Thanjavur, South India, India

After a day touring the Chola wonders of Thanjavur and Trichy in the sweltering Tamil heat, you need a cool, calm, relaxing haven to retire to, and this modern hotel on the outskirts of town is just that. Located beside the River Kaveri, it is set in lush lawned gardens dotted with palms. The rooms are huge, with balconies front and back, and so is the pool, which for once is large enough for a proper swim. The food served in the multi-cuisine restaurant gets rave reviews, as do the smiling staff.