The islands of French Polynesia may be a long way from anywhere, but you’ll find resorts every inch as romantic as those in the Caribbean or Indian Ocean, with several featuring the ultimate in honeymoon retreats: the overwater bungalow. With their feet sunk in the shallows of impossibly perfect lagoons and the distant soft roar of surf the only sound, they are the most romantic style of accommodation in the South Pacific.

Days 1 to 6 Tikehau

We’ve singled out just two properties for passion. First to Tikehau, a scatter of flat coral atolls, or motus, a change from the spiky green topography of the rest of French Polynesia. You can even wade, waist deep in silky pastel blues, between neighbouring islands. Visit the tiny village, explore by bike or simply lie on sands as white and soft as icing sugar. Barefoot sophistication is the stock in trade at the Pearl Beach Resort, with a choice of beachfront and overwater bungalows.

Days 7 to 12 Le Taha’a

Hideaway number two, which starts with a flight to Raiatea and then launch, is Le Taha’a, a private island and arguably the most exclusive resort in French Polynesia. It occupies its own motu - called Tautau - on the coral reef, facing the island of Taha’a across the lagoon with Bora Bora squatting on the horizon on the ocean side. The traditional Polynesian-style hotel has 48 overwater suites as well as a dozen beach suites each more than 1,000 sq ft in size, with communal areas built in the trees for exquisite views.

Day 13 Tahiti

Extend your stay at either island or transfer to the airport for your flight back to Papeete.