This region in northern Rajasthan was once among the wealthiest in India, thanks to its thriving merchants. Now the battle to save its greatest treasure – the area’s 2,000-plus painted mansions – is finally being won, writes Poonam Binayak

Stretching across two continents separated by the Bosphorus Strait, this ancient Silk Road city was once the capital of both the Christian Byzantine and Islamic Ottoman empires. Crumbling hammams rub shoulders with striking contemporary buildings, while the call to prayer from Hagia Sophia mosque can be heard from the 15th-century Grand Bazaar, as well as Michelin-starred restaurants. Istanbul is sewn together by a series of storied districts, which results in a varied hotel scene. Relive the Ottoman heyday in a Sultanahmet townhouse; book a boutique stay fuelled by cafes and galleries in Karaköy; or check in among the designer stores of Nişantaşı.

This week’s dream: the romance of the night train ...

This week’s dream: the Waldorf Astoria glitters again ...

If ever there was a place of contradictions, it’s Hong Kong. A frenetic city with excellent public transport, smaller islands with their ancient traditions are just a ferry ride away. All this and mor

For a stylish city break full of mystery and history, head to 100 Princes Street, says Christine Faughlin