SHORT HAUL

Domaine du Murtoli Corsica

A dreamy protected nature reserve in south-eastern Corsica between mountain and sea, Domaine du Murtoli (00 334 9571 8924; murtoli.com) has 20 villas, shepherd’s houses and a hotel scattered throughout the maquis and shoreline overlooking the Med.

From £465 per night for a house sleeping two, to £1,000 for a villa sleeping up to seven

Le Grand Banc Provence, France

This tiny Provencal hamlet in the fashionable Luberon, with 10 individual houses, is the perfect setting for a family get-together. Think al-fresco meals at a huge communal dining table, a swimming pool, table tennis and a resident cook.

From £12,000 per week with Scott Williams (01749 812721; scottwilliams.co. uk); sleeps up to 24

Kaya Gunseri Turkey

Cruise the turquoise bays and hidden coves of the Turkish coast from Bodrum to the Greek island of Symi on a gulet for seven nights. The Kaya Gunseri comes with full crew, a boat for water sports, and equipment. An additional gulet can be hired for a convoy. From £8,353 per week for up to 14 guests with Red Savannah (01242 787800; redsavannah.com)

Hacienda de San Rafael Andalucia, Spain

Deep in the countryside between Seville and Jerez de la Frontera, Hacienda de San Rafael (00 34 9542 27116; haciendadesanrafael.com) – an 18thcentury farm with 20 bedrooms and a pool villa, sleeping up to 12 – is a place where big parties are par for the course. Doubles from £357, B&B; villa from £1,785 per night

Masseria Petrarolo Puglia, Italy

Just four miles from the beaches of the Adriatic coast, Masseria Petrarolo is a restored, fortified farmhouse surrounded by a landscape dotted with olive trees near the postcard-pretty town of Monopoli. It has two swimming pools and sleeps up to 25.

From £30,000 per week through Bellini Travel (bellinitravel.com)

Beldi Country Club Marrakech, Morocco

Some fabulous parties have been held in the fragrant gardens of the Beldi Country Club (00 212 5243 83950; beldicountryclub.com) with its sweeping views of the Atlas Mountains. The property comprises a riad, a small village, Bedouin tents, four swimming pools, 15 hectares of gardens, a roomy spa and a souk, in addition to 38 suites. A new 15-room hotel is also now open.

Doubles from £250 per night

Kempinski Hotel das Tirol Jochberg Austria

Hit the slopes of the Austrian resort of Kitzbuhel if you wish, but there is plenty to keep non-skiers occupied with the charming medieval village on their doorstep. Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol Jochberg (00 43 5355 50100; kempinski.com) is a ski-in/ski out resort with a large spa, pool and wellness area. Doubles from £268 per night

Villa Sola Cabiati at Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Lake Como, Italy

Romance is alive and well at the Villa Sola Cabiati, a magnificent 16th-century villa on the edge of Lake Como. It forms part of the nearby Grand Hotel Tremezzo (00 39 0344 42491; grandhoteltremezzo.com) and can be rented for groups of up to 12. The villa comes with staff, a pool and sweeping gardens. From £5,355 per night, minimum three nights

Ballynahinch Castle West of Ireland

On the Wild Atlantic Way, Ballynahinch Castle (00 353 953 1006; ballynahinchcastle.com) is a romantic rural retreat overlooking the Owenmore. As well as the rooms, the estate features two properties: Lettery Lodge, which sleeps 10; and Owenmore Cottage sleeping 12. From £3,570 and £2,230 respectively, with a chef and waiter service.