Bikaner, Rajasthan, India

This opulent retreat is the former palace of the last Maharajah of Bikaner, who packed as many travel-inspired styles as he could into the property, from Art Deco to Lusitanian azulejo. The effect is a touch whimsical, but fabulously stylish, from the red-painted baby grand and Portuguese marble mosaic floors in the lobby to the exquisitely carved sandstone jali screens and luxurious velvet-upholstered furniture in the bedrooms. Each floor has its own attentive ‘khidmatgar’, a traditional butler who will conjour up silver trays of tea at a moment’s notice. We particularly love the sparkling rooftop Infinity pool, which has a glorious view over the old city.

Recommended tailor-made tour including Bikaner

Royal Rajputana tour >>