Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin think New York keeps their marriage strong.

The couple - who have children Apple, five, and Moses, four, together - have recently enjoyed a romantic break in their holiday home in the Hamptons resort area of the US city and believe the regular vacation helps them forget their problems.

A source said: "Spending a month there every summer really keeps their marriage going. It's their haven away from the things that get between them - their hectic work schedules and their different sets of friends.

"When they're at the Hamptons they go for long walks, spend hours on the beach and mess around with their close friends. Gwyneth doesn't read scripts and Chris doesn't write music. It keeps them sane."

According to friends of the couple - who married in 2003 - the Coldplay frontman often clashes with his actress spouse over his hatred of the party scene in London, where they spend most of their time.

The source added to Closer magazine: "Chris has never been one for showbiz parties, but when they're in London that's what Gwyneth is doing. He doesn't want to be a 'celebrity couple' so they don't spend much time together in the city. It's a real boost for them to be away from it all with the kids."