Set on a riverbank near the Angolan border, Serra Cafema is considered one of the remotest camps in Africa. Only 16 guests at a time get to explore this remarkable landscape, where the high plains seem to graze the sky and where one of Africa's last nomadic tribes, the Himba, still roam; at night, they fall asleep to the sound of the fast-flowing rapids. Rates from 7658 South African rand ($672) a person a night twin share, all inclusive. See wilderness-safaris.com/camps/serra-cafema-camp.
Live out your Robinson Crusoe fantasy on Haggerstone Island, 600km north of Cairns. Sleep in handcrafted wooden accommodations, feast on the best local ingredients – from crayfish and barramundi to passionfruit and papaya – and spend the days fishing or snorkelling this lovely part of the Great Barrier Reef. Rates from $800 a person a night twin share, all inclusive. See haggerstoneisland.com.au.
Hemmed in by the Himalaya, the beautiful kingdom of Bhutan has much to explore, from lush valleys and soaring peaks to colourful Buddhist monasteries. Amankora, a series of five lodges dotted across the country, lets you take in some of Bhutan's most interesting destinations. Sign up for some of the special experiences: the traditional hot stone baths and a candlelit potato shed dinner are highlights. Rates from US$1550 a room a night twin share, including full board. See aman.com/amankora.
They do things differently in Chiloe. This remote, rain-soaked island off the Patagonian coast is known for its stilted palafito houses, its ornate wooden churches and its superb seafood. The elegant Tierra Chiloe lodge has a great program of walks and boat trips, but leave time to curl up by the fire on the terrace and watch the clouds drift past. Rates from US$1290 a person twin share for two nights, all inclusive. See tierrahotels.com/en-us/tierra-chilo-hotel-boutique.
It is an hour's flight from Rio to Porto Seguro; from there, it is another 60 minutes till you reach Trancoso, a town so small, it doesn't even have an ATM. What this tranquil seaside spot does have, however, is a luxurious retreat in the shape of Uxua, where the likes of Naomi Campbell chill out. Spend the day on the beach, share an after-dinner drink with the locals, retire early, then do it all again. Rates from 1370 reals a night. See uxua.com.
Ever dreamed of drifting to sleep amid the desert's shifting sands? Then head for Morocco's Sahara Desert, where Dar Azawad's Red Sand tented camp offers romance amid the dunes. The four tents have plenty of creature comforts, including hot showers and comfortable beds, as well as a terrace that is the perfect spot for a sundowner after an exhilarating day of quad biking. Camp rates from 364 euros twin share. See darazawad.com.
Life wasn't easy for the cod fishers of Fogo Island, off the Newfoundland coast; they didn't even get electricity until the 1970s. What they did have, however, was pristine coast and forests, the mesmerising sight of newly-calved icebergs drifting past, and the blessings of solitude. Now you too can enjoy these treasures, while ensconced in the island's striking and singular luxury lodge. Up the romance factor with a session in the rooftop hot tubs. Rates from CA$975 a room a night. See fogoislandinn.ca.
The Maldives may welcome honeymooners by the planeload, but the best resorts in this popular haven for lovers make it seem like it is all about you. Take Per Aquum Huvafen Fushi, where you can enjoy a romantic meal for two in the wine cellar or the raw bar, before indulging in a massage in the underwater spa, watching colourful fish swim past. Rates from $2772 a room a night. See minorhotels.com/peraquum/huvafen.
With its rugged cliffs and deep gorges, the Kimberley is one of Australia's most striking landscapes, and El Questro has a million acres of it to explore. Soak in the Zebedee Thermal Springs, picnic by a waterfall, and explore ancient Aboriginal rock art before returning to the Homestead, where you can enjoy fine dining and a bath with a view. Rates from $1579 a room a night, including meals, beverages and guided tours. See elquestro.com.au.
At Ultima Thule, they go flightseeing, not sightseeing. In this part of Alaska's northern wilderness, 160km from the nearest road, small planes are the most practical forms of transport. So when the guests at Ultima Thule leave their cosy log cabins each morning, they hop into a plane to explore the area's tundra, volcanoes and glaciers. Finish the day with a woodfired sauna, or stretched out on the bearskin rug. Rates from $7900 a person twin share for an all-inclusive four-night package. See ultimathulelodge.com.
