The wanderlust series: Long-haul honeymoon destinations to dream about

Situated in the remote Anambas Islands, Indonesia, between Malaysia and Borneo, Bawah Reserve is made up of six tropical islands, 13 white sand beaches and two crystal clear lagoons ready to be explored by land and sea. In addition to its current 36 lodges (including some of the only overwater villas in Indonesia), Bawah is launching six brand new cliffside lodges on a previously untouched island named Elang later this year. Further enhancing the reserve's private island experience, guests over 18 can opt to book one lodge or to take over the entire island. It will be home to its own guest-only clubhouse which has been carefully designed around a rock formation and inspired by tribal communal houses in Indonesia as well as a beachside restaurant and bar, spa, private beach and salt water infinity pool, created from a natural hollow and refreshed with every tidal change, complete with a water slide.

Guests of Elang will have full access to the reserve's main island, just a short boat trip away and can take part in the plethora of activities included in the rate, in addition to full board dining experiences as well as a daily spa treatment. Guests even have the option to spend a morning as castaways on a one of the reserve's uninhabited islands, where they will have free run of the deserted island and enjoy total seclusion from the outside world.

HOW: Rates on Elang in a one-bedroom lodge will start from $3,280 USD (approx. £2,500) per night. Rates on the main island at Bawah Reserve start from $1,980 USD (approx. £1,700) per night. www.bawahreserve.com

The Legian Sire, Lombok will launch in August 2020, making Lombok and the neighbouring Gili Islands more accessible than ever for the discerning traveller, offering diverse, cultural experiences within the island, which still remains remarkably untouched by tourism. Located on the beautiful 3.8-kilometre Sire Beach, the 45-suite and 15-villa boutique resort has staggering views of the Gili Islands and Lombok's Mount Rinjani. The hotel interiors are by Studio Affandy & Yeo, boutique design studio whose founders Agnes Affandy and Shaun Yeo are prodigies of Jaya Ibrahim (interior designer of sister property The Legian Seminyak, Bali) and architecture is by award-winning ESA International, headed up by Indonesian talent Putu Edy Semara – celebrating local culture and craftsmanship.

The hotel opening will also help put Lombok on the map for wellness travellers, thanks to LHM's innovative Wellness by The Legian concept, including an Apothecary Bar, with fresh all-natural, organic ingredients including Lombok volcanic clay. Guests can sample sea-and-farm-to-table fare at signature eatery, The Restaurant, relaxed Italian plates at The Cucina and delicious dishes at The Vegetarian – the first vegetarian restaurant in Lombok. Lombok is far from a fly and flop destination and during a stay, The Legian Sire guests will embark on snorkelling excursions to the neighbouring Gili Islands, hike to local waterfalls and across paddy fields, discover the local wildlife and get a taste of the local culture with a visit Lombok's oldest mosque, Bayan Belek, built in 1634.

HOW: Rates for a suite at The Legian Sire, Lombok start from $347++ USD (approx. £270) per night and $613++ USD (approx. £476) per night for the villas at The Club by The Legian Sire, Lombok. For more information please visit www.lhm-hotels.com

Six Senses Fiji is located on the tropical volcanic island of Malolo, part of the stunning Mamanuca Islands archipelago, just 15.5 miles from Nadi International Airport. The island is set amidst crystal waters, pale ivory sands and thick tropical forest. The resort is comprised of 24 spacious pool villas and 60 residential villas, each offering privacy, seclusion and luxury. Situated on one of the most dramatically beautiful isles in the 333-island nation with consistent warm, tropical weather making it an ideal year-round destination. Experiences on offer include hiking the hilltop trail and enjoying a private sunrise breakfast, prepared by Six Senses Fiji's expert chefs at the top.

HOW: Rates at Six Senses Fiji start from FJD 2,137 (currently approx. £771) based on two sharing a Hideaway Pool Villa on a B&B basis. www.sixsenses.com

Escape to and explore the remote and untouched paradise of Sumba, hidden amongst Indonesia's beguiling islands, at Nihi Sumba – an idyllic hideaway for wanderlust lovers looking to travel again. The size of Massachusetts and totally untouched, yet just a 50-minute flight from Bali— Nihi Sumba is home to just 28 villas amid hundreds of acres of lush gardens and on a private beach, ensuring total seclusion.

