Secret paradise

Djerba, an island on Tunisia's eastern coast, is both quiet and idyllic. The glittering sand and turquoise waters of its north-east coast are reminiscent of the Caribbean. In fact, the island is said to have inspired the mythical ‘land of the lotus-eaters' mentioned in Homer's ancient Greek epic the Odyssey, where Odysseus' men forgot themselves and almost abandoned their mission home. The resorts here are the perfect place for you and your partner to forget the outside world, luxuriate in a blissful environment, and simply enjoy each other's company.

There are a range of resorts here to suit couples including the grand, luxurious and elegant Radisson Blue Palace Resort, set beside a fine white sand beach. The nautical-themed Almapura Alkantara Thalassa Hotel is another good option for a romantic getaway, where you can soak up the sun together on the private beach, simmer in the hot tub or wind down in the spa.

Star attractions

Spend a romantic night under the stars in a luxury desert camp, on the northern edge of the awe-inspiring Sahara. Yadis Camp Ksar Ghilane, for instance, is a pitch-perfect place to stay. Its deluxe en-suite tents are air-conditioned, shaded by date palms and built on the site of an old Berber fortress. This is no ordinary camp either, as it also features a spring water-fed swimming pool, French and Bedouin cuisine and a watchtower with stunning panoramic views over the rippling dunes. Take a camel safari to explore this other-worldly landscape, wonder at the changing colours of the desert at sunset or go on a 4x4 adventure to discover abandoned forts and desolate salt pans.

Though tours direct to the desert can be arranged in advance, the southern oasis town of Douz is known as the ‘gateway to the Sahara', and was once an important stop-off for trade caravans crossing the desert. With dozens of local guides offering their services, it's a great place to arrange a desert safari whether by camel, 4x4 or on foot. Travellers wishing to spend the night at this palm-dotted oasis can find decent rooms at the four-star Hotel Sahara Douz, one of the best places to stay in the area.

Adventurous couples may also like to add a quirky dimension to a trip by visiting the curious troglodyte houses at Matmata that featured in the original Star Wars movies. Here, the local Berbers chose to burrow underground to escape the stultifying desert heat. The houses are carved into the walls of courtyards dug deep into the ground, with doors and windows facing into the pit and stairs leading to ground level. You can feel the temperature drop as you descend into these dwellings and it's possible to spend the night in one too at the Hotel Sidi Driss, which was once used as the Star Wars set for Luke Skywalker's home. Bare in mind, though, that the rooms are very basic and Spartan with single beds – not ideal for amorous couples but a magical experience for fans of the films.