Luxury Travel Itinerary: California (LA, Palm Springs, & Joshua Tree)

USA
Written By The Private Traveller

Introduction

Welcome to my travel itinerary for California, a destination we’ve been to many times, and loved. There is such diversity from the cities of LA, San Francisco, and San Diego; to the beach resorts of Santa Monica, Malibu, and Santa Barbara; and of course inland to the likes of Palm Springs, Napa Valley, and Joshua Tree National Park. This itinerary includes luxury flight recommendations, hotel reviews, top activities, and exclusive booking perks.

Palm Springs welcome sign with bold white lettering, set against a backdrop of tall palm trees, desert landscaping, and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

The welcoming sign for Palm Springs, California, set against a backdrop of palm trees and mountains, with a clear blue sky above.

As much as I like revisiting favourite places and hotels, and flying on favourite airlines, I also like taking the opportunity to add new countries, hotels and airlines. 

Featured Hotels in this Itinerary:

Read on for the full itinerary and discover:

  • The best flights to LAX.

  • My top hotel recommendations.

  • Best things to do at Modernism Week and beyond.

  • How to book with The Private Traveller & Fora Travel for exclusive benefits.

Having visited Palm Springs already on four separate occasions, and for Modernism Week three times, with our last visit being post-Pandemic in 2022, when I realised it was the 20th anniversary this year (running from 13 to 23 February 2025) it seemed like the perfect opportunity to go back. When I also realised that Aero (the private jet experience, but bookable by the seat) were launching a new Los Angeles to Greater Palm Springs service, that was the perfect excuse to be booking another California trip. 

A Luxury Escape Through California: Where to Stay & What to Do in LA, Palm Springs & Joshua Tree

Mid-century modern home in Palm Springs with white angular architecture, a desert landscape featuring succulents and cacti, and tall palm trees against a clear blue sky.

Iconic mid-century modern home in Palm Springs, surrounded by desert landscaping and towering palm trees.

Flight Recommendations

Flying to LAX with British Airways, and onwards to Thermal Airport with Aero

LAX International is one of the best airports to access Palm Springs from the UK, albeit there is now a better selection of longer-haul flights into PSP Airport itself, just not direct from the UK. We’re flying with British Airways in their (newish now) Club Suites, via London’s Heathrow Airport. 

A British Airways Airbus A380 flying through the sky, featuring the airline's signature red, white, and blue tail design.

All images courtesy of @british_airways

We’re then staying overnight in Bel Air, one of the most expensive and exclusive neighbourhoods in Los Angeles, before flying on with Aero to the Thermal (Jacqueline Cochran) Regional Airport (TRM). Please note, this is different to the main (downtown) International Airport in Palm Springs itself (PSP). They’re about 30 miles apart, and really PSP would be a much more central airport for getting to anywhere in downtown Palm Springs; Thermal probably better suited for Coachella and the Greater Palm Springs area. That said, as soon as I saw this new service, my AV geekery took over and I booked a flight just for the new experience.

Luxury Accommodation Highlights

Where to Stay in Bel-Air

Hotel Bel-Air, part of the Dorchester Collection, with its elegant signage set against lush greenery and a pastel sunset sky, showcasing the hotel's luxury ambiance.

All images courtesy of @hotelbelair

  • Hotel Bel-Air - for this trip I’ve chosen the Dorchester Collection property in Bel Air or Bel-Air
    Typical VIP benefits when booking with The Private Traveller & Fora Travel include:

    • Complimentary daily breakfast

    • Early check-in & late check-out (subject to availability)

    • $100 USD resort credit

    • Room upgrade on arrival (based on availability)

Fast Facts for Hotel Bel-Air

  • Address: 701 Stone Canyon Road, Los Angeles, CA 90077 

  • Website: https://www.dorchestercollection.com/los-angeles/hotel-bel-air

  • Group Website: https://www.dorchestercollection.com

  • TripAdvisor Ranking: #18 out of 368 hotels in Los Angeles (traveller ranked)

  • Instagram: @hotelbelair @dorchestercollection

  • Nearest Airport: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) 17 miles /27 km (about a 20 min drive, traffic dependent)

  • Number of Rooms/Suites: 103 total (45 are suites)

  • Dining & Bar Options: The Restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air, Bar & Lounge, The Living Room, & The Patisserie at Hotel Bel-Air

  • Wellbeing: Outdoor heated pool, Spa (7 treatment rooms, nail suite & hair salon, steam rooms), Fitness Center, The Enclave (private two treatment bed suite with marble soaking tub)

  • Visiting: February 2025

I’ll be sharing a full in-depth review of Hotel Bel-Air on my website soon, covering everything from the luxurious accommodations and dining experiences to the spa, service, and overall atmosphere. Whether you're considering a stay or simply curious about what makes this Dorchester Collection gem so special, stay tuned for my detailed insights, personal highlights, and exclusive booking perks available through The Private Traveller & Fora Travel. Keep an eye on theprivatetraveller.com for the full review!

