Middle of the road doesn't mean settling for humdrum. Make the most of your honeymoon by watching a totally natural light display, wallow in turquoise waters in Mexico, or relax in an oasis of luxury and enchantment in Dubai. These great ideas will tempt you further afield, without destroying your budget!
Embrace snow love in Norway
There is nothing more romantic than a luminous display of the Northern Lights on a crisp, clear night. If you are up for embracing the winter cold for your loved-up escape, we suggest heading north. Deep inside the Arctic Circle, Tromso is Norway's northern-most city and offers a pure winter wonderland experience. Fly direct from Gatwick Airport and within three hours you can be dog sledding and outdoor hot tubbing. Our top tip is to venture off between 7.30pm to 10pm when your chances of catching a glimpse of Aurora Borealis (that's the Northern Lights to you and me) are much improved. Then head back to warm up around the wood burning fire at your beautiful lodge. Located directly above a fjord with dramatic views over the central Lyngen Alps, this typically Norwegian wooden lodge hosts eight cosy en-suite bedrooms. Enjoy your candle-lit meals under the wooden beams of the stylish dining room and by night enjoy the panoramic views, snuggled up in the lounge.
Indulge your senses in MexicoLonging for powder-soft sand, turquoise waters, and lazy days to explore a tranquil and undeveloped tropical island? Why not try an island gem of true western Caribbean calibre - Isla Mujeres. Let's be honest, honeymoons are a time to lie back and relax and Mexico provides the perfect place to do just that, all year round. Just over a mile offshore from Cancun, the island feels a million light years away from that glitzy commercial scene of its mainland neighbour. Stay at the beautiful Villa Rolandi which is a mere five minutes from the ferry terminal in Isla Mujeres and only 20 minutes from the mainland. The hotel lies between the turquoise Caribbean Sea and the Lagoon Makax making the surrounding views especially spectacular. The hotel features a gourmet restaurant popular with the locals and a brilliant spa offering unique therapies for all your honeymoon needs. This is pure, indulgent romance at its very best.
Find stylish elegance in Greece
Santorini is one hot honeymoon destination and not least because the island is essentially what remains of a volcanic explosion. Santorini's sunsets, as viewed from Oia's famous cliffs, are among the world's most beautiful. With magnificent white beaches and crystal clear water below, this is the ultimate setting for a cliff-top romance. Perched atop Oia, over-looking the Aegean, stay at the Mystique Hotel. It exudes stylish elegance like no other. In fact, you may think this level of romantic chic was only found in the movies but nothing beats catching some rays as you laze by the infinity pool. Our suggestion is to book anytime from April through to October to get the most out of this extraordinary island.
Enjoy dramatic views in Dubai
The city of shopping may not seem like the most exciting honeymoon destination, but don't be misled by the high-rises and ever-expanding skyline. Just a short 45-minute drive from the cosmopolitan city-centre, Al-Maha Resort is an oasis of luxury and enchantment. It lies within an award-winning conservation area where desert wildlife abounds. You will live like Bedouin royalty in this romantic camp set in one of the most enchanting properties in Dubai. It boasts an unobstructed panoramic view of the Hajar Mountains, the surrounding dunes and pristine desert landscape. And when not enjoying the magnificent views, be pampered like the King and Queen of the Desert that you are in the luxurious spa. It is difficult to find a bad time to book your trip, but we suggest you'll get the best out of your royal treatment from April - June and September - November.
Lose yourself in Oman
Unlike some of the nearby states Oman has kept its Arabian charm and combines an off-the-beaten-track feel with uncompromising luxury. Zighy Bay in particular is Middle-Eastern paradise at its best and seems it was made for honeymoons. You'll love the total privacy of the exclusive Evason Hideaway, perched in fjord-like mountains (the area is known as the Norway of the Middle East) overlooking 1.5km of curved white sand. You'll feel totally secluded in the sun-drenched Hideaway, when in fact you are just a short journey from souks, Bedouin camps, mosques, markets and museums. It's a stunning, secluded beachside property boasting an organic spa and private pool villas. Romance factor? No problem. How about a sunset dhow cruise complete with romantic picnic for two on your very own beach? Best to plan your Omani romantic getaway for April - June or September - November.