WHERE TO STAY
THE PARKER PALM SPRINGS First, a confession. If ever there was a destination where sitting by the pool is de rigueur, Palm Springs is it. It’s just so easy to take a seat in a cabana surrounded by palm trees and cool mid-century design and loll by one of the fabulous pools on the 13-acre Parker Palm Springs estate instead of heading out to explore. Besides, who would want to leave? The 144-room Parker has to be one of the most beautiful hotels in the world. New York designer Jonathan Adler first came in to renovate in 2004 and has recently redecorated the resort again, amping up the glam factor. Let’s just say that there are about 1000 Instagram opportunities here. His signature maximalist touches of whimsy include framed photos over the toilet showing Andy Warhol eating a hotdog, a giant bronze banana sculpture and ceramic horse lamps. Oh, and the bathroom products: Hermès soaps, Molton Brown bath gels, and Acqua di Parma moisturiser.
Hammocks are slung between palm trees, there’s a fire pit for late night chats and, in-between swims, try a spot of croquet, tennis or pétanque. The gym, known as The Palm Springs Yacht Club has a pool, spa, yoga classes and new exercise equipment. theparkerpalmsprings.com