Romantic breaks for couples

Romantic breaks for couples: The world's best destinations for hand-in-hand holidays

Planning a honeymoon? Or just in the mood for romance. Look no further than one of these amorous breaks...

Loved up in India

Leti, in the Himalayas, is a dreamy snuggle during the snowy winter months. Better still, it's hard to find. Catch an overnight train from Delhi, and after a long drive through gorgeous landscape and an hour's walk along a goat track, you'll find a plateau surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
Here's why: Lounge about on sheepskin rugs alongside roaring fires in your stone cottage. Read, meditate, take walks ending in surprise picnics in mountain temples and bask in the warm hospitality.
Love potion: Champagne in hand, watch the setting sun bathe the Himalayas a rosy pink.

Arm in arm: It doesn't have to be Valentine's Day for a romantic break

Passionate Peru

Inkaterra la Casona, in the heart of the Inca capital of Cusco, is in the cobbly square of Plaza Nazarenas. This 16-century hotel was once the palace of one of Christopher Columbus's conquistadors. It has been expertly restored and each suite is different. Some still have with traces of original frescoes. When booking, ask for the room overlooking the Church of San Antonio.
Here's why: Wander in the town. It's a miasma of colonial buildings, museums, Inca remains and colourfully-clad women from the hills. From Cusco, the Hiram Bingham train will take you to the citadel of Machu Picchu, where you can stay at Inkaterra's sister property among the birds and orchids of the cloud forest.
Love potion: Stroll around Cusco's colonnaded Plaza de Armas by moonlight.

Spanish seduction

La Hacienda de San Rafael, half way between Seville and Jerez, set within the wheatfields of Andalusia, where two brothers have converted their grandfather's former hunting lodge and olive oil farm into a rustic retreat.
Here's why: Retire to the drawing room fire for a pre-dinner drink. Opt for one of the three thatched casitas, which have their own pool.
Love potion: Head for Seville's Barrio de Santa Cruz, dine in view of the Giralda tower and listen to impromptu flamenco into the small hours.

Get it on in Greece

Mykonos Blu, Greece's party island. This is packed in the summer months, but perched above the azure Mediterranean on one of the island's famous sand beaches, you can watch the sleek yachts moored in the bay from the private pool of your elegant villa.
Here's why: Gorge yourself on meze. The bar of Blu has a imaginative selection and you can idle away the rest of the afternoon in the sun, or work it off shopping around the old harbour.
Love potion: Take a private guide and boat trip to see the ruins of the sacred island of Delos, birthplace of Artemis and Apollo. Divine.

Pool your resources: Mykonos Blu is a chic hideaway on Greece's party island

Tempted by Tanzania

Greystokes, Mahale. An isolated cove on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The Mahale mountains behind camp are home to 850 long-haired chimpanzees.
Here's why: Hack your way through jungle with expert guides and watch these chimps at play. You can swim in the lake (but beware of electric catfish). Fishing from the camp's converted dhow is equally enjoyable and rather less hazardous.
Love potion: A dhow cruise to the sounds of the jungle, the sight of the setting sun and the lilac hills of the distant DR Congo.

Caribbean cosy

Laluna, Grenada. Simple dwellings dotted vertiginously on the hillside amid frangipani. An Italian model is behind the scheme so it's no surprise that celebrities are frequent guests. Don't miss the cocktails in the bar, only a step from the beach.
Here's why: Explore the island. With national parks, waterfalls, spice estates, rum distilleries, forts and the capital of St George's, there's plenty to whet your appetite.
Love potion: Cool your toes in the water over a lobster lunch at the Beach House, a short walk from Laluna.

Tantalising Thailand

The Four Seasons tented camp in the world-renowned Golden Triangle. Tents are strung like pearls above the Ruak River.
Here's why: Take a mahout (elephant driver) course on one of the camp's pampered pachyderms. Visit the hill tribes and the opium museum.
Love potion: Loll along the Mekong river in a special teak and brass long boat.

Maldivian marvel: Soneva Fushi is an iconic hotel where thatched bungalows are the order of the day

Meet me in the Maldives

Soneva Fushi. This iconic Maldivian hotel, set on its own small island, is a 45-minute seaplane ride from Male. Thatched villas range from tree houses to spa suites, and all have their own stretch of white sand beach.
Here's why: Dive by day. Swim with an array of fish, turtles and sharks. Then, at night, stargaze in the observatory.
Love potion: A romantic castaway barbecue and night under canvas on your own sandbank, in the ocean.