The high season of Palm Springs, which runs from January to April, is marked by music festivals, sporting events and the ever-popular Modernism Week, which focuses on the midcentury-modern design that the area has become famous for. We love to visit in any season except perhaps summer, but our pretext this time was the opening of two contrasting luxury properties, and neither disappointed. 

The modern accommodations of the Hermann Bungalows, a hotel within a hotel set on the grounds of L’Horizon Resort and Spa in Palm Springs proper, were private, relaxing and close to everything. Eleven miles away, on 230 palm-dotted acres in Rancho Mirage, the 22-room Sensei Porcupine Creek won us over with tranquil, sculpture-filled gardens. When we weren’t playing tennis or golf or hiking in the desert, we took fascinating architectural tours highlighting both the interiors and exteriors of famous (and not-so-famous) desert-modern homes.