On Location in Palm Springs

Marie Claire flew to sunny California in search of winter warmth and big blue skies

Marie Claire flew to sunny California in search of winter warmth and big blue skies

We flew to: Los Angeles, a three-hour drive from Palm Springs - transfers can be booked at supershuttle.com. Air New Zealand (airnewzealand.co.uk) flies daily from Heathrow. In October, return fares cost from £590 including taxes. For more information, visit palm-springs.org.

We stayed at: The Viceroy Palm Springs (00 1 800 670 6184; viceroypalmsprings.com), a hip five-star hotel in the centre. Its 65 rooms, suites and villas are decorated in a rich 'Hollywood Regency' style of black, white and lemon. With three pools and a spa, it's ideal for a luxury break. In October, double rooms cost from £156 staying midweek.

While you're there: 1. Drive north-east to explore Joshua Tree - see photo above - national park (nps.gov/jotr). 2. Take the aerial tramway (pstramway.com) up to Mount San Jacinto State Park (parks.ca.gov), where you can go hiking against an alpine backdrop. 3. Discover the resort's superb mid-century architecture - see psmodcom.com for an overview. PS Modern Tours runs guided tours (psmoderntours@aol.com). 4. The Viceroy has complimentary bikes - perfect for checking out the fabulous vintage interiors stores nearby. 5. Picnic in the palm-filled valleys of the Indian Canyons (indian-canyons.com).