The world is awash with "luxury" hotels, but if you're going to spend upwards of £5,000 (the average cost of a honeymoon) you deserve somewhere that goes a few steps further. Here is a selection of the diamonds of the world's non-corporate gems combining fabulous locations with personalised service.
Twin Farms, Vermont, US
This hideaway set among the maples of Vermont is so exclusive that it maintains its own private ski slopes. Twin Farms is hugely romantic, both when the leaves are turning in autumn and in winter when you are curled up before a roaring log fire after afternoons spent walking, canoeing or skiing. With magnificent four-poster beds in lavishly decorated private cottages and Japanese soaking baths ( furos ) discreetly located under the stars, what more can you ask of a winter honeymoon?
Where to book: 001 802 234 9999, Twin Farms. Cottages from $1,050 night including all food and drink and unlimited use of all recreational facilities.
Singita, Kruger National Park, South Africa
The most sought-after lodge in the Kruger National Park, to be sure of a reservation you will need to book a year in advance. It is intimate and exclusive, offering fabulous food, excellent service, professional rangers and just nine air-conditioned double suites, each with their own pool. Dine beside the campfire as the trumpet call of an elephant echoes through the thick, black night and spend your days spotting the Big Five.
Where to book: 0027 (11) 234 0990, Singita. $500 night including all food and drink, and two guided Land Rover safari trips day.
The Tsitouras Collection, Santorini, Greece
Perched on a 300m cliff, overlooking the remains of the Aegean volcano that blew its top circa 1500BC, are five separate villas: Houses of the Sea, Winds, Portraits, Porcelain and Nureyev. Together, they constitute the Tsitouras Collection. Decorated with Picasso ceramics, 16th-century navigation charts, cherubic frescoes and Minton porcelain, it is like staying in an art gallery, but much more comfortable. The most romantic is the House of Nureyev - the veranda has surely the most incredible view in Europe.
Where to book: 0030 362 2326, The Tsitouras Collection. £360 night, including airport transfers, breakfast and bar.
Amanpuri, Phuket, Thailand
Adrian Zecha and Ian Schrager's very first Aman resort has a reputation for wild parties, but Amanpuri (meaning "place of peace") is also somewhere to sit back and relax. The hotel's private villas are dispersed across a hillside coconut plantation. It's perfect for honeymooners revelling in quiet beauty, fabulous beaches and understated Asian chic.
Where to book: 0065 6887 3337, Aman resorts. £300-£900 per night. Prices include airport transfers.
Amanwana, Sumbawa, Indonesia
Honeymooning divers need look no further. Amanwana has luxurious tent accommodation right on the reef, with phenomenal snorkelling only a few breast strokes from shore. This is the place for wall and deep dives, legendary night dives and the chance to spot whale sharks, giant manta rays and the occasional pilot whale. Accessible by sea plane and offering just 20 tents, dining cruises, private barbecues, a massage retreat and expeditions to see the komodo dragons in their natural habitat.
Where to book: 0062 371 22233, Aman resorts. £444-£576 night. Price includes food and drink.
Villa Feltrinelli, Lake Garda, Italy
The former family mansion of Italian timber millionaires occupies a splendid position on the shores of Lake Garda. The most recent addition to luxury life on the Italian Lakes has been restored from dereliction by the founder of Regent Hotels, and boasts painted ceilings and individually decorated suites with views over the lake, mountains and garden. Perfect for lazing around, taking gentle boat trips and eating delicious northern Italian food, the Villa Feltrinelli is a hopelessly romantic spot.
Where to book: 0039 0365 798000, Villa Feltrinelli. £385-£770 night including breakfast, bar and on-site facilities, not including boats.
Hotel de Russie, Rome, Italy
Within weeks of opening in April 2000, this boutique hotel beside the Spanish Steps had become the premier place to stay in the Italian capital. Part of Rocco Forte's reinvention of the small, luxury town hotel, the Russie has interiors by Olga Polizzi, a gorgeous, terraced garden and a slick, modern courtyard. Honeymooners should book either the Popol Suite overlooking the square, or the Picasso, with views of the garden.
Where to book: 0039 06 32 8881, Hotel de Russie. £400-£800 night.
Fundu Lagoon, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Seriously remote: to reach the west coast of Pemba island, north of Zanzibar involves taking two planes, a car and a boat. Choose one of the 20 elegant and luxurious bungalows - either right on the beach or up on the secluded ridge with lovely views of the deserted bay. Brainchild of the fashion designer Ellis Flyte and run by the Groucho Club's ex-manager, Hannes Wolters, Fundu Lagoon attracts a hip crowd who know how to unwind. Delicious fresh fish, world-renowned diving, kayaking or sailing are all on the agenda, as is lazing around doing absolutely nothing under the African sun.
Where to book: 00255 24 22 32 926, Fundu Lagoon. $300 night including all food and drink, snorkelling trips etc.
Begawan Giri, Bali, Indonesia
Just about the smartest hotel on an island groaning with luxury accommodation, Begawan Giri is the place to retreat in serious style. Five separate "residences" with 22 suites are laid out in tropical gardens on a bend in the Agung river, near the artistic centre of Ubud. Recline on the king-size bed with views over paddy fields and revel in the total seclusion (those in the know opt for the Forest in the Mist residence).
Where to book: 0062 361 978888, Begawan Giri. £313-£2,000 night.
Soneva Gili, Maldives
Pack your designer labels to to mix with the glamourous in the Maldives' hippest hotel, where all the wooden suites are cantilevered over the sea. Or take the option of not mixing with anyone by splashing out for a Crusoe residence in the lagoon, accessible only by rowing boat.
Where to book: 00960 336 663, £330-£955 a night.
Dar Mimosas, Essaouria, Morocco
Dar Mimosas consists of just eight suites set in lovely gardens with a pool, all decorated in traditional Moroccan style. A real hideaway more like a private home than a hotel, just outside the walled, beachfront town of Essaouria. The scene? Classy French travellers and English celebrities attempting to avoid the English.
Where to book: 00212 44 47 59 34, Dar Mimosas. £205 a night B&B.
Honeymoon tips
* Book early (up to six months if possible) for the best deals.
*Avoid getting married during school or national holidays, as the cost of a holiday can double.
* Upgrade on the flight out to the Americas because flights leave in the morning. Far East honeymooners are best upgrading on the way back.
* Useful contacts: Earth ( Earth) is an ex-directory travel agent specialising in the resorts above. Mason Rose (020-7235 3245, Mason Rose) specialises in privately owned luxury hotels and resorts worldwide.
