West India, India

Poshina is a great place so sample the distinctive atmosphere of the Rajasthan-Gujarat borderlands – an area inhabited by traditional tribal farmers and herders. The only hotel in the area is the welcoming Darbargarh, a rambling palace where you can stay as a guest of Harendrapal Sinh and family.

The rooms are simply furnished in traditional style, with hand-carved four posters and rugs. After a copious Indian breakfast, his lordship leads guided walks and jeep trips to local temples, beauty spots and Rabari villages to watch weavers at work, and to see a spectacular “army” of votive terracotta horses.

Meanwhile, hostess Kuwarani Kailash Kumri supervises work in the palace kitchen – supper is a real highlight here, featuring ancestral dishes made with garden-fresh ingredients.