Are you searching for an unusual honeymoon destination? If so, Cuba has been left relatively unexplored by travellers from the UK, but by no means should this fascinating country be off any couple’s radar when choosing a suitable honeymoon location.

Stunning beaches and a fascinating national culture come together to form a location not only perfect for fairly active newlyweds, but equally wonderful for those looking for a relaxing holiday. Cuba’s cities are great for history lovers and sun worshippers alike, and provide a romantic backdrop for any recently wed couple. Tourists from Canada and Western Europe have been visiting Cuba for years and have a special relationship with this island, and there are so many reasons why.

Stunning Places to Stay

Cuba gains a fair amount of income from tourism, and their resorts are more than capable of providing a stunning, postcard holiday. BelleVue Palma is a great choice for active couples. With three restaurants, two pools and a day and night-time entertainment programme during the week, there’s no chance of getting bored. There is a huge range of activities as well, from a day out at the Varadero Golf Club to a leisurely afternoon in a catamaran.

Sol Rio de Luna & Mares Resort in Holguin is exactly what you’d expect from a tropical holiday; palm trees, white sand, and turquoise water. With a 24-hour snack bar, a swim-up bar and entertainment, in addition to a range of daytime activities, you and your partner will easily be able to stay put and truly relax after the fun and stress of your wedding.

Cuba also offers an unusual option of the casa particular, which is a private residence that rents rooms, much like a bed and breakfast. If you’re on a budget and plan to spend most of your time at the beach, or if you’re truly interested in the culture of Cuba, this can be a great choice.

Relaxing and Romantic Things to Do

The countless activities available in Cuba besides lying beside the sea might surprise you! Start off by a stroll along the Malecon, the 12km road the stretches the length of the ocean. The road runs from Old Havana to Vedado, and passes through La Rampa, which has a very active nightlife.

There is no shortage of things to do in Cuba. A visit to the cigar factory is a must! Watch Cubans hand roll one of their most famous exports during a tour, and don’t forget to stop in the gift shop for a souvenir! Havana’s National Aquarium also houses an amazing range of fish, and some particularly interesting varieties native to Cuba and the region.

Cuba is a vibrant, bold and fun country to explore. Spend time wandering the streets of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buildings dating from 1519 when Havana was christened by Spain still stand, and you can still see how Cuba grew as a strategic centre of trade and commerce.

Things to Keep in Mind

You’ll have to purchase an entry visa when you arrive in Cuba, which is good for 90 days. You can also order one in advance for around £15. Cuba is a fairly safe country, but you must remember when you’re spending time away from your resort to keep your valuable belongings close to you, or leave them at the hotel. Cuba is a vibrant and exciting country to discover, and you’ll be happy you started your married life with a holiday in this picturesque location.

Top temperature: 32°C in the summer, and 26°C in the winter.

Best months to go: November to April, during the dry season. May to October is the rainy season.

Nearest Airport: Frank País Airport in Holguín or Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport in Varadero.

Local Language: Spanish, with some English.

Time Difference: -5 GMT

Flight Duration: 9-10 hours

Currency: £1.00 = $1.5 CUC (Cuban Convertible Paso)

Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a ‘mini-moon’, or just want to disappear à deux for nothing but a little peace this summer, Boutique Retreats has an impressive portfolio of astounding and unusual bijou properties for two across Cornwall. You have the luxuries of a high-end hotel but, importantly, exclusivity and seclusion.

Here are five of the best:

Beach hut hideaway with wraparound deck

The Cabin, accessible only on foot, overlooks (through floor to ceiling windows) the uplifting – and usually deserted - expanse of Porthkidney Beach near St Ives. You could stay in your pyjamas all day….croissants and coffee on your wraparound deck; hours of idling over the property’s impressive collection of books, board games and movies; cooking together in your immaculate kitchen; climbing up to your mezzanine sleeping area and drifting off to the lapping of the ocean.

Fisherman’s cottage in the ‘loveliest village in England’

This is what the poet Dylan Thomas (1930) called the tiny fishing village of Mousehole (pronounced ‘Mowzel’) – and, with its picturesque harbour and stunning collection of yellow-lichened houses, it quite possibly is. Gylly Cottage, spread over three floors, has minimalist glitz: contemporary, bright white, with a serious nod to splendour (bespoke kitchen with double Belfast sink, super king sized French bed, roll top bath for two…)

New York loft style meets New England

The Old Stores, also situated in Mousehole, is a slick Manhattan loft-style apartment a stone’s throw from the sea. All is calm and monochromatic inside, with New England shutters and art deco red leather sofas. The bedroom features a fabulous roll-top bath and the flooring, surprisingly, is made from reclaimed fruit and wine crates. Prosecco and potted crab (plus a caramelised rice pudding with Armagnac soaked prunes, perhaps) at the award-winning 2 Fore Street next door is a superb way to spend a lunchtime.

50 shades of crashing wave seduction in St Ives

Black Moon is somewhere to take someone you’re very serious about. Its baroque interior is super-moody and splendidly slick: a good deal of stainless steel and black marble, contrasting wildly with the outside world of golden sand and infinity of ocean that’s literally on your doorstep. Bathing is an opulent affair: a low-lit shower and a bath big enough for two. Should you ever emerge into the outside world, St Ives is a treat.

Boat house with its own private beach

The Sea Room at Ropehawn is the ultimate romantic escape from the outside world. Impeccably renovated and perched on the edge of St Austell Bay near Fowey, the property overlooks the water and is accessible only by boat or by footpath. When the tide is right, you have access to your own private shingle beach. Enjoy an alfresco breakfast or evening barbeque in the courtyard.