Spending holidays in luxurious homes with friends and family doesn't have to break the bank

Corsica

Dona Lisa, in Preccogio, near Porto Vecchio, has high vaulted ceilings and glamorous (if highly impractical) white sofas.

The terraced garden has a freeform, gated pool and a shaded area ideal for families with small children.

Set high in the hills of Preccogio, the villa is surrounded by mature olive and cork trees, with stunning beaches at Santa Giulia (sheltered, shallow waters perfect for children) and Palombaggia (white sands, clear blue water, protected by pink granite rocks with a backdrop of pine trees) just a few minutes away.

Sleeps six. Seven nights from £739pp including return flights from Gatwick, air-conditioned car hire, welcome pack, twice weekly maid service and change of linen, bath and beach towels, daily bread, croissant and newspaper delivery and complimentary 24-hour concierge service. www.coastline.co.uk

Ibiza

SJ Villas has exclusive access to a selction of seriously dreamy properties around the world.

Can Claudia near St Agnes, famed for its valley of almond trees, is an Ibizan party pad owned by composer George Solti's daughter Claudia (hence the name), who is building an outdoor cinema in the forest this summer.

Design delights include a curved infinity pool, yoga tipee, flat-screen TVs, digital projector, iPod docking stations and indoor and outdoor stereos.

Three double bedrooms include a Balinesestyle one with an indoor/outdoor bathroom.

The property borders a conservation area with a cove where boat trips can be taken, and has views to the sea.

Previous guests include fashion designer Alice Temperley and model Jacquetta Wheeler.

Sleeps 10. Seven nights from £1,088pp. www.sjvillas.co.uk

Morocco

Ezzahra is set in large secluded grounds in the Palmeraie area of Marrakech.

Behind the ornately carved wooden doors, this private riad is all about luxury; each room has its own terrace, open fireplace and white frette robes.

There's even one with a private plunge pool. The secluded gardens house a 16m pool.

There are two private cinemas with DVD library, wellness centre with hammam, gym and even hairdressers plus a private staff of 12.

If that isn't enough there are table tennis and board games. Sleeps 16. £183pp per night allinclusive, www.cazloyd.com

Italy

I Giardini, in Tuscany, is a recently restored nine-bedroom estate made up of an 19th-century farmhouse and an adjacent converted barn (perfect for putting the moody teenagers in) and a one-bedroom guest house.

Beyond the house are a pool, sun terraces, olive groves, an organic orchard and vegetable garden.

Long stretches of sandy beaches are 10 minutes away. Sleeps 18. £7,005 per week. www.worldwidedreamvillas.com

Mallorca

Finca El Creve is a 200-year-old, five-bedroom farmhouse in Pollenca, in the north of the island, big on rustic charm with exposed wooden beams and terracotta floors and original ceramic sinks.

There's a large heated outside pool, courtyard barbecue area and vine-covered dining terrace.

Views are of the bay of Pollenca and the mountains.

Babysitting, nanny and gourmet chef services can all be arranged.

The beach at Porto Pollenca is nearby. Sleeps 10. Seven nights from £124pp. www.mallorca.co.uk