ROMANCE OF THE MALAY ARCHIPELAGO

Begin your honeymoon in style at Puri Ganesha, a remote beachfront haven in an unspoilt fishing village on the north-west coast of Bali. It has just four villas, guaranteeing privacy and seclusion, as well as a wonderful setting. The drive from the airport is an event in itself, as you pass jagged mountains, volcanic lakes and clove plantations. As well as seeing the rice terraces, visiting the temples, discovering hidden villages and local markets, trekking in the hills, swimming in pristine waterfalls, and snorkelling and diving around the colourful coral reefs, you also shouldn’t miss the chance to see monkeys, menjangan deer, large lizards and rare birds such as the Bali starling in West Bali National Park. You’ll also spot (and hear) numerous tropical birds in the gardens around Puri Ganesha, where you can relax and unwind in your private pool, indulge in a massage and enjoy a gourmet picnic on the beach.

Today, you’ll head to the island of Moyo in the beautiful Indonesian Archipelago today, where you’ll find lush tropical landscapes and a wide variety of wildlife. There is a deer sanctuary here, and Moyo is also home to macaques, wild boar and birds from eagles to ospreys, and you can venture into caves to see the bats. Take a scenic cruise to Komodo Island to meet the famous komodo dragon. Your hotel, Amanwana, offers an above-and-beyond glamping experience – its luxury tents sit in a secluded cove overlooking the Flores Sea, and you can have dinner round the campfire on the beach, or dine under the stars on Amanwana’s private boat. Swim with the turtles in the beyond-blue waters, where you can also enjoy some world-class diving sites – for a unique experience, go on a night dive to the reef opposite the beach.

Sidemen is a showcase of natural beauty, and its pristine wilderness can be enjoyed from Surya Shanti Villa, which is nestled in the rice terraces on the slopes of the volcanic Mount Agung, Bali’s most sacred mountain. Have a guided walk in the rice fields and learn all about this vital crop, and get up early for a sunrise trek to the top of Mount Agung, where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views. Pura Besakih, on the lower slopes of the mountain, is Bali’s largest and most sacred temple complex. Surya Shanti Villa offers a taste of traditional Indonesian style as well as contemporary luxury, and you can learn how to make authentic Balinese dishes in the kitchen, overlooking Mount Agung, after visiting the local markets for the ingredients. At the end of the day, have a relaxing Balinese massage or a soak in a bath strewn with fresh flowers.

For the next couple of days, make the most of some of Indonesia’s most beautiful beaches. See the unique Pink Beach (named for its red coral) and the white sand of Segui Beach, and take a local fishing boat out to the tranquil waters of Tangsi Bay to swim and snorkel with tropical fish. Pink Beach can also be reached via a 30-40-minute walk or short drive from the Jeeva Beloam Beach Camp, which sits on a sand dune above a secluded powdery white sand beach. Fringing a forest reserve and overlooking the Timor Sea, the beautiful Jeeva Beloam offers postcard perfect relaxation as well as adrenaline-fuelled activities, from relaxing on the beach and surfing and kayaking, to exploring the peninsula on foot or by bike. Spend your days being as adventurous or chilled out as you like, and in the morning, wake up to the sunrise illuminating the cliffs around the cove.

From one paradise to another – Lombok has some beautiful beaches, crowned by Mount Rinjani, which towers over the island and sweeps down to the sea. Trek up to the hot springs at the top and enjoy the views. The award-winning Lombok Lodge overlooks Medana Bay, and offers boutique luxury and seclusion as well as sweeping sea views. If you’re after some more snorkelling and diving, head to the impressive coral reefs of the Gili Islands (just ten minutes away) where you’ll also find white sand beaches fringed with coconut palms, which are well worth relaxing on. Make the journey in a glass-bottomed boat to observe the marine life beneath, or take a private boat trip around the islands, enjoying a gourmet picnic on the beach. Celebrate your honeymoon with a sunset cruise around the beaches of Tanjung and Gondang, and on your return, linger over a candlelit dinner on the sand, looking out over the bay.