The ultimate romantic breaks

Mauritius , Nepal, India , Maldives : These romantic breaks will boost your levels of the bonding hormone oxytocin, so you’ll return home with a stronger relationship

Mauritius
Shanti Maurice is more just than a pretty face when it comes to your well being

If you're in the hotel business, it would be tempting to let Mauritius' natural beauty do a lot of the work for you, the white sands and turquoise seas that are the stuff of hyperbole when discussing other resorts are just a simple matter of fact here. But Shanti Maurice works a lot harder than this. Its business is wellness and programmes are tailored to your needs.

The spa is justly famous, but recent years have seen it diversify its offerings into less bath-robed pastures. Kayaking, diving, sailing and tennis are all available, with or without expert instruction. No need either to worry about your holiday sabotaging your dietary plan, as the resort prides itself on its 'wellness cuisine'.

If you're of a culinary bent, there's the option of dining in Grandma's Kitchen, the home of the grandmother of one of the resort's staff. You'll get a demonstration of how to prepare some of the island's eclectic cusine followed by the meal itself, and leave with a cookery book. Even if you can't recreate Mauritius’ bath-warm sea back home, you can at least summon up its flavours.

ITC Classics offers seven nights from £1,879 half board, including flights.

For you Sea kayaking, or brushing up on your sailing with a couple of lessons
For her Spa voted the best in the world
Both Fresh local cuisine tailored to your health and fitness needs

Nepal

Romantic Places in Nepal

Birthplace of Buddha and home to dramatic Himalayan trekking mountains, including Everest and Anapurna.

Kathmandu
Surrounded by rolling green hills and full of temples, beautiful Kathmandu is the capital and historic centre of Nepal.

Dwarika's
Battisputali Kathmandu, Nepal 
T: 977-1 470770/ 479488. 74 rooms. US$ 155-
www.dwarikas.com 
Architecturally reminiscent of an old temple, this luxury hotel—winner of an Heritage Award—was created from salvaged woodcarvings. 

Pokhara



Take a 40 minute flight or six hour drive west of Kathmandu to the lakeside village of Pokhara.

Fishtail Lodge
P.O. Box 10 Lakeside, 
Pokhara, Nepal 
Tel: 00977-61-520071. 60 rooms and suites. US$ 115-
www.fishtail-lodge.com.np
Surrounded by tropical gardens; rooms with wonderful lake and mountain views. Prince Charles and Jimmy Carter stayed here.

India

India is fast becoming an economic superpower, but as a destination it's already a world beater

India's stock is rising quicker than you can scream Mumbai-bai-bai! After China, it's where most of the world's serious business will take place in the next 10 years, so chances are you'll be visiting soon. But India takes pleasure just as seriously as business.

The forts and palaces of Rajasthan are a good introduction. The path from Delhi to Agra to Jaipur to Udaipur and back to Delhi is well-trodden for good reason. You can do it in two weeks – less if you have to – and the opulence will blow your mind. India has more bona fide world heritage sites than anywhere else on the globe. The Taj Mahal is one of those rarities that lives up to the hype.

After independence in 1947, many of the maharajahs fell on tough times, and their palaces followed. Luxury hotel brand Taj rescued some of these from ruin. Its Rambagh Palace in the 'pink city' of Jaipur makes you feel like you're living like a king for a day or three.

In Udaipur, the Lake Palace hotel is a must. After the Taj Mahal, it's the most photographed building in India: it's where Octopussywas shot. And it's hard to beat the palace's rooftop restaurant for romantic wow factor.

Of all the places you may never get to because of squeamishness, laziness or dodgy bowels, India would be by far and away your greatest loss. Rooms at the Rambagh Palace and Lake Palace cost from £523 per night. Virgin fly to Delhi from from £580 return.

For you Get a suit from Grovers in Delhi's Khan Market
For her Buy some jewellery from the Gem Palace in Jaipur
Both Take in the Taj Mahal

Maldives, Indian Ocean

Romance oozes from every pore of these stunning love huts. No stags allowed

Much of the Maldives was rebuilt in the wake of the 2004 tsunami and the result is a largely tasteful eco-paradise for dewy-eyed couples. But you need to get there while you still can. With a high point of just 2.3m (7ft 7in), this group of islands is destined to disappear as sea levels rise. Some predict it'll be under water by 2050.

As honeymoon destinations go, the Taj Exotica Spa is hard to beat. Each of the palm-thatched villas has its own pool. Your phone has just one button for you to summon your personal butler who can top up your ice bucket or discuss exactly what's on the menu for a private sunset dinner on the secluded yoga pavilion. Some of the freshest fish you've ever tasted, of course, are a speciality. And the award-winning Jiva spa is all set up for lavish treatments.

The resort is so lavish, you'll weep tears of Dom Pérignon as you leave. But be warned: if you're not there on a romantic getaway, you'll feel like a fish out of the implausibly aquamarine water.

Villas at the Taj Exotica Spa start from £750 per night. British Airways flies direct to Male from £681 return