1. Where’s Steven Spielberg’s favourite place on earth? Dartmoor, England, it would seem. The director filmed scenes for his latest movie War Horse on this heatherstrewn, mist-laced expanse in the south-west of the country, saying afterwards, “I have never before, in my long and eclectic career, been gifted with such an abundance of natural beauty. ”Follow his trail through the whitewashed village of Meavy andthe tiny stone hamlet of Sheepstor, before heading out into the deserted landscape. dartmoor.co.uk

2. Unstable Egypt may seem like folly at the moment,but there’s another countrywhere you can see pyramids andancient temples – with the addedbonus that you’ll probably havethem all to yourself. Sudan’s relicsof Ancient Egyptian culture atMeroë include perfectly preservedhieroglyphics on royal tombs andclusters of pyramids rising frombarren, empty sand. Fora once-in-a-lifetime adventure,include a visit to the amazingsouqs at Omdurman and checkout the hypnotic dance of theWhirling Dervishes. sudan.net

3. How does a luxury getaway in Fiji sound, without any kids to disturb the peace? Tadrai – the country’s first five-star, couples only, all-inclusive resort – has just opened on a palm-fringed cove on Mana Island. And it might just be the most romantic place on earth. This is the antithesis of a mega-resort: there are only five villas, but all come with the usual top-notch touches – private plunge pools, outdoor showers – while the spa is spread over a vast60 acres of rainforest and pristine beach. Meanwhile, the restaurant showcases the best Pacific Rim flavours (including fresh oysters, squid and prawns), and you can order picnics for expeditions to empty beaches or have your dinner served in your room. Best of all, you can eat whatever you want without paying a cent extra. tadrai.com

4. So remote that it can only be accessed by sea plane, Kuri Bay in Broome, Australia, comes with the kind of vista normally only achieved with a whole lot of Hollywood special effects. Set up by Wild Bush Luxury in partnership with the Paspaley pearling family, it has just five rooms – but each overlooks a glittering swirl of bay, unencumbered by buildings, and busy with humpback whales calving between June and October. kuribay.com.au

5. Cambodia gets its first five-star private island resort this year, paving the way for luxe beach tourism. Song Saa (“sweethearts” in Khmer) is set across two islands in the Koh Rong archipelago – it feels miles from anywhere but is actually just 30 minutes by boat from Sihanoukville airport. Surrounded by more than 20 untouched isles, Song Saa had to have impeccable eco credentials. As a result, the 27 villas – built over the water, in the lush jungle or on coconut-milk-white sand – are all made with sustainable materials. songsaa.com