Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India

From the outside, this impressive building on the outskirts of Jaisalmer looks every inch a Rajasthani palace, complete with richly filigreed domes, columns and arched windows carved from beautiful Jurassic sandstone. Once inside, however, you enter a distinctly modern five star world of gleaming marble floors and spacious, peaceful, air-conditioned rooms.

There’s a lovely big courtyard pool with sun loungers to sprawl on if the afternoon heat gets too much, a fully equipped fitness room on the ground floor and self-indulgent spa, plus a splendid rooftop terrace where you can fine dine with a view over the old town to the famous citadel.