KEN BENNETT gets in romantic mood and uncovers some sublime wedding and honeymoon hideaways in 2007.

After a sassy, high-profile wedding in Italy that caught the world's attention, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes jetted off to the remote beaches of the Maldives.

But if you are planning to tie the knot this year, one of these wedding and honeymoon ideas could be the ideal chance to grab your own piece of star quality romance.

The Association of independent Tour Operators, for example, has a diverse range of memorable honeymoon and wedding packages that could really ring your bell.

Scintillating Seagrape Cottage with Caribbean Islands Club, is a romantic retreat on the privately-owned island of Little Thatch and promises the ultimate in escapism.

One of only two properties on the island, it is perched on the beach, fringed with palm and seagrape trees. Four evening boat transfers to nearby Tortola are included, should you wish to dine there.

Otherwise, enjoy complete seclusion on this open-plan property, which comes with a four-poster bed. The managers are even happy to do food shopping for you.

A week at the cottage in the British Virgin Islands costs from £2,999-per-head, including self-catering accommodation, return Gatwick flights and transfers. Telephone 020-8232-9781, or log on to www.carib-club.com.

Or spend your honeymoon on some of the world's most beautiful beaches in western Thailand.

Begin with a city tour taking in the temples and markets of vibrant Bangkok, and then journey south for nine days of island hopping around the Andaman Sea. Enjoy the turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and dramatic limestone scenery of this stunning coastline, which boasts 130 separate isles (pictured above).

Other highlights include sea kayaking and snorkelling around the coral. With six departures in July and August, prices are from £1,249-a-head.

They include Heathrow flights, all transportation, 12 nights of accommodation with breakfast, one night on a sleeper train and the services of a tour leader. Call Explore on 0870-333-4001, or visit www.explore.co.uk.

Masserias are a serene type of manor house, specialising in gorgeous stone walls and plant-covered courtyards in Italy.

Set in Puglia's charming Itria Valley, Masseria Marzalossa is a particularly romantic example, with a beautiful pool, cooling palm trees and dozens of couple-friendly day-trip opportunities on offer.

Meander around beautiful hill top towns, picnic in quiet countryside or visit Lecce, home of the Baroque style.

Beat the crowds with a week in May, which costs from £357 per person, two sharing, including seven nights' accommodation with breakfast. Flights and car hire can be arranged. Call Real Holidays on 020-7359-3938 or visit www.realholidays.co.uk.

You can't get much more romantic than Paris - especially if you stay at the luxurious Hotel Lutétia.

This exquisite 1920s building with a domed reception, Lalique chandeliers and art deco furniture exudes style and sophistication from its fantastic Left Bank location.

Previous guests include Picasso, Matisse and Général de Gaulle, who spent his own honeymoon here. It features a Michelin-quoted restaurant and two stylish bars, which often play host to pianists and jazz musicians.

VFB Holidays is offering three-night breaks from just £270-a-head, two sharing, including breakfast and return travel by Eurostar. Call 01452-716 831, or visit www.vfbholidays.co.uk.

If you are overwhelmed by the thought of organising your honeymoon, AITO offers luxury breaks in the Maldives to specialised tours of the wonders of South America.

Alternatively, whisk your new spouse off to beautiful Sardinia or explore idyllic islands off the coast of Africa. For more information and ideas, contact AITO on 020-8744-9280 or visitwww.aito.co.uk.