The Oberoi Amarvilas

A driveway lined with tall palm trees leads to the grand white facade of The Imperial, one of Delhi’s most iconic hotels. Harking back to the days of the Raj, The Imperial is filled with old-world charm, its fascinating history a permanent presence. The opulence of colonial India is felt from the moment you enter; the high ceilings, crystal chandeliers and artwork from the 18th and 19th centuries giving a sense of grandeur. Rooms are beautifully styled with antique furniture, marble floors covered in Indian rugs, and photographs of iconic Indian landmarks and events on the walls. When the hotel opened its doors in the 30s, it became a meeting point for figures including Nehru, Ghandi, Jinnah and Lord Mountbatton who came to discuss the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan. Photographs of the various battalions during the British Raj adorn the walls and the 1911 Restaurant is a celebration of the year Delhi became the new capital of India. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to eating and drinking, with four restaurants offering south east Asian, gourmet Indian and European cuisine. There is also a pastry shop and a tea lounge with a glass domed ceiling and tinkling fountain and the hotel’s two bars are some of the city’s most popular. An outdoor swimming pool is set within the verdant gardens of the hotel and there is a spa offering Ayurvedic therapies for when you want to simply drift away. Once you’ve recharged your batteries, head out and explore Delhi – you’re ideally located on Janpath, just moments from the renowned shopping district of Connaught Place and a short rickshaw ride from India Gate.

Set among beautiful gardens, mango orchards and marigold and jasmine fields is Nadesar Palace, a 19th-century colonial palace and once a guest house for the officials of the East India Company. With just ten rooms, the hotel is grand yet intimate and is a real oasis of calm. The hotel is dedicated to and named after the Goddess Nadesari, and there is a shrine to the deity in front of the building. Inside, the walls are adorned with works of art from the Maharaja’s personal collection while the rooms are filled with antique furniture and decorated in the same hues as the flowers that are offered to the holy Ganges. A lap pool is set within perfectly manicured gardens and for those looking for ultimate relaxation, the spa offers a range of treatments inspired by India’s ancient healing techniques. Once you’ve built your energy reserves back up, take to the mini four-hole golf course. One of the joys of travelling to India is sampling the food. The restaurant, which harks back to the bygone era of the Raj, serves traditional Indian cuisine alongside more international dishes. Private dining experiences are available to make your stay extra special, including a poolside Indian barbecue that is cooked in front of you while you enjoy the mesmerising music of sitar and tabla players.

Located well away from bustling Jaipur, The Oberoi Rajvilas is a sprawling fort-like retreat with some 32 acres of incredible gardens full of verdant trees, fragrant flowers and strutting peacocks. Revived local techniques were used to recreate vernacular pink lime walls, grand Mughal arches, gold leaf frescoes, high domed ceilings and magnificent crystal chandeliers, giving the whole place an unmistakably palatial feel. There are 71 rooms, luxury tents and private villas spread around the resort, many laid out in small clusters ideal for families or small groups wishing to stay near one another. A serene 18th-century Shiva temple hosts Hindu blessings, meditation and morning yoga classes and a mansion of similar vintage is now the indulgent Oberoi Spa. The resort also boasts a fully-equipped fitness suite, putting green, two floodlit tennis courts, a croquet lawn and an outdoor pool. Both restaurants have indoor and outdoor dining areas. The Surya Mahal is open throughout the year and has an extensive menu of world cuisine. Raj Mahal is open during the cooler months of October to April and serves rarely found Indian delicacies. Private dining can also be arranged.

Serenely sat in the middle of Lake Pichola, the gorgeous Taj Lake Palace is among the most iconic and romantic hotels in India. Built as a pleasure palace by a young prince in 1746, it has since been tactfully restored to its former glory, its fine white marble walls glowing orange at sunrise and purple at dusk 66 rooms and 17 suites are designed to capture a different mood and period from the palace’s long history, each with stunning views across the lake to the surrounding hills and Udaipur or into the lush courtyard gardens. This spectacular setting is best enjoyed in its panoramic glory from the rooftop Bhairo restaurant. Neel Kamal is the place for authentic Indian specialities, or Jarokha if you’re after a more informal spot to eat throughout the day. Unforgettable private dining experiences – such as out on the lake aboard a 150-year-old boat – can also be arranged. During the day, find secluded spots around the palace to relax, bathe in the swimming pool, treat yourself on the Jiva Spa Boat or spend some time at handsome Amrit Sagar bar. Across the lake’s waters, explore Udaipur on city tours, heritage walks and even hire a vintage car for the day.