Mysore, South India, India

Hotels often like to describe themselves as ‘an oasis’, but this gorgeous boutique resort on the outskirts of Mysore truly is, for once. Chirruping birds, the rustle of palms and babble of flowing water set the tone of the place, whose main selling points are its flamboyant gulmohar trees, award-winning spa and a fabulous rock pool that’s perfect for late-night dips.

The rooms, which overlook a shimmering central pond, are vast, boasting open-to-sky rain showers and, if you’re lucky, private plunge pools decorated with floating bougainvillea petals.