Miramonte Resort, Palm Springs, USA

On the south side of State Route 111 at Indian Wells Lane, despite being by a busy highway, the resort feels tranquil thanks to the gardens and palm trees. Indian Wells lies in the east of Greater Palm Springs and is a sporty, residential city. Every March some 400,000 tennis fans flock here for the BNP Paribas Open. Transfers from Palm Springs Airport take 35 minutes and there is free parking. On the opposite side of the highway, the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort has a popular water park and there are also several golf courses close by.

By plane: flights to Palm Springs take 14 hours from London with a stop in Phoenix, Arizona. The hotel is a 35-minute drive from the airport. On-site parking available. Book flights to Palm Springs.

This low-rise, 11-acre resort has an inviting Mediterranean theme with well-kept lawns and terracotta tile-roofed accommodation blocks sporting names like Sorrento and Piedmont. Unlike some Greater Palm Springs hotels, the mood is relaxed and civilised; if you like things quiet, seek out the Hideaway Pool where there is no piped music.

It's all about the pools, spa and gardens here, but there are also lawn games, a bocce court and a small fitness centre with Peloton bikes that is open 24/7. Friday and Saturday have the most atmosphere when there's live music in the evenings. Staff are friendly and courteous, and meals and drinks can be delivered poolside or to your room.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Garden
• Swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Spa
• Wellness suite
• Kids' play area
• Bike hire
• On-site parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are set in two-level blocks with a choice of Miramonte and Luxury categories. The first are on the upper level with a Juliet balcony, the second are larger with a garden view. Décor is bland, with grey walls and carpet, plain drapes and dark-wood furniture, while prints and ceramic tiles add some colour.

Room types: Room, Luxury Room, Junior Suite, Villa Suite, Presidential Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Body Eclipse toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee facilities, air conditioning, desk, TV, free Wi-Fi

All meals are served in the unassuming Citrus & Palm restaurant, which has seating both indoors and out. Breakfast is à la carte with well-executed dishes ranging from spinach and kale frittata to steak and eggs. In the evening the Tavern Bar knocks up excellent cocktails while the dinner menu covers all the bases, including a selection of fine California wines.

Citrus & Palm: terrace restaurant, SoCal cuisine. Dishes include white fish saltimbocca and bone-in pork chop. All-day dining, open daily.

Tavern Bar: handcrafted cocktails and light bites. Open daily from 3pm.