Things to Do in or around Bel-Air

Here are just a few of the experiences I’m thinking of for this area, albeit it is just a one-day trip:

I’m very conscious at the moment of writing this, and acknowledging the terrible fires that Los Angeles have been experiencing recently, both the Getty Center and Villa Museum are currently closed. We’ll just have to monitor this closely, but although neither the Getty Center or Villa were damaged, I believe the grounds have been extensively and they are both closed.

Best Ways to Get From LA to Palm Springs

Aero.com - The Private Jet Experience

A sleek black Aero private jet parked on the tarmac, captured from a top-down angle, showcasing its modern design and exclusive charter service.

All photos courtesy of Aero

We’ve tried different transport options between LAX and Palm Springs. The first time we took the train (Amtrak) which is quite normal being from the UK for distances without a car, and perhaps too short to fly, but our friends who had lived in Palm Springs for years actually didn’t know that there was a train station there! That said, it was a bit out of nowhere and nothing other than a train stop, no station at all. It was also quite a slow journey despite the scheduled time, as any freight train got priority so we were constantly stopping en route to let other trains pass by. The second and third times we drove a self-drive car from the airport, but made the mistake once of travelling on a Friday night of a Holiday weekend and it took forever. This time, when we will indeed be travelling again on a Friday night, and having spotted the new route with Aero.com we’ll be taking a book by the seat private jet experience.

Luxury Accommodation Highlights

Where to Stay in Palm Springs

Having stayed before a few times, we’ve always been swayed between some of the more exclusive (but slightly) out of downtown resorts like L’Horizon or The Parker, so although we did once stay at L’Horizon a few years ago, since we’ve stayed at both La Serena Villas and Hotel Del Marcos. I did love L’Horizon, but maybe it was just unfortunate timing visiting not long after it had opened 2015. We had quite a few issues (like out of date items in the mini-bar, our laundry going missing, but was eventually found before we left, and no information in the suite whatsoever, because “the designer didn’t want” the room to be cluttered). The spa was actually just three outside tents in the gardens, and probably the worst (but maybe minor) was unnecessary pretentiousness when at breakfast one morning, we were told there was no tea available at all, because “the designer had not yet chosen when the brand of tea the resort wished to showcase”. They did also seem to have significant staffing issues with the pool bartender also having to double as pool attendant and breakfast server at the same time. I do hope their issues are fixed, as the environment and accommodations were spectacular.

Back to this trip though, having always wanted to stay too at The Parker, but being swayed by the downtown locations of other properties to be able just to walk to many of the bars, shops, cafes, museums, and of course many of the Modernism Week events; this time we’ve opted for a two-centre between Korakia Pensione and The Parker. I had originally booked The Cody, somewhere that looked really great, but with many of the properties being represented by the UK Public Relations powerhouse of Perowne International being huge favourites of ours, when I saw the CEO of Perowne (Jules Perowne) featuring a new client of Auric Road (a collection of petite resorts across California, Montana, and Arizona) that was a sign to book at Korakia Pensione.

Fast Facts for Korakia Pensione, Palm Springs

  • Address: 257 S Patencio Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

  • Website: https://www.korakia.com/

  • Group Website: https://www.auricroad.com/resorts/

  • TripAdvisor Ranking: #30 out of 79 hotels in Palm Springs (traveller ranked)

  • Instagram: @korakia @AuricRoad

  • Nearest Airport: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) 3 miles / 5 km (about a 10 minute drive), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) 123 miles /198 km (about a 2hr 30 mins drive, traffic dependent )

  • Number of Rooms/Suites: 28 villas and homes

  • Dining & Bar Options: Breakfast in the courtyard, Lunch & Dinner on the patio or in villa provided by Eight4Nine, The Moroccan Bar

  • Wellbeing: Complimentary bicycles, Wednesday evening meditation/sound baths, Saturday morning yoga, Sunday guided hikes, heated saltwater outdoor pool, in-villa massage and treatments.

