Unusual destinations.

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India.

James Bond fans will instantly recognize the Taj Lake Palace as it has been the setting for two Bond classics, ‘Octopussy’, and ‘Goldfinger’. The palace is set, in all it’s opulent glory, in the middle of lake Pichola on a 4 acre island, it has a pool, spa and fitness centre and individual butler service. There are vintage cars to take you on a tour of the city and elephant rides can be organised. Check out the Taj hotels group website www.tajhotels.com

Dunton hot springs, Colorado.

Dunton is well-known for having 7 hot springs and for being a ghost-town. It is now a luxury mountain resort with 15 cosy log-cabins and plenty to see and do. Those adventurous enough can try heli-skiing, white water-rafting and 4 x 4 mountain trails, whilst a spot of yoga, pilates and horse riding is available for those seeking R & R in the traditional sense. You can even rent the whole town for corporate activities, weddings and functions. Take a look at www.duntonhotsprings.com

Fish tail lodge, Pokhara, Nepal.

There is no other way to reach this hotel than by rope ferry. Fish tail lodge is in a superb setting on the south side of lake Phawa, and is framed by 22,000ft of the Machhapuchhare hills, very much a ‘wow’ location for those who want to escape the maddening crowds for a bit of seclusion. See what this idyllic spot has to offer http://www.fishtail-lodge.com/

Tundra Lodge, Cape Churchill, Canada.

The website address www.polarbeartours.org.uk gives this holiday theme away really. Every autumn polar bears congregate around Cape Churchill, on the shores of Hudson Bay, waiting for pack ice to form. The guides, who are not only experienced trackers, but also award-winning photographers, guide you through the Tundra wilderness in search of these majestic, beautiful creatures. A photographic, and must-do, experience for the adventurous.

The Palms, Zanzibar.

Take a flight from Nairobi to the ‘spice island,’ and be one of only 12 guests at ‘The Palms,’ http://www.palms-zanzibar.com/, an all-inclusive resort, on a glorious white beach (see picture below), on the eastern side of the island. Each guest villa is 140sqm with a private plunge pool among other luxuries. There is a spa, of course, and a full range of water-sports, including scuba diving in this Indian Ocean hot-spot.