Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India

Set amid magnificent desert scenery a 20-minute drive out of Jaisalmer, Suryagarh (literally ‘Sun Fort’) has almost as much of a wow factor as the citadel itself. It opened only in late 2010, since then it’s become the first-choice luxury hotel in the region, combining the polish of a top five star with the style of a dreamy boutique hideaway.

Flanked by imposing stone bastions, the main gateway leads to a glittering lobby and cloistered inner courtyard, lined with delicately carved pillars and antiques. If you get the chance, book the Jaisalmer suite, which boasts its own private terrace, romantically designed with raised plunge pool and uninterrupted views over miles of empty sand and scrubland.