The Leela Palace New Delhi

The multi-tiered lobby literally shimmers with a treasure trove of chandeliers, mirrored screens and silk sofas. Vases of beautiful fresh flowers fill every other space and modern Indian artwork adorns the walls. Facilities-wise, the spa steals the show (a double-storey construction complete with wellness rooms, a sauna, steam room and two indoor pools) but the restaurants are pretty special too. Head to Qube, a modern glass-walled box, for all-day delicacies, Le Cirque for exquisite French creations, and Jamavar for attention-grabbing curries. There’s also a rooftop swimming pool to retreat too for a little quiet.

There are 206 rooms and suites, and all of them are enormous. Even the smallest have a separate study area and living room and at the other end of the spectrum, you’ll need at least two weeks to sit in every well-designed space! Throughout, the beds are plump, pillow menus are present, and the décor is rich and gorgeous. In the bathrooms, expect floor-to-ceiling marble, separate showers and bathtubs, enormous TVs and the best hotel toiletries we’ve ever seen.

The staff are absolutely lovely and will be more than happy to assist with booking excursions, drivers, restaurants – you name it. The closest attractions to the hotel are Safdarjung's Tomb and Lodhi Gardens (both a 10-minute drive) and there are some good shopping opportunities close by. Delhi’s charismatic Old Town isn’t far away and holds some of the most iconic sights: the Red Fort and the markets, in particular, are definitely worthy of a taxi ride.