Rajasthan, India

Neemrana Fort Palace is the flagship property of a heritage hotel chain that’s made its name reviving great historic buildings across India – with outstanding sensitivity and flawless taste. Spread over 11 different levels, it hugs the contours of steep desert hill and is fabulously convoluted: finding either of the rooftop pools without help can take half an hour of wandering through hidden courtyards, spiral staircases, colonnaded walkways and corridors with cusp-arched windows surveying spectacular landscapes.

Enjoy an Ayurvedic massage in the spa, a candle-lit Kathak dance recital in the hotel’s outdoor amphitheatre or an adrenalin-fuelled adventure on the aerial zip slide fixed to the hill above.

Our opinion

A multi-storeyed palace with sweeping views, Neemrana is two hours from Delhi airport and a great choice for overnight stays before or after a long haul flight.