Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, Rajasthan

The view most synonymous with Udaipur is of the floating palace in the middle of Lake Pichhola, it was the summer pleasure palace of the Maharana of Udaipur and was also India’s first palace turned luxury hotel. It is also famous for having being featured in the James Bond film, Octopussy. A stay here is one of those do-before-you-die experiences, arrive James Bond style, by boat, drifting across the lake and arrive at this 250 year old marble palace whose views of fairy-tale havelis are the best in town, a view only a stay here can buy! It is also easily one of the most romantic hotels in the world. Rooms range from standard (contemporary but elegant) to opulent suites with private butlers and lake-facing Jacuzzis; most of the rooms have lake views, and it is worth the extra spend, while others overlook the lily pond. There is a lakeside veranda where you can sip martinis, James Bond–style and as only in-house guests are allowed, even for dinner, it is definitely the most exclusive address in town.