Beaches are the perfect setting for honeymoon romance – that is a given. But with hundreds of destinations the world over to choose from, how do you pick the right one for you and your loved one? While pictures of secluded shores with spectacular sunsets accost you from every hotel website or advertisement, in most cases a place for just the two of you is hard to come by – think of the packed beaches of Miami or Pattaya – rarely can you find a spot to sit, let alone indulge in quality alone time. While the Maldives remains unmatched in terms of natural beauty, what makes it one of the most idyllic places on earth is its abundance of private islands, pristine and relatively untouched.

The Maldives, with its 26 atolls, is the ideal destination for holiday romance. Well-developed enough to ensure convenience and all the luxuries, each island provides a haven of secluded beaches, crystal-clear lagoons and some of the best diving in the world.

Accommodation options in the destination are amongst the very best in the world, with traditional Maldivian-style over-water bungalows providing a unique experience and the ultimate privacy.  Each resort has its own take on the water bungalow theme – ranging from rustic to super luxe. One great honeymoon or romance choice is Anantara Veli Maldives Resort & Spa’s deluxe over-water bungalows, boasting contemporary décor with indigenous fabrics, hardwood floors and a coconut thatch roof. While the whole point is to lose yourselves in nature’s dazzling beauty, some Maldivian resorts such as Anantara boast all the mod cons of city resorts – personal surround-sound stereos, high-speed internet, flat-screen TVs and CD/DVD/MP3 players. Each over-water bungalow is self-contained, with private sun terraces, discrete outdoor terrazzo tubs for two and steps leading directly down into the lagoon, rare marine life darting in and out of a palette of corals. Most resorts in the Maldives offer a choice of restaurants on the island, as well as a spa and numerous recreation facilities. Diving is a must, as is a traditional dhoni cruise at sunset. There are a whole host of temptations on each island, yet perhaps the most tempting activity is to simply shut out the world in your private over-water bungalow and enjoy a paradise for two.