After a mammoth journey with hours spent in airports and on planes, I arrive at my hotel without taking much notice of my surroundings - well who wouldn't after nearly 24 hours of travelling?! I quickly make my breakfast choices and crash onto the huge bed I've been pining for all day.
As I wake up refreshed, I remember I'm in Palm Springs and rush to open the curtains to check out the surroundings. And wow! As I stand on my patio looking out at the inviting pool and perfectly preened lawns, I raise my head to bask in the morning sun and catch the huge mountains in the distance. I know, I know, it's a hard job but someone's got to do it!
I'm staying at the Horizon Hotel which recently underwent a major makeover to restore it to its original splendour. Originally called L'Horizon when it was built in 1952, it was as retreat for celebs such as Marilyn Monroe, Bob Hope, Rita Hayworth and JFK who fled there to escape the Hollywood rat race. Now it's a gorgeous boutique hotel complete with outdoor hot tub and a poolside bar you could happily sit by all day sipping cocktails. But alas I'm only here for a few days, so breakfast over I head out to discover what Palm Springs has to offer.
Out and about
Known as the playground of the rich and famous I decided to do a bit of celeb spotting and what better way to do it the in a air conditioned tour bus? Celebrity Tours is an hour long narrated tour which takes you past the houses of celebrities past and present. And while I didn't actually get to see anyone famous, the guide is a fountain of knowledge on all things celebrity. My thirst for gossip quenched, it was time for lunch.
Palm Springs offers a huge variety of places to eat to suit any budget. If you fancy splurging head to the gorgeous surroundings of Spencers for a spot of lunch and try the ahi tuna nicoise salad. Or for something a bit kinder to your pocket, why not give the Kaiser Grille a peek? Their barbeque chicken pizza finished off with a chocolate cake and ice cream is delicious.
Batteries recharged it was time to head to the mountains. A must for any visitor is a trip on the revolving aerial tramway. which takes you from the valley floor to 9,000 feet, from desert to alpine, in 12 minutes. Once at the top you can chill out and take in the amazing views and fresh air. The more active can head for a hike on the numerous trails.
After a busy day I head back to the hotel for a quick dip in the pool and a cheeky cocktail before heading to dinner at the five-star Le Vallauris, which offers fine dining with their Mediterranean-French-Californian cuisine. But if all you're craving is a juicy steak, you can't go wrong with a visit to the Zin American Bistro
Girly getaway
After an active day jetting around Palm Springs it was time to slow the pace down bit. What better way than to spend the afternoon at a spa and treat myself? I paid a visit to The Springs of Palm Springs who offer various treatments such as a chocolate mint body scrub, facials, pedicures, and a variety of massages.
If it's shopping you're after, try a trip to Desert Hills outlets. Only a 20 minute drive from the centre of town, you can shop till you drop at stores such as MaxMara, Gucci, Miu Miu to name but a few. Be warned, you may need an extra suitcase to bring all your goodies back in. To top of my girlie day I went to Palm Springs Wine and Art for a wine-tasting event called 'You Swirl, Girl.' While tasting a range of wines, you're surrounded with local art work which is available to buy if anything takes your fancy.
With all year round sunshine, Palm Springs is perfect for a winter getaway and if you can brave the high summer heat it's perfect to top up your tan and take in some sites. For more information on this glamorous location visit www.palm-springs.org.
Getting there
Return prices with American Airlines from London Gatwick to Palm Springs start from £467pp. To book visit www.americanairlines.co.uk or call 08457 789 789.
