Taj Nadesar Palace

The Taj Nadesar Palace isn't short on grand architecture and sumptuous furnishings and artworks (the latter from the Maharaja’s personal collection no less) and you'll feel immediately ensconced in luxury. Wander the delightfully scented gardens, play a round or two on the private golf course (really!), enjoy a treatment at the Jiva Spa, and savour the tastes of a traditional Indian BBQ, served poolside, lit by fairy lights, and accompanied by breathtaking traditional dancing and music.

The Taj offers Palace Rooms, Historical Suites and Royal Suites. Rooms are beautifully-appointed and look out over the pool or gardens, whereas suites are larger and have more spacious bathrooms and, in some cases, better views. The two Royal Suites are the most lavish of them all, with grand teak four-posters and hand-picked artworks. In all cases, bathrooms are white, marble and very splashy, and you can expect 24-hour butler service too.

Varanasi is well-known as the spiritual heart of India and exploring the sights, sounds and tastes is a must. The hotel is around 20 minutes from the city centre and a horse-driven buggy can be arranged to take you around, just as the Maharajahs used to travel. Also worth making time for are the Ganga Aarti ceremonies, evening rituals performed on the water that are poignant and incredibly beautiful. Otherwise, simply spending some time watching daily life go by is fascinating and a true insight into the holy city.