Choosing where to go on your honeymoon is no easy task, and the destination you choose depends on factors including how long you’re looking to honeymoon for, the time of year you’ll be travelling, and how you want to spend your first holidays as newlyweds. The easiest place to start? One of several incredible destinations known for their five-star accommodation, romantic atmosphere, and once-in-a-lifetime allure. Some, such as the Maldives and Santorini, are synonymous with romance. Others, from Sri Lanka to Botswana, are for those newlyweds looking for something a little more adventurous, but no less paradisal.

This is our pick of the best luxury honeymoon destinations in the world, and the best place to stay on each…

Martin Currie

Mauritius

For couples looking for a bit of everything, Mauritius is the small but remarkably versatile island that will stay with you long after you’ve boarded the plane home. Here, you’ll find the sort of beaches that cover glossy luxury travel magazines, with sapphire waters and cloud-like sand. But there’s much more to Mauritius than its beautiful coastline. Explore the natural wonders of Chamarel, The 7 Coloured Earth, and Black River Gorges National Park; climb to the top of La Morne mountain and marvel at the sea views while learning about the escaped slaves who hid here during the 18th and 19th centuries; and sample a melting-pot of flavours influenced by African, Chinese, French and Indian cultures.

• Where to stay? Perhaps the most romantic hotel on the island, Oberoi Beach Resort is set in lush gardens on a stretch of honeyed sand on Turtle Bay, in the north-west of Mauritius. For the ultimate couples’ retreat, book one of the luxury thatched villas with a private pool and courtyard garden. Order breakfast to your own raised dining area which offers sea views stretching to the mountains beyond. When you can tear yourself away from your secluded sanctuary, the dining at Oberoi – along with the service – is second to none, with different eateries serving everything from fresh seafood to authentic creole cuisine. Don’t miss the award-winning spa or the boathouse offering complimentary watersports. Prices from £600 per night.

Turks & Caicos

With an average of 350 days’ sunshine a year, the Turks & Caicos islands, sitting just south of the Bahamas, are home to seemingly endless miles of brilliant white sand and still, turquoise waters. This is the honeymoon destination for those who dream of one thing post-wedding: relaxing. Seriously, the vibe here is the very definition of laidback, and no one would blame you for spending your days simply reading, napping or cocktail-sipping on the beach. But if you do want to, the waters here are home to some of the most diverse marine life in the Caribbean, so it’s well worth strapping on your snorkel fins or scuba kit.