Pokhara, Nepal

Soak up those sublime views of the snowy Annapurna peaks in five-star boutique style. The Shangri La’s slap on Pokhara’s lakeshore – well away from the bustle of the main tourist enclave, which ensures a serenity commensurate with the panoramas from your balcony.

Its relaxing gardens hold a good-sized, well-maintained pool and open-sided pavilion for early-morning yoga sessions. And the staff are professional and genuinely helpful. Elaborate Nepali thalis are the most popular option at the hotel’s Caravanserai multi-cuisine restaurant.