowy alpine landscape. See pstramway.com.