Bengaluru, South India, India

Staying in a heritage property run by the wonderful Neemrana chain, you come for the old-world charms of the building itself rather than the location or modern five-star comforts, and this quirky little “non-hotel” (as the owners like to call it) is no exception.

Situated in a former Brahmin suburb of Bangalore, the mansion’s a rambling detached house set in a leafy garden full of jacaranda, gulmohar and jack fruit trees. The suites and rooms are simply furnished in early-20th-century style, with antique beds and beautiful south Indian textiles.

Mod cons are kept to a minimum, though there’s a small pool in the garden, where guests dine under a splendid mango tree. Ask the staff to point you in the direction of a local flower and fresh-produce market, and check to see if there’s a Carnatic music recital on at the nearby Chowdiah Memorial Hall.