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On Location in Palm Springs

By Sasha Barrie on Wednesday 30 September 2009

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Joshua tree - Travel - Marie Claire

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).