Ed and Gill have been promising themselves a second honeymoon for 25 years. “Our first was two nights in Llangollen, so we’re looking for something more romantic this time,” says Gill. With their three teenage children packed off to granny’s, the couple want to unwind in a remote location far from commercial trappings. “We were thinking about the Maldives, but seeing photographs in brochures of rows of water bungalows has put us off.”

Ed and Gill plan to spend their days sunbathing, snorkelling, swimming, reading and chatting. They like simple, understated luxury and want some element of local culture or activity — perhaps with an ecofriendly accent. For a 10-day break, between September and November, their budget is £4,000.

PRESCRIPTION ONE: Tanzania

Saadani is a luxury barefoot lodge on a long stretch of white-sand beach, close to the mouth of the Wami River. The only place to stay in the newly designated Saadani National Park, the lodge has just nine cottages and offers both splendid isolation and private game-viewing: crocs and hippos on the river, elephants and giraffes in the bush, dolphins and turtles out to sea. Ten nights, full-board, with one daily activity — a boat trip, game drive or visit to a local community project — Cazenove & Loyd (020 7384 2332, www.cazloyd.com).