FIVE BEST HONEYMOON HOTELS

Rhiannon Batten brings you the premier romantic hideaways for that very special holiday

My own private island Caribbean

It's the perfect choice for anyone worried that they're going to let slip with the name of their destination. Book in at Caribe Cay in the Bahamas and all you have to say is that you're off to "My Own Private Island". This small hideaway is two acres of tropical gardens surrounded by clear waters, where the odd hummingbird and the staff will be your only companions. The island has two guest cottages and can sleep up to six, though no more than one booking is taken at a time. Under-21s are not accepted.

My Own Private Island, Caribe Cay, The Bahamas (001 242 333 2053; www.myownprivateisland.com). Prices start from $10,000 (pounds 5,260) per couple for a four-night full-board rental

Begawan Giri Bali

Begawan Giri is a sight for champagne-sozzled eyes. An upmarket resort on the outskirts of Ubud, Bali's cultural and geographical heart, it is surrounded by misty forests, gentle mountains and steamy paddy fields. The sleek suites are equally soothing on the spirit, especially those in Tirta Ening, a floating Balinese pavilion. The master suite includes a spectacular outdoor bath-house set in a water garden. It may be quite a drive from the beach, but who cares when you've got a butler, a staff to guest ratio of eight to one and access to the resort's swish spa?

Begawan Giri, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia (00 62 361 978888; www.begawangiri.como.bz). Standard suites for two people start from $495 (pounds 260) per night, with breakfast and airport transfers

Domaine des Andeols France

If the thought of lolling in the sunshine in the South of France doesn't get you in the mood for love, you could always check in to the Lover's House. One of nine houses built by Parisian fashion designer Olivier Massart on his family estate in Provence, its setting is pretty enough to move most hearts. The property is bounded by cypress trees and orchards, and in the summer you can eat outside surrounded by ancient olive trees and scented herbs. The interior of each house is decorated with contemporary art and furniture.

Domaine des Andeols, Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt, France (00 33 490 755 063; www.domainedesandeols.com). The Maison des Amoureaux sleeps two and starts from Û260 (pounds 186) per night, with breakfast

The Lodge Scotland

Set on the fir-lined shores of Loch Goil, around an hour north- west of Glasgow, this opulent Arts and Crafts style Lodge was built in 1863. The main building is more suitable for groups, but honeymooners should book into the summer house (left), a cosy Scandinavian-style hideaway by the loch. The living area has a wood-burning stove and there's a romantic mezzanine sleeping platform that overlooks the water. For further seclusion, the Lodge can arrange a stay on its private yacht - while you sit back and enjoy the views the crew will be out diving for fresh scallops for your romantic supper.

The Lodge, Loch Goil, Argyll, Scotland (01301 703193; www.thelodge-scotland.com). Accommodation starts at pounds 300 per room per night with breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner

Camp Jabulani South Africa

It may not be quite as genteel as a bicycle made for two, but one of the most popular activities at Camp Jabulani in the Kapama Game Reserve is an elephant-back safari. If you're worried about giving up creature comforts in the name of adventure, fear not. The camp walls may have been plastered with a textured natural finish to look like elephant dung, but the six rondavel-style suites boast luxuries such as open fires, Philippe Starck bathtubs and plunge pools.

Camp Jabulani, Kapama Game Reserve, South Africa (00 27 15 793 1265; www.campjabulani.com). Fully inclusive accommodation starts from pounds 545 per person per night through Africa Travel Centre (0845 450 1535; www.africatravel.co.uk)