Lodging: Extravagant

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Al Maha Desert Resort. United Arab Eremites.

"One can't help feeling a little like Lawrence of Arabia on the journey to the Al Maha Resort in the heart of Dubai's desert. Al Maha is located 45 minutes away from Dubai city of Gold. Though 4-wheel drive jeeps have long since replaced camels as the most common form of transport, the sense of adventure, privacy and isolation remains. Open since March 1999, the Al Maha was the first ecotourism resort built in the United Arab Emirates, home of the indigenous species such as the Arabian Oryx and Gazelles have been reintroduced and wander freely.

At Al Maha, your suite is more than just somewhere to stay, it is part of the experience. The architectural style, materials, and textures all draw inspiration from the traditions of a Bedouin encampment. Above you, the soft curves of the calico invoke the Bedouin tent. Handcrafted woods turn furnishings into art. And the legendary generosity of the desert is a way of life that is reflected everywhere, from the sheer space of your cool interior to the sweeping wooden veranda complete with its own private temperature-controlled pool. Here is your suite, you can be completely private. Just as a tent stands apart from all others, your suite stands separately from it's neighbors. But there is one thing that they all have in common: the breathtaking views across the timeless desert to the mountains beyond."

Samode Palace Hotel, Rajasthan, India. 

"The winner of the award for the best Heritage hotel in the country, for 5 consecutive years, the Palace has been meticulously restored offering a retreat into an aesthetically beautiful environment where visitors can enjoy India's natural beauty and rich history.

Samode Palace is one of India's most charming and romantic hotels. It offers a quiet, elegant and luxurious atmosphere. Considered India's finest hotel for its consummate standards of modern hospitality, accommodation, services, cuisine and amenities, it is the flagship of the Samode Hotels.

The Samode Palace hotel maintains an immutable majestic presence and is a touching reminder of the vision of its creators."  Comment:  Having traveled in India, I can attest to the high standards Indians demand of their premium hotels and services.  Many of the hotels I stayed at were top rated, but none compare to the Samode Palace.  Even without having stayed there, I feel certain that the experience would be spectacular and not easily forgotten.