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CAVALERI HILTON, ROME

The two-floor penthouse here gives you 2,300 sq ft of light, interiors of pale colours and high tech, with more than enough plasma screens for the biggest addict. Go up the 20 glass stairs and you find yourselves on your rooftop, with an outdoor lounge and a hot tub (yes, with another television). With 360-degree views over the principality, its harbour and the Mediterranean, you barely need to retreat inside - at least during the summer. Venture out to dine at Alain Ducasse's three-Michelin-star Louis XV, perhaps going on to the casino.

HOTEL HERMITAGE, MONTE CARLO

The two-floor penthouse here gives you 2,300 sq ft of light, interiors of pale colours and high tech, with more than enough plasma screens for the biggest addict. Go up the 20 glass stairs and you find yourselves on your rooftop, with an outdoor lounge and a hot tub (yes, with another television). With 360-degree views over the principality, its harbour and the Mediterranean, you barely need to retreat inside - at least during the summer. Venture out to dine at Alain Ducasse's three-Michelin-star Louis XV, perhaps going on to the casino.

INTERCONTINENTAL, HONG KONG

Here, looking right across the harbour to Hong Kong Island, you have the largest suite in Asia, namely 7,000 sq ft, which includes a two-floor atrium. You also have a further 2,500 sq ft of terrace, with an infinity swimming pool (what a gloriously romantic start to any evening, swimming as you look across to the nightly 8pm laser show from the top of the corporate high rises across the water). WOW. travel suggests you follow this with a visit to Spoon (yes, Alain Ducasse again) - or Nobu, opening in November.

VILLA KENNEDY, FRANKFURT

Sir Rocco Forte opened the former Speyer family home - built for the prominent banker in 1904 - earlier this year. The 3.330 sq ft Georg Speyer suite takes up the whole of the fifth floor, and comes with a private elevator and a circular dining room with tall turret ceiling overhead (and inset windows allow romantic star gazing). If the weather is right, you are only five minutes walk to the Main river and nearby galleries, or stay in to enjoy the Villa spa, with hammam and 50 foot pool.

OCEAN CLUB, BAHAMAS

Bob Barrie designed the 4,000 sq ft villa at this resort with its own infinity pool and four bedrooms (handy for storing clothes, sports equipment and the security guard that is part of your essential travel baggage). The villa has its own chef, and an icebox solely stacked with wine for impromptu tastings, but if you want to venture out, chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten oversees the Dunes restaurant, or take romantic strolls through the unique sunken garden that stretches right across the peninsula.

PLAZA ATHENEE, NEW YORK

Princess Diana and Elizabeth Taylor are among the many stars who have enjoyed this two-floor, golden and yellow residential-like nest, eulogized by Plum Sykes in her book Bergdorf Blondes. You have a boudoir-type bed and a small private conservatory on your own terrace, and if all this is not enough for a romantic hideaway, you can tax your minds with the chess set thoughtfully provided or invite six friends for dinner (the dining table seats eight).

GRAN HOTEL SON NET, MALLORCA

The 'estate of grandfather' is a pink 17th century palace on a wooded hilltop. Formerly home of entrepreneur David Stein, it is now a stylish 24-room resort; Oprah Winfrey loves it so much she wanted to buy the entire interior, including Stein's collection of Hockney, Stella and Warhol. The 150 sq m Royal Suite has a big balcony looking straight into the tops of pine trees, and to escape, head for a pre-booked cabana by one of the two exquisite pools (bliss, the cabanas have electric sockets and they are WiFi!).

TRISARA, PHUKET, THAILAND

Trisara, Thailand's most intimate exclusive resort and spa has become a landmark since opening in 2004. The only resort in S.E. Asia offering private pools and magnificant ocean views from all accommodation, Trisara is a sanctuary of privacy, space and simple good taste. The resort sites within beautiful tropical gardens over their own private bay on Phuket's quiet undeveloped northwestern coastline

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