Culture and history

Eighty-three rooms and suites fill this 18th-century marble palace floating on Lake Pichola, reachable only by boat. Choose from four restaurants and bars, including rooftop dining at Bhairo underneath the stars, or take a private barge cruise across the lake at sunset. The Jiva Spa offers treatments both on land and aboard its own spa boat, so you can relax in a secluded corner of the lake.

Located in the heart of Cusco, Belmond Palacio Nazarenas occupies a former Inca palace and convent just a short walk from Plaza de Armas. Original stone walls, quiet courtyards and centuries of history give the property a distinctive sense of place, while many of the city's most important sights are close by. Suites are spacious and thoughtfully designed, featuring oxygen-enrichment systems to help with the altitude, while the heated outdoor pool, one of the few in Cusco, and refined Peruvian dining provide a welcome retreat after a day exploring the city and Sacred Valley.

Carved into the hillside of Uçhisar, Argos in Cappadocia occupies a collection of restored cave dwellings, historic stone houses and ancient tunnels overlooking Pigeon Valley. Deeply connected to the region's history and culture, the hotel offers spectacular views across Cappadocia's distinctive landscape, with hot air balloons drifting overhead at sunrise. Excellent regional dining, thoughtful restoration and an unrivalled setting make Argos an ideal base for discovering one of Turkey's most remarkable destinations.

Four historic sandstone buildings and three modern additions surround RAAS's courtyard pool, all with a view of Mehrangarh Fort looming above Jodhpur's old walled city. Choose from five restaurants, from rooftop dining at Darikhana to the three-tiered Stepwell Café overlooking the city's historic well. Take advantage of the heated pool, spa or take a vintage blue tuk-tuk through the old gates to explore Jodhpur from those who know it best.

Since opening its doors in 1887, Raffles Singapore has welcomed everyone from royalty and writers to Hollywood stars. A landmark of the city's Civic District, the hotel's white colonial architecture, teak verandahs and attentive butler service have made it one of Asia's most iconic addresses. Beyond its elegant suites, guests can enjoy afternoon tea in the heart of the hotel's historic Grand Lobby or visit the Long Bar, birthplace of the famous Singapore Sling. **Capella Singapore** Hidden among 30 acres of tropical gardens on Sentosa Island, Capella Singapore offers a peaceful escape just minutes from the city. Designed by Foster + Partners, the resort combines restored colonial buildings with contemporary architecture, creating one of Singapore's most distinctive stays. Beyond its elegant rooms, suites and villas, guests can unwind overlooking the South China Sea or explore the attractions, beaches and green spaces that make Sentosa unique.

Few hotels in Egypt are as closely tied to the country's modern history as the Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor. Occupying a prime position on Luxor's East Bank, just moments from Luxor Temple and the Nile, the hotel has welcomed everyone from Agatha Christie to Howard Carter, who announced the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb here in 1922. Behind its grand Victorian façade, rooms and suites retain a sense of old-world elegance, while palm-filled gardens, a large swimming pool and several restaurants provide a welcome retreat after a day exploring Luxor's ancient sites.

A landmark in its own right on the UNESCO world heritage site of the Edinburgh skyline, the Balmoral faces straight up to Edinburgh Castle from where Old Town meets New. Suites are dressed in Hebridean blues and heather hues, with guests welcomed in bespoke Balmoral tartan. Settle in for afternoon tea at Palm Court, dinner at Number One, or a dram from over 500 malts at SCOTCH, the hotel's whisky library.