Description Water & Firelight: La Quinta

Perched right on the 18th hole of a golf course, this contemporary desert house is built around an evening ritual – cooling off in the heated saltwater pool while the Santa Rosa Mountains frame the horizon and the fairway stretches out beyond the water's edge. The patio, with two fire pits and a barbecue, is made for long nights under the desert sky. Inside, travertine floors and sweeping double doors give the whole place a sun-warmed ease. PGA West's championship courses – including the Nicklaus Tournament and TPC Stadium – are a seventeen-minute walk away.

Home truths:
* If you're travelling with little ones, your host can provide a cot, high chair, and changing table. You'll need to request these in advance.
* The golf course running alongside the villa is private property – only paying golfers are permitted on it.
* The pool is serviced every Tuesday and Friday, and landscaping takes place on Tuesday mornings at 7am – worth bearing in mind if you prefer a quieter start to those days.