Guests can go totally off the beaten track and immerse themselves in nature by hiking through dramatic waterfalls, ancient villages and butterfly trails, as well as stand-up paddling down the Wanukaka River to the unique 'Spa Safari' by the sea for ultimate relaxation. Guests can also experience the beauty of Nihi Sumba on horseback, riding Sumbanese horses along the mile-and-a-half long stretch of beach. Nihi Sumba is also home to one of the world's most coveted private waves, known as "God's Left' – the ultimate thrill for adventure seekers while calmer waters can be found at nearby Coconut Cove. For the ultimate beachfront views, escape to MaranggaVilla – Nihi's most intimate hideaway with its own private gardens leading directly to the ocean.  

HOW: Rates at Nihi Sumba start from £1,627 per night based on two people sharing on a full board basis https://nihi.com/

Escape to Goatfell, perched amongst tea bushes amidst the Concordia Estate, and on an astonishing edge-of-the-world elevation above Nuwara Eliya. Part of Teardrop Hotels' portfolio of small yet stylish boutique hotels, Goatfell is a former superintendent's residence turned boutique hotel and home to just four ensuite bedrooms in the main house, with living and dining rooms. This intimate experience follows through at every point of guests' stay – from butler service to the restaurant's menu, which draws on seasonal vegetables grown on site and by the hotel's neighbour, translated into a combination of Sri Lankan and Western dishes.

The interiors of the former bungalow resonate with the warmth and country charm of a bygone era, offering log-fired sitting rooms and panoramic tea field views 2,000 metres above sea level – all which can be enjoyed from an infinity swimming pool. This contemporary take on a traditional planter's bungalow offers guests the ultimate immersion into Sri Lankan culture – without compromising on indulgence and relaxation. Guests can escape and explore the sights of the colonial-era hill station of Nuwara Eliya or visit Horton Plains to peer down from World's End and stroll through the reserve's plains, or even embark on an excursion to Sri Lanka's third-highest mountain Tothupola Kandabefore partaking in sundowner cocktails after a day of exploring. 

HOW: Rates at Goatfell start from £352 per night based on two people sharing on a full board basis. www.teardrop-hotels.com/goatfell/

Head to the most remote regions of Mongolia with tailor-made tour operator, Scott Dunn – offering guests an opportunity to explore off-grid one of the world's true last frontiers. Launching later this year and geared towards those seeking eye-opening cultural experiences, Scott Dunn is offering the highlights of Mongolia either as a stand-alone destination or twinned with Vietnam. Seemingly untouched by tourism and only recently accessible to the outside world, Mongolia's vast wilderness of deserts, majestic mountains and green steppes makes the destination a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and intrepid travellers alike.

From the swathe of the Gobi Desert in the south, home to vast shifting dunes, ancient fossils and the spectacular Flaming Cliffs, to the Altai mountains in the west, land of the eagle hunters and the stunning Lake Khovsgol in the north, Mongolia's diversity is astounding. Scott Dunn's destination experts will help put together the ideal itinerary to help guests discover the true essence of the 'land of the blue sky'.

HOW: Scott Dunn offers a 14-night trip through the highlights of Vietnam and Mongolia from £10,200 per person including flights, accommodation and daily experiences. For more information please visit www.scottdunn.com or call 020 8682 5030

This 270-year-old white marble palace floats like a mirage in the middle of Lake Pichola and looks dazzling from the shore, making it one of the most private and exclusive hotspots in the world. Reached by a short boat ride, it was built as a summer retreat by Maharana Jagjit Singh who ruled Udaipur in the 17th century. It has undergone major refurbishment which has gone a long way to restore its palatial feel with marble floors and rich furnishings, making incredibly opulent and ideal for an unforgettable Indian escape. 

Meals can be enjoyed from Jharokha - an informal all-day restaurant serving both buffet and a la carte from around the world, Neel Kahal - a fine dining option specialising in signature Rajasthani food which overlooks the famous lily pond and Bhairo – a breath taking rooftop contemporary western cuisine restaurant offering scintillating views of the beautifully lit Palace of the King of Mewar and the sparkling waters of Lake Pichola. Special experiences at Taj Lake Palace include the in-house fortune teller who is available each afternoon to read guests palms, beautiful traditional dance performances each evening to be enjoyed alongside cocktails and snacks and relaxing treatments onboard the hotels exclusive Jiva Spa Boat.

HOW: Rates at Taj Lake Palace start from approx.  £541 per person per night on a B&B basis. For more information please visit: www.tajhotels.com