  • Visiting: February 2025

I’ll be sharing a detailed review of Korakia Pensione on my website soon, exploring its Mediterranean and Moroccan-inspired charm, unique accommodations, and tranquil atmosphere. From the intimate courtyard settings to the secluded poolside retreats, I’ll be covering everything that makes this boutique hideaway in Palm Springs so special. If you’re considering a stay or simply curious about the experience, stay tuned for my personal insights, highlights, and exclusive booking perks available through The Private Traveller & Fora Travel. Check theprivatetraveller.com soon for the full review!

Elegant navy and white striped poolside loungers at The Parker Palm Springs, featuring matching cabana curtains and nautical-inspired chandeliers, creating a chic and timeless resort ambiance.

All images courtesy of @parkerpalmsprings

Fast Facts for The Parker Palm Springs

  • Address: 4200 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264

  • Website: https://www.parkerpalmsprings.com

  • TripAdvisor Ranking: #27 out of 79 hotels in Palm Springs (traveller ranked)

  • Instagram: @parkerpalm springs @leadinghotelsoftheworld

  • Nearest Airport: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) 3 miles / 5 km (about a 10 minute drive), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) 123 miles /198 km (about a 2h 30 mins) drive, traffic dependent 

  • Number of Rooms/Suites: 144 total (131 guest rooms, 12 villas, and a two-bedroom house)

  • Dining & Bar Options: Mrs Parker’s (private dining), Mister Parker’, Norma’s, Counter Reformation, Mini Bar, & Lemonade Stand

  • Wellbeing: The Palm Springs Yacht Club (15 private treatment rooms, complimentary yoga classes, indoor pool), The Boiler Club Fitness Studio, Estate bicycles, two outdoor pools (Silicon Valley & Gene Autry)

  • Visiting: February 2025

I’ll be sharing a full in-depth review of The Parker Palm Springs on my website soon, diving into everything from its iconic design and luxurious suites to the poolside experience, dining options, and overall ambiance. Whether you’re planning a stay or just want to discover what makes this desert retreat so unique, stay tuned for my personal insights, highlights, and exclusive booking perks available through The Private Traveller & Fora Travel. Check theprivatetraveller.com soon for the full review!

Things to Do in Palm Springs

During Modernism Week, many of the very popular events will sell out quickly, so I always look to book as soon as tickets are announced. For this trip, we have a whole mix of events planned, as follows. Normally the main event will run for 11 days in February, but they also now have a shorter 4-day weekend in October. The main Palm Springs Modernism Show at the Palm Springs Convention Center runs over the opening weekend, something we missed last trip deciding to visit Mexico first (Covid rules) for a week, before flying to LA and onto Palm Springs later in Modernism Week.

  • Mies in Brno, Beyond the Glass Room: Restoring Villa Tugendhat

  • Keynote Presentation: Dr. Raymond Neutra–Survival Through Design

  • PS ModCom "King of Cool" Soiree at the Steve McQueen Residence

  • Palm Springs Modernism Show

  • The Griffing and Goldberg Residences: PS ModCom Iconic Home Tour

  • Ceramics for the Modern Landscape: The Story of the Architectural Pottery Company

  • CoCo Cabana: Designed for Gracious Living

  • Fallingwater’s Edgar Kaufmann, jr.: The Life and Legacy of a Modern Movement Tastemaker

  • Working in Tranquility: Landscapes, Interiors and the Modernist Corporate Campus

  • James Logan Abernathy Residence Tour

One of our most memorable events from Modernism Week before was an evening at the (Frank) Sinatra House. This was an evening of cocktails and food in the famous Sinatra home, totally open for guests to wander around and experience the home as it would have been in the late 40’s and into the 50’s. On this trip, we booked a similar evening but this time at the Steve McQueen Residence.

“The Palm Springs Modern Committee invites you to an exclusive event fit for Hollywood Royalty!
This hot ticket takes you inside the former home of the “King of Cool,” Steve McQueen.
As you enter the exclusive Southridge gates and wind your way up into the private hilltop community, breathtaking views of Palm Springs glitter below; the location is stunning…but the home itself is the crown jewel.
Steve McQueen was the quintessential American movie star: handsome, rugged, and effortlessly cool…just like his meticulously restored estate.”
— https://modernismweek.com/

What you will find is that as well as all the organised events which are ticketed in advance, there is always so much more going on in and around the downtown area. Last visit, unplanned we happened upon a Vintage Trailer Show, which was a thoughtfully curated collection of vintage trailers, campers, buses and motorhomes. Apparently this is arguably one of the largest and most attended vintage trailer shows in the United States.

In addition, and although Modernism Week is such a special time, there is so much more to do at all times of the year in Palm Springs

The Best Places to Eat in Palm Springs

Having visited quite a few times, there are many favourite restaurants, bars, or diners we like to revisit, but I do also like to make a point of trying out new places too. Here is just a selection:

Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park, and environs

Having visited quite a few times, there are many favourite restaurants, bars, or diners we like to revisit, but I do also like to make a point of trying out new places too. Here is just a selection:

Golden hour in Joshua Tree National Park, where the desert sky transforms into a masterpiece.

Full Travel Itinerary: California - Bel-Air, Palm Springs, and Joshua Tree

  • Day 1: Fly to Los Angeles via London Heathrow

    • British Airways new Club Suites

    • We often stay over in London at the Heathrow Sofitel, but this time we’re flying through, but will still have some time for a great breakfast in the Concorde Lounge

    • BA 11 hr 20 mins scheduled flight LHR - LAX, Boeing 777-300ER

    • Overnight at the Hotel Bel-Air, part of the Dorchester Collection

  • Day 2: A Day in Los Angeles / Bel- Air

    • Our onward Aero.com flight to Palm Springs isn’t until late afternoon, so we have a hotel day or visit some local sights

    • Private transfer organised from Thermal Airport to downtown Palm Springs

    • Check into Korakia Pensione, for three nights

  • Day 3-4: Palm Springs Downtown for Modernism Week

    • Staying another two nights at Korakia, perfectly placed for many of the downtown activities

    • We have a number of Modernism Week events already planned, including the Palm Springs Modernism Show

  • Day 5: Relocate from Korakia Pensione to the Parker Palm Springs

    • We’re staying here for three nights at this Leading Hotels of the World property

  • Days 6-7: Stay at the Parker Palm Springs

    • We still have some Modernism Week activities planned

    • We also want to have a full hotel day, and have treatments booked at in the in-house spa, The Palm Springs Yacht Club

  • Day 8: Pick up our Avis self-drive car (I guess that now has different connotations than it’s a hire car we will drive!)

    • Drive only 43 miles (about an hour’s drive) to the Joshua Tree National Park 

    • Overnight at Marmol Radziner’s Modernist Cabin

  • Days 9-10: Another two nights in the Joshua Tree National Park

    • We’ve stayed before at Pioneertown, but would plan to go back

    • As well as a sound bath at the Integraton, we’re also doing an early morning hike with the Mojave Mini Donkeys 

  • Day 11: Drive from Joshua Tree to LAX, for our onward afternoon flight

    • Planning to stop en-route at the American Museum of Ceramic Art

    • BA 10 hr 35 mins scheduled flight LAX - LHR, Boeing 777-300ER

  • Day 12: Arrive back in the UK

    • Quick transfer time in London’s Heathrow Terminal 5, before the onward return domestic flight to Edinburgh

Why Book with The Private Traveller & Fora Travel

When you book with The Private Traveller in conjunction with Fora Travel, you gain access to bespoke itineraries and exclusive benefits, including:

  • VIP Welcome Amenities

  • Complimentary daily breakfast

  • $100 USD resort credit

  • Room upgrades (subject to availability)

  • Early check-in and late check-out (again subject to availability)

Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, I’ll tailor every part of your trip to suit your preferences and ensure a seamless, luxurious experience.

Stay Connected & Get Inspired

Follow along on social media for more luxury travel inspiration, hotel reviews, and behind-the-scenes content:

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this itinerary! Leave a comment below or DM me on Instagram with your travel questions and ideas.

Start Planning Your Next Luxury Escape Today

Let’s craft your dream itinerary together! Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, I’ll create a bespoke experience that captures the essence of luxury travel.

Like this trip to California, it starts with just an idea or a trigger, then I love to build up a whole itinerary and experiences around that base idea. For this trip, it started with the new private jet experience with Aero, to then the 20th anniversary of Modernism Week in Palm Springs, to trying out a hotel I’ve wanted to visit for a while (The Parker Palm Springs) and on it goes…

The Private Traveller

Independent travel blogger - luxury hotel, premium airline & train reviews | Bespoke travel planning & itineraries | UK based influencer & travel expert | Best travel writing blogs & guides - wonders of the world | Wanderlust travelogue - around the world travel | First and business class experiences |

https://theprivatetraveller.com
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