Within the Coachella Valley, with the stunning San Jacinto Mountains as a backdrop, one finds the California desert resort city of Rancho Mirage. During my recent stay in the Greater Palm Springs area, I was fortunate enough to be a guest of The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Villas, writes Andrew Forbes.

Renowned Retreat
This desert city has become renowned for hosting stars of the stage and screen as well as world leaders. The famous Rancho Mirage historic site of Sunnylands Annenberg Estate has been the preferred retreat for celebrities and world leaders for decades, including eight US Presidents, and Queen Elizabeth II. Frank Sinatra was married at Sunnylands and it was a favourite with the Rat Pack.
Today Rancho Mirage retains its status as a sophisticated retreat, and I discovered this desert retreat whilst as a guest of The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Villas. (I had stayed at its sister resort ? you can read our profile of The Westin Desert Villas here).
Mission Hills Resort & Villas
The Westin Mission Hills resort is slightly different as the entire site encompasses diverse properties that combine to create a world-class holiday experience. The site includes a hotel with concierge service; a full spa: championship golf courses; restaurants; and the well-equipped self-catering Westin Mission Hills Villas.

As a guest in these stylish villa apartments one has access to heated pools, water slide, whirlpools as well as tennis courts and a basketball court...