Desert Oasis In Palm Springs

stay: On our holiday to Palm Springs recently we took a side trip to La Quinta to visit the newly refurbished boutique hotel Chateau at Lake La Quinta. With both the Davis Cup and Coachella music festival approaching, its private bungalows might just be the quiet, romantic (and child-free) perch for escaping the crowds. With its high-end amenities (Welch’s sparking water; Molton Brown in the bath) it’s also perfect for an intimate wedding, or simply as a place to curl up in a clamshell chair and watch the spectacular sunsets. 78-120 Caleo Bay, La Quinta, California. 888-226-4546. www.thechateaulakelaquinta.com

play: The Polo season in nearby Indio runs throughout the winter and the free matches are a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The reserved seating sells out quickly but you are free to tailgate on the other side of the field, where Coachella takes place. We even tried a polo lesson with Calgary-based pro Kyle Fargey at the Empire Polo Club’s school. Try to beat that view! 81-800 Ave. 51, Indio, CA. 760-342-7755. www.empirepolo.com

shop: Old Town La Quinta has the newest outpost of Elizabeth & Prince, a haven of all things boho-chic from espadrilles to Helmut Lang rompers. It’s sure to have music festival-goers stocking up on floppy hats and bikini tops come April. 78075 Main St., La Quinta, CA. 760-564-4100. www.elizabethandprince.com — Sarah Bancroft