Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

The Leela Group have a reputation for offering ultimate five-star luxury and this flagship property on the northern shores of Udaipur’s Lake Pichola doesn’t disappoint. You’re transported to the hotel by decorated launch. The building itself, ranged over four floors and surmounted by huge silver and white domes, is of recent origin and a touch over-the-top by Western standards, but no less enjoyable for that. What really blows visitors away here, however, are the views over the lake to the city’s royal palaces. Reserve a table for dinner on the chequered-marble terrace of the Sheesh Mahal, from where you can savour the changing colours of this most romantic of skylines reflected in the water. The rooms themselves are plush and spacious, the service flawless and overall experience guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your trip.