Chitwan National Park, Nepal

This is a wildlife resort which, for once, charms by its simplicity rather than its sophistication. A small campus of basic, village-style semi-detached cottages with ceramic tiled patios front and back, it rests on a bluff overlooking the river – enfolded by nature, seemingly a million miles from the bustle of the city. Game drives on elephant back in search of one-horned rhinos and tiger are Chitwan’s must do, but guests here may also go on croc-spotting trips in dug-out canoes, and breezy ox-cart rides to local villages. The staff, in particular, garner effusive praise for their ‘nothing-is-too-much-trouble’ approach and smiling service.