Manali, Indian Himalayas, India

Situated half an hour’s drive south of Manali town on the east flank of the Kullu Valley, this boutique property near Naggar village bases you in a quiet district, on the edge of the great deodar forest. The beautifully designed building takes its cue from local architecture, layering stone and cedar that culminate in a handsome pagoda roof.

Inside, the 15 cosy, wood-lined rooms have luxurious bathrooms and private balconies looking across the grounds to the mountains. Meals are served in a pleasant, Alpine-style dining room and there’s an in-house spa should you wish to ease away any residual travel fatigue. The Shivadya is particularly well placed for forest walks and visits to local Himachali farmsteads may also be arranged. This is a property our clients review enthusiastically and often wish they’d spent an extra night in.