Palm Springs, Here We Come

Fly… In through LA, rent a car and hit the highway. It’s just under two hours, but feels like a world away.

Pack… Light. This place is – to use a line of David Lynch’s – hotter than Georgia asphalt. Think lots of linen and lightweight fabrics in plenty of pastels. And, of course, sunglasses (you’ll need them).

Stay… Somewhere with a pool. We love the retro feels of the Ace Hotel & Swim Club. They’re breakfast burritos are a come-again kind of affair. Within biking distance of downtown and a very attentive drinks poolside drinks service.

Brunch… At Cheeky’s. It’s an old-school diner that refuses to take reservations, seats only 30 and whose pastries – baked on site – you’ll come back fro some and time again. They call it a day at 2pm so get in fast and be sure to order the baked Hawaiian toast with salty coconut cream. Worth the queue, no matter the temperature.

See… Palm Springs from on high thanks to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway at One Tram Way. The ride from the Valley Station to the platform is an easy 10 minutes in a rotating (!) tram car and well worth it for the view / drop in temperature (yes, pack a jumper). Choose your footwear wisely too: the hikes are just beyond. Chino Canyon is

Bliss out… At the Integratron Sound Bath. Forty-five minutes out of town in the Yucca Valley, in a massive dome in the middle of what feels like nowhere treat yourself to a sound bath (also known as a sonic healing session). For the uninitiated, this involves quartz crystal bowl played live, among other things, with the end goal of “relaxation, rejuvenation and introspection”. The man behind the George Van Tassel, said that the structure is “based on the design of Moses’ Tabernacle, the writings of Nikola Tesla and” – this is our favourite part – “telepathic directions from extraterrestrials”. Be sure to book though. As with anything that involves crystal bowls, it’s pretty popular.

Drive… Through Joshua Tree National Park. In the day, it’s a landscape you won’t be able to take your eyes off. At night, the stars shine that you’ve never seen before and you can hear the calls of the locals (that is, the hyenas). Be sure to pack plenty of water and have your course charted out – phone reception is patchy at best.

Palm Springs-ready outfits for her...

And for him...