There are only 4 villas at Coco Shambhala, but they’re among the most beautiful we’ve seen in India, with an architectural design that works in bold, contemporary lines while referencing traditional forms of tropical outdoor living to create modern luxury in a near seamless interaction with nature.

The prime focus of each villa is the gorgeous open-plan living deck on the first floor, which contains dining and leisure spaces and flows into the interiors and exteriors below. Alongside this area, each villa has a fully-equipped kitchen, two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, and a ground floor sit-out area with jet-pool, leading to the large central pool.

All villas are not identical though, with two distinct layouts between the four.

Rohini and Ashlesha are perfect for families or groups, with larger living spaces and spectacular overhanging roofs, plus kitchens, ground-floor bedrooms and part-outdoor bathrooms.

Bharani and Ashvini are ideal for couples or small familes, with bedrooms split between ground and first floor. There are cosier, smaller living areas, a larger, more enclosed ground floor sit-out and indoor bathrooms.

The kitchens are large and incredibly well equipped, the bedrooms perfectly comfortable (if not as impressive as the living areas), and the bathrooms nice and spacious. The front sit-out areas are charming too, the only drawback being that the jet-pools have only cold water.

One thing to bear in mind is the number of mosquitoes, especially in the living area. Dhoop is provided at sunset, but cream and coils are also required.