Description Desert Sage: Palm Springs

With its cobblestone streets, whitewashed adobe walls and clouds of pink bougainvillaea, it’s easy to see why La Quinta is loved by visitors and locals alike. This newly refurbished home near the top of the Cove makes the perfect base for a stay in the ‘Gem in the Desert,’ with plenty of space and that all-important private pool. Spend your days in the garden enjoying cool drinks and mountain views in the wall-to-wall desert sunshine, or hit some of the superb golf courses in town. Come nightfall, the hot tub is the place to be. Take a pre-supper soak before firing up the grill for dinner alfresco or stroll downtown to one of the excellent local restaurants. You're just a six-minute drive from Old Town. In the morning, wake up with the sun and head to one of the nearby hiking trails.

Home truths:
*There’s a futon sofa in the office that can sleep a seventh and eighth guest in their own room
*You'll probably need a car to get around – this home has a garage with space for two
*The hot tub heating is included but pool heating is at an additional cost (although you’re unlikely to need it in the summer months) – check with the host for details
*There's plenty of laptop-friendly workspace here
*You'll need to pay a security deposit