Kodagu, South India, India

The scent of cardamom and coffee blossom pervades the beautiful Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate, in the uplands of Coorg (Kodagu). Its location, on a 300-acre working plantation close to the Kaveri River, is inspirational, with the wildlife-rich forests of the Dubare Reserve literally on your doorstep. Accommodation comes in spacious planters’-style cottages or more swish private pool villas. Coorgi architectural styles predominate throughout: the interiors are all honey-toned woods, warm terracotta floors and open fireplaces, with deep verandahs smothered in glossy banana leaves. If you can tear yourself away from the fabulous infinity pool, join a guided forest trek or coracle ride on the river.