Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

A fusion of traditional Rajasthani elegance and international jet-set savoir vivre, Raas is absolutely the last word in Indian boutique chic. Its 18^th and 19^th-century sandstone havelis, with their carved jharokha balconies and sculpted panels, have been beautifully restored, and styled with some ultra-contemporary interiors.

But this hotel’s real USP is its location. Lounging by the poolside, you have to literally crane your neck to see Meherangarh’s magical fort-palaces encrusting the rim of the escarpment above. A fleet of funkily customized auto-rickshaws with silk cushions are on hand to ferry guests to and from the monument; and jeeps stand at the ready for trips further afield, to tombs and cenotaphs in the surrounding desert.