If you’re like most, you used up a chunk of vacation time over the past few months — though to call it a “vacation” is a bit misleading. Between the tryptophan-induced stupor and the nonstop family strife, the holidays have left you more in need of a getaway than ever. Never fear: Three new destinations, each within driving distance, make R&R a reality.

Palm Springs Eternal
If those chilly L.A. winters get you down (giggle), head to the Parker Palm Springs (4200 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; 760-770-5000), formerly the Merv Griffin Resort and Givenchy Spa. It’s had a head-to-toe redesign by Jonathan Adler — with full suits of armor in the entryway, nouveau-deco chandeliers and colorful glassware in the lobby, needlepoint pillows on the beds, and Peruvian-inspired lamps on the tables. Even Norma’s, the on-site restaurant, has style: A recent order of fish-and-chips arrived wrapped in pages pulled from Interior Design magazine.

Viva Not Vegas
Nothing says fun like a few hands of poker, dinner at N9ne Steakhouse, dancing at Rain, and a drink at the snazzy penthouse bar. The Palms? Nope. We’re talking about the new Morongo Casino (49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon; 800-252-4499), a dead ringer for its sister resort in Vegas and just 90 minutes from L.A. The N9NE group has re-created its signature hip feel with a nearly identical steakhouse, the Desert Rain club, the enclosed rooftop Space Bar, as well as Belly, the sexy new Italian restaurant. Relax at the Sage spa. Have cocktails by the pool. And, if your luck runs out at the slots, head to the nearby Desert Hills Premium Outlets (48400 Seminole Drive, Cabazon; 951-849-6641), where YSL, Gucci, Bottega, Versace, Dior, Calvin, and other designer threads can be scored for a fraction of retail.

Andalusians of Grandeur
It’s tough to come up with an excuse to check into Shutters or Casa Del Mar when your own bed is a ten-minute drive away. Instead, visit the newly opened Hotel Andalucia (31 West Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara; 877-468-3515), the third sibling property to everyone’s two Santa Monica favorites. The Spanish-style rooms feature lovely wrought-iron accessories and locally designed textiles; the rooftop pool area afford the area’s best view of the Santa Ynez Mountains. You can chow down at 31 West, the restaurant headed by Michael Reardon, formerly of Napa’s famous Tra Vigne. And don’t delay: Through January, the nightly rate is $195 (the regular rate is $325).

Now that’s starting the new year off right.