The Mandarin Oriental Dhera Dhevi hotel, was an excellent choice. This 60-acre resort was built on the grounds of rice paddy fields. The landscape is gorgeous and guests have the choice of a suite, villa or residence. I enjoyed the view of the rice paddies from the pool and borrowed a bike to tour the extensive grounds. But what stood out most was the service. Every staff member was commendably professional, addressing guests by name, always informed of our activities and anticipating our needs.

Breakfast was the highlight of each morning as the wait staff at the Oriental’s Mediterranean restaurant, Akaligo, always sat me at the same outdoor table I preferred and brought me a glass of watermelon juice and some peeled mangosteens before I even asked. Here are those mangosteens that I miss so much.