( miramonteresort.com ) This resort about 20 minutes from downtown Palm Springs is set against the Santa Rosa Mountains (rates from $220). Take an easy two-hour guided hike ($15) through a pristine desert landscape ( livingdesert.org ), then relax with a Lushly pedicure ($75) at the spa.
The Artisan Hotel, Phoenix, Ariz. ( artisan phoenix.com ) Original artwork adorns guest rooms in this just-opened, hip midtown hotel (rates from $119; includes Continental breakfast). Order drinks and food from the poolside grill, or take a taxi to nearby Copper Square ( coppersquare.com ).
Casa Cuma, Santa Fe, N.M. ( casacuma.com ) Just a 10-minute walk from historic Santa Fe Plaza, this bed-and-breakfast is charming with authentic Southwestern décor (rates from $130; includes breakfast). Some rooms have wood-burning fireplaces and a view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Check out santafe.org for information on guitar concerts, Santa Fe Opera performances and gallery showings.
