The Windermere River House

In the middle of wide open wilderness between the cities of Jodhpur and Udaipur, JAWAI is an intimate safari camp surrounded by arid scrubland and towering granite kopjes that numerous leopards and nomadic Rabari herdsmen call home.

On the banks of Lake Pichola across the waters from Udaipur, The Oberoi Udaivilas stands surrounded by lush gardens and the forests of what were once royal hunting grounds. The hotel itself is a sprawling palace of ornate domes, breezy courtyards and sunlit corridors – an architectural reflection of Udaipur’s lakes and canals – with glimpses out to Pichola and verdant grounds. There are 86 rooms and suites, many of which open out onto azure private and semi-private swimming pools with views across the lake to Udaipur’s City Palace, while others look into the estate’s gardens and wildlife sanctuary – home to deer and wild boar. The style is a blend of ornate Mewar with subtle modern amenities. In addition to private pools, the suites feature their own outdoor dining pavilions. During your time here, explore Udaipur and beyond on private boat and walking tours, venture out into the Aravalli Hills to visit remote tribes and hidden temples, or relax with indulgent spa therapies and yoga sessions. Suryamahal and Chandni are all-day indoor and outdoor dining venues for multicultural cuisine, with Udaimahal the place for fine Indian dining. Unique dining experiences, such as learning to cook with the chef, lunching while cruising on the lake and intimate private dinners can also be arranged. And naturally the bar is an elegant venue for classic cocktails.

A driveway lined with tall palm trees leads to the grand white facade of The Imperial, one of Delhi’s most iconic hotels. Harking back to the days of the Raj, The Imperial is filled with old-world charm, its fascinating history a permanent presence. The opulence of colonial India is felt from the moment you enter; the high ceilings, crystal chandeliers and artwork from the 18th and 19th centuries giving a sense of grandeur. Rooms are beautifully styled with antique furniture, marble floors covered in Indian rugs, and photographs of iconic Indian landmarks and events on the walls. When the hotel opened its doors in the 30s, it became a meeting point for figures including Nehru, Ghandi, Jinnah and Lord Mountbatton who came to discuss the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan. Photographs of the various battalions during the British Raj adorn the walls and the 1911 Restaurant is a celebration of the year Delhi became the new capital of India. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to eating and drinking, with four restaurants offering south east Asian, gourmet Indian and European cuisine. There is also a pastry shop and a tea lounge with a glass domed ceiling and tinkling fountain and the hotel’s two bars are some of the city’s most popular. An outdoor swimming pool is set within the verdant gardens of the hotel and there is a spa offering Ayurvedic therapies for when you want to simply drift away. Once you’ve recharged your batteries, head out and explore Delhi – you’re ideally located on Janpath, just moments from the renowned shopping district of Connaught Place and a short rickshaw ride from India Gate.

There are few places as secluded and spectacularly beautiful as Shakti 360° Leti, hidden deep in the Himalayan mountains. The journey here is an adventure in itself and once you reach this mountainous paradise at 8,000 feet, you’ll see what makes it such a special and unique place. Shakti 360° Leti consists of four luxury cabins, an innovative combination of traditional building techniques and contemporary design. Each cabin features glass walls so you never have to miss out on the spectacular views. Luxury feather duvets and pashmina blankets keep you warm at night, until the sun peeks its head over the mountains in the morning and filters through the windows. En suite bathrooms with large brass sinks and fluffy bathrobes offer all the comfort you could need. Activities naturally revolve about being out and about and experiencing this epic landscape. Village walks and trekking are what most people come for, but there’s a lot to be said for simply sitting back and watching the snow and the shadows of the peaks change colour, with a glass of wine in hand. When the last of the sun’s rays have disappeared behind the horizon, head into the lounge and curl up with a book by the fireplace. To ensure the preservation of this remarkable and unique location, every effort has been made to exist in harmony with its natural surroundings. General supplies and produce for the restaurant are sourced locally and sustainable energy sources such are solar are used to heat water and provide electricity. A stay at Shakti 360° Leti is an unforgettable experience; the fresh air, unsurpassable scenery and sense of tranquility are truly humbling.