Kerala Holidays, India

This luxurious, all-inclusive beach resort and spa in the far north of Kerala, close to the border with Karnataka, was set up to cater primarily for infotech and banking execs and their families, but its high levels of comfort and great location make it a tempting place to pause on a longer tour. The Kappil River flows through the campus, flanked by immaculate lawns and chalets whose design was inspired by that of the region’s kettuvalam houseboats. Apart from leisurely sunset strolls along the palm-backed beach, you can go kayaking on the backwaters, relax in a sumptuous, award-winning spa and explore the undulating laterite ramparts of nearby Bekal Fort – one of India’s most spectacular coastal strongholds.