Deogarh, Rajasthan, India

On the edge of Deogarh village in southern Rajasthan, Dev Shree is difficult to pigeon hole: part luxury B&B; part heritage homestay; and an all-round great experience. From the moment you’re greeted by the Singhs on arrival you feel more like you’re staying in the rather grand country house of some hospitable friends than a formal hotel – though the liveried staff and impeccable sheen to the floors, walls and antiques do lend a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to the atmosphere (this is nowadays a Relais et Chateaux place after all). The rooms are vast, cool and light, with huge, ridiculously comfy beds and generous bathrooms. But the high point for most is the company of the hosts, who are both terrific ambassadors for their region – as passionate about the wildlife and landscape as they are knowledgable about the local way of life. Don’t miss Shratrunjai’s popular train ride experience, nor the sundowner at the end of the day, where directors’ chairs, tables and drinks are transported in the Jeep to a spectacular hilltop.