Jane Latimer A.While the heat of continental Europe dissipates with the summer crowds, the Atlantic coast and central plateau of Morocco maintain a balmy climate well into autumn. The left shoulder of North Africa also has the advantage of a relatively short flight and is becoming an increasingly popular honeymoon destination.

Villas of Morocco (www. villasofmorocco.

com) offer an eclectic collection of restored properties in Marrakech, Fez, Tangiers and Bouznika Bay, just south of the capital, Rabat. The company has also recently launched honeymoon packages that include butlers, flowers and a special meal. Also worth noting is that Villas of Morocco intend to introduce a nanny service this year. Packages are from London.

Sunway Travel (www. sunway. ie) also offer a comprehensive programme to Morocco, with hotels and direct flights from Dublin. Alternatively, you might consider heading west to the Canary Islands, where late autumn temperatures average a comfortable 200C. The seven islands continue to be a mainstay of those in search of winter sunshine but there are still parts relatively untouched by tourism. La Gomera, for example, is one of the lessvisited islands in the archipelago. There is plenty of rental accommodation but I'd suggest the Parador de la Gomera (00 34 922 87 1100; www. parador. es) in San Sebastian. The beautifully restored hotel was once a manor house, and teeters over the Atlantic Ocean with a dramatic backdrop of Tenerife and Mount Teide.

Double rooms start at 172 per night.