Battambang, Cambodia

On the quieter east bank of the Sangker River, this elegant old house, dating from the heyday of French Indochina, has a turbulent history which mirrors that of modern Cambodia – though it’s now in fine fettle. Painted pretty lemon yellow on the outside, the building holds just 7 spacious bedrooms, whose Art Deco furniture and fixtures are scrupulously in period – down to the light switches, four-posters, quarry-tiled floors and oval doors. The only concession to modern taste is the air-con and large pool in the garden. After sundowners in the bar, meals with an Indochinese accent are served in a gracious dining room.