Raas Devigarh, Rajasthan

The ancient palace, carved out of giant blocks of white marble, stands imperiously on top of an Aravali hill, looking like a fantasy fortress. Actually, it’s your hotel.

Stand on any of the Raas Devigarh’s sweeping terraces and you’ll have commanding views of the countryside surrounding the Aravali Hills. You may even imagine yourself as an old-time Rajah, looking down from your palace at the picturesque village of Delwara spread out at your feet. The old palace, with its towering turrets, its walls of white marble slabs, its ornate arched windows and commanding presence can have that effect.

But step inside and another era awaits; the 18th century fortress has been recreated as a 21st century palace of hospitality, where – on your luxury, tailor-made holiday to India – you’ll be received as an honoured guest, treated to every luxury and immersed in contemporary comforts like marbled en suite bathrooms, Jacuzzis and private sun decks.