EARLY FALL, DESERT-STYLE: September is one of our favorite times in the California desert. Okay, truth: We love June and July, too, for their sheer heatability. No holding back. But come September, the shadows grow longer, even if the temps aren't exactly plunging quite yet. Perfect pool time.
MIRAMONTE RESORT & SPA: The Miramonte in Indian Wells is holding a September special, but you have to book by Saturday, Sept. 11. That doesn't mean you have to stay by then; you're free to pick any day through the end of September. The rate starts at $129, and that's weekends as well as weekdays. The bonus here: Stay more than a night -- read, two or more -- and get money to spend at the resort (like, $50 worth of money). Call Miramonte at 800-237-2926 for more info.
