Hideaways for two: Private pools, luxurious beach huts and woodland retreats

The Big Six

Villa Ca'n Bobis, Mallorca: This romantic one-bed villa is tucked away in a lush private garden in the heart of Mallorca's Pollença countryside

Villa Ca'n Bobis, Mallorca

This romