Recently constructed in the Himachali style with wood-panelled and mud-plastered walls, Meena Bagh in Shimla celebrates local culture, music, food and architecture. The owners encourage writers and artists to stay and work here, offering deep discounts.

Read more: meenabaghresorts.com

Slow Travel

The property harvests rainwater, recycles grey water and biodegradable waste, solar heats its hot water and uses LED lights throughout. The structure is also fully thermal- and sound-insulated. Only waste wood has been used for the panelling and the furniture, and local workers who built the property have subsequently been employed to run it.