The ?desert cities? of south eastern California offer a truly rich travel experience. During my recent visit, my home-from-home was the spectacular Westin Desert Willows Villas resort. Set amongst striking desert scenery, and close to vast nature reserves offer that offer dramatic landscapes; it is at the heart of the Greater Palm Springs area renowned for sun, style and serious relaxation, writes Andrew Forbes.

I love the desert landscapes of the USA and this year it was a dream come true as I managed to visit the Joshua Tree National Park, home to those iconic yucca trees with outstretched branches topped with spiky leaves.

My base for my desert adventure was Palm Desert & Rancho Mirage, two of the towns that make up the Greater Palm Springs area. I was a guest of The Westin Desert Willow Villas ? and I wish I could have stayed longer!
…this is the perfect time to enjoy the desert
It?s such a comfortable place to stay. Even in the heart of early summer, the dry air is comfortable. Now, as autumn and winter comes to Europe this is the perfect time to enjoy the desert. I just love the remarkable clear morning and evening light, and the amazing starry night skies!

Amongst the arid landscape are immaculately manicured, lush resorts like the Westin Desert Willow Villas. Landscaped gardens and golf courses stretch out into the distance, with the dramatic mountains as a striking backdrop. You?ll sure to fall under the spell of this captivating part of California.
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