Palm Springs: Time in the sun

Ace Hotel and Swim Club, Palm Springs. Photo / Supplied

Three great options for your time in the sun, from Shandelle Battersby.

1 Ace Hotel and Swim Club

This renovated mid-20th century motel is one of the most relaxed Ace Hotels. Backed by the impressive San Jacinto Mountains it has two swimming pools (one's a "quiet" pool) loaded with inflatable pool toys, a dog park, spa, gym, public fireplaces, laundry and free bikes. Best of all is the eating and drinking at poolside bar Short Bus (housed in an actual bus), the dark and dangerous Amigo Room (where you can catch live music and comedy), and the King's Highway restaurant (a former Denny's, which serves fantastic food). If you're not staying at the hotel you can pay US$20 to use its pool.

2 Cheeky's

You'll probably have to line up to eat one of the delicious breakfasts at this cafe but we promise it's worth it. Think buttermilk waffles with strawberries and Nutella or chilaquiles with chorizo, tomatillo, queso fresco, coriander and onion. Yum. Order a drink in a glass cowboy boots for a great Instagram opportunity.

3 Purple Palm

Purple Palm Restaurant, Palm Springs. Photo / Supplied

Treat yourself and book a table or cabana at the poolside Purple Palm restaurant at the luxurious

Colony Palms Hotel.

The open-fronted Palm was inspired by the hotel's first owner Al Wertheimer, who was a member of the Purple Gang — a mob of bootleggers and hijackers. He operated a speakeasy for the gang out of its basement. Food is seasonably sourced from local and organic farms.