Ireland’s first and only Forbes Five Star Hotel and the former home of the Guinness family, Ashford Castle brings alive 800-years of Irish hospitality. Set in a 350-acre private estate, on the picturesque shores of Lough Corrib, Ashford Castle is nothing less of a royal adventure.

83 traditional and elegant rooms make for an exclusive stay and the six on-site restaurants will be a treat to your palate. To add to that are the several experiences from country classic pastimes such as horse riding, fishing, falconry and shooting, to more modern activities such as golf, cycling and kayaking.

Or take leisurely boating trips along Lough Corrib, you will be spoilt for choice at Ashford Castle.

Time travel is a reality at the Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace located in Hampi, Karnataka. This enigmatic palace transports you to the 14th century Vijayanagari Empire when Hampi was ‘the best provided city in the world’. With fort-like entrances, stone-paved boulevards, arched hallways and regal chambers, you will be certain to feel like the royalty every minute there. To add to that the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi is just 4 kilometres from the property. As Evolve Back rightly says – If the stones don’t move you, the stories will.

Rustic meets luxury in these exclusive tented accommodations with salt water pools where unspoiled nature blends with opulence.

Capella Ubud in Bali is a destination in itself, nestled amidst Ubud’s lush greenery with large terraces and outdoor decks overlooking rice fields and the surrounding rainforest.

Indulge in a delectable Balinese fare or opt for the international choices Alternatively, enjoy camp snacks while entertaining yourself with nostalgic movies at the Camp Fire.

Mindful luxury – this is what the Maslina Resort is best described as. Located in the stunning Maslinica Bay on Hvar Island in Croatia, the resort is an ideal hideaway defined by the region’s rich history, untouched nature, culinary arts, and cultural heritage.

The property stretches across two hectares of lush pine forest with mesmerising views of the crystalline Adriatic Sea making it an ideal location for snorkeling. With spacious rooms having private sea-view terraces, this luxury waterside resort’s significant feature is the Pharomatiq Spa that is inspired by Hvar’s healing environment and the Mediterranean lifestyle.

This is where luxury blends with food and wine within a striking country estate spanning 16 acres of secluded parklands and vineyards. This contemporary 10-room exclusive property could be your private haven with mesmerising views of the scenic garden and vineyard views. The in-house chefs specialise in honoring the local ingredients and showcasing the gourmet produce, bringing forth their unique flavours with the use of a Mibrasa charcoal oven.

Located in the tranquil atmosphere of the Kingdom of Bhutan, the Six Senses Bhutan marries sustainability with spirituality and the local colourful culture.

With three lodges in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, offering 82 spacious villas and suites, the resorts will make you pause and think as you soak in the magnificent views of the valleys, thus giving you a chance to reconnect – with nature and self.

And during your visit, learn more about the majestic and rare black-necked cranes, hike across the valley’s lush rice fields past traditional farmhouses and join local children on their way to school or mountain bike to the village of Nimphay. And later visit the Chorten Ningpo Monastery to learn about the monastic lives of the young novice monks who live there.

Once the residence of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his queen Maharani Gayatri Devi, the Taj Rambagh Palace was originally built in 1835.

Royalty is in the core of this property, and its 78 exceptionally restored luxury rooms and suites that were the chambers of the former Maharaja are today open for every traveler seeking that royale experience. The palace retains its elaborate splendour, extravagantly decorated with hand-carved marble ‘jalis’ or latticework, sandstone balustrades, cupolas and ‘chattris’ or cenotaphs, and elaborate Mughal Gardens.

Over the years, it has played gracious host to several illustrious guests, such as Lord Louis Mountbatten, Prince Charles and Jacqueline Kennedy.