Vientiane, Laos

‘Like a small, understated Raffles’ is how one TransIndus guest recently described this gracious boutique hotel in the Lao capital. Opened in the 1930s, it fell into government hands after the regime change of the 1970s, before being reacquired 20 years later by its original French owners, who have since lavished a fortune on restoring its ivory-coloured and rosewood interiors to their former glory. Everything, from the sweeping staircases to the paddle fans, and rooms filled with Lao art and antique pieces, exudes a warm, colonial-style elegance. For post-sightseeing swims, there’s a huge curviform pool in the garden. And the smart Belle Epoque restaurant serves gourmet French and local cuisine.