South Island gem Wanaka has been named in a list of the world's most romantic places to have a holiday.

The beautiful Central Otago spot is one of the top 10 romantic destinations in a book listing 100 of the world's best places to get away to across the globe.

Published by Life Books, Dream Destinations: 100 of the World's Best Vacations, is described by Amazon.com as "a book of enticements or memories - or both".

"In stunning photographs and evocative text, (this book takes you to) the best, most beautiful, most relaxing, most inspiring places to vacation on the planet."

Top 10 romantic places to holiday:

1. Wildflower Hall, India

At an altitude of 2,500 metres, Wildflower Hall is a 45-minute drive through forested hills from Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. The spa resort is a serene getaway that was once the estate of Lord Kitchener.

2. The Camargue, France

In the delta of the Rhone river, Mediterranean beaches glow white along a warm sea, medieval walled cities, cathedrals and dreamy pink flamingos. See the famous white ponies of Camargue.

3. Kyoto, Japan

With its 2,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, and palaces, gardens and architecture intact, it is one of the best preserved cities in Japan. A boat tour into the Hozu river through a wooded valley or a trip on the aptly named Sagano Romantic Train is a delight.

4. The Cinque Terre, Italy

Along 18 kms of sheer rocky coastline in northern Italy, terraced hills and vineyards, five little villages are built into the rocks between the beach and the hills. You can hike, swim, drink red wine, and watch blazing Mediterranean sunsets.

5. Montreal, Canada

Canada's fabled city of romance is bright and full of energy, fascinating by day and festive at night. It also boasts the magnificent Notre-Dame Basilica and sumptuous accommodations.

6. Brussels, Belgium

Cobble stone lanes, small shops selling chocolates, pastries and antiques and a daily flea market with all pathways leading to the large courtyard of the Grand Place, a splendid open air plaza. This is a city with delights tucked away at every corner.

7. Saint Lucia, Caribbean

A volcanic island with mountains rising to nearly 1,000 metres. In the interiors there are lush rain forests accented by wild orchids, where parrots and birds of paradise thrive. The beaches are shaded by large palm trees.

8. Napa Valley, California

Getting there is half the fun with Napa, about an hour's drive from San Francisco. The Napa Valley is renowned for its wines which are matched by the reputation of its restaurants. The valley is beautiful all year and the wine is always delicious.

9. The Inn at Little Washington

About 100 kilometres west of Washington D.C., nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley, is a tiny village that was the first place to be named for George Washington. Relax, renew, have a cocktail and a top class meal.

10. Lake Wanaka, New Zealand

More than 300 metres above sea level, in the centre of New Zealand's gorgeous South Island, lies this 43 kilometre-long lake. The lakeside town is a charming place to stay, with sheep farms dotting the surrounding countryside.