Bengaluru, West India, India

One of Asia’s smartest hotels, the Taj West End manages to achieve the perfect balance between old-world elegance and 21st-century luxury. It’s housed in a classic colonial-era mansion, enfolded by wonderful grounds famous for its collection of exotic flowering trees and palms.

Reclined in the comfort of a wicker chair on your own private verandah, it’s hard to believe you’re only 4km from the heart of one of India’s busiest cities: a Carnatic flute player serenades guests at breakfast time, and monkeys and birds climb through the branches of 150-year-old rain tree that’s grown here since the building was a homey guest house called ‘Mrs Bronson’s West End’. Five-star facilities include two outdoor pools, a beauty salon, tennis court and fitness centre.