Cameron Highlands, Malaysia and Borneo

Originally created as a B&B by a retired British army colonel, the Lakehouse retains lashings of old-world English charm. Half a century later, the mock-Tudor residence, which surveys a grand sweep of rolling uplands and tea plantations from its hilltop site, looks much as it did back in the 1960s, albeit a little more polished.

Liveried staff light fires in the rooms before bedtime, while you relax with a glass of fine wine in their well-stocked bar. Guided walks in the surrounding tea groves and rainforest provide additional incentive to linger a while in these refreshingly cool climes.