Romantic destinations for honeymooners...

10:23am Friday 9th May 2008

THERE is a world of choice for newlyweds seeking something special for a honeymoon destination.

Finding something truly magical really can be the icing on the cake for the culmination of what can be one of the most hectic - and expensive - periods of a couple's life.

I have selected a sample of delights to give you a taste of joy to remember ...

The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa nestles romantically between the breathtaking Twelve Apostles mountain range in glorious Cape Town, South Africa, and the Atlantic Ocean.

It not only offers an ideal honeymoon destination, but is the perfect venue for an intimate wedding, and for making dreams come true.

Weddings are held in the beautiful table mountain fynbos garden, behind the hotel, and couples retire to their room to find a romantic rose petal-strewn bed and sparkling wine.

Information from 0027-21-437-9000, email bookta@rchmail.

co.za or visit www.12apostles hotel.com.

Honeymooners searching for a more adventurous time should check out Bushmans Kloof, which offers a memorable two-night getaway in a luxurious wilderness reserve and retreat.

Based in a secluded area in the heart of the Cederberg Mountains, 270 km from Cape Town, it promises an exciting outdoor adventure, which includes swimming in waterfalls and rock pools.

And for the ultimate in relaxation after all that excitement, you can unwind in special outdoor areas with peaceful and soothing dual spa treatments before indulging in a private candlelit feast.

More information from 0027-21-685-2598, fax: 0027-21-685-5210, email on info@ bushmanskloof.co.za or visit www.bushmanskloof.co.za.

Honeymooners looking for an Oriental twist to the start of married life can fly to Cairns in Australia, via a three-night stopover in Singapore.

Four nights follow amid a breathtaking mix of stunning beaches and the Daintree rainforest, with its sensuous scents and sounds invading private lodges nestled under a towering canopy of native trees.

With direct access to a stunning beach, and the Great Barrier Reef starting just a few metres offshore, there is no better way to shrug off wedding stress and enjoy the rainforest experience.

A three-night reef odyssey cruise is then an option, which also takes in the Whitsunday Islands at close quarters.

Carrying fewer than 40 passengers, the small craft can reach more remote areas, and keeps cruising to a minimum to allow plenty of time to explore the reef and islands. Passengers can go snorkelling and fishing, join a guided walk, or simply enjoy the large observation and sun deck, cocktail bar and reference library.

Overnights are spent anchored in a lagoon or cove, for a peaceful uninterrupted sleep in air-conditioned en-suite cabins.

Lengthen the trip by flying to Sydney or Melbourne, then return to Heathrow via Singapore or another Far East destination such as Hong Kong. It costs from £2,123 per person (tel 0870-742-4000 or www.freedomaustralia.co.

uk) If you are looking for a dream beach honeymoon, Premier Holidays (tel 08444-937-542 or www.premierholidays.co.uk) suggests the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay hotel in Mahé, in The Seychelles.

Languish on a pristine white beach or in lush tropical gardens, interrupted only by a game of tennis or a spot of water sport, before wandering through restaurants and bars, or trying your luck in a casino. A one-week stay between May and early July costs from £1,065 per person.

Other honeymoon options from Premier include the spectacular five-star Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay in Oman.

You don't get more romantic than Paris, and three nights of Parisian passion at the luxurious Hotel Lutétia is just the ticket.

This exquisite 1920s building, with its domed reception, Lalique chandeliers and art deco furniture, exudes style and sophistication, and VFB Holidays offers a two-night break, travelling by Eurostar, from £225 per person.

Follow in the footsteps of Général de Gaulle, who spent his honeymoon there, and enjoy an evening of entertainment from pianists and jazz musicians (tel 01242-240-310 or www.vfb holidays.co.uk) But if you are searching for a touch of luxury, and finances are less of a consideration, take a look at Scintillating Seagrape Cottage with Caribbean Islands Club.

This romantic retreat on the privately-owned island of Little Thatch provides the ultimate in post-wedding escapism.

One of only two properties on the island, it has a romantic four-poster bed, and lies on a beach, fringed with palm and seagrape trees.

Sail to nearby Tortola for dinner in the evenings, or enjoy complete seclusion, courtesy of managers who will shop for food.

A week at the Seagrape Cottage in the British Virgin Islands costs £2,975 per person. For more information from Caribbean Islands Club, tel 020-8232-9781 or visit www.carib-club.com.

And finally... opt for a heavenly honeymoon in Guatemala with Sunvil Latin America (tel 020-8785-4774, www.sunvil.co.uk) from £2,099 per person for two weeks in the honeymoon suite.

The Hotel Casa Santo Domingo in the colonial town of Antigua is as much a shrine as a hotel, and the culmination of the owners' dream to rescue the Dominican convent and church - jewels of 17th century Guatemalan architecture. The hotel, its antique furnishings and walled gardens are bathed in candlelight at night - the perfect setting for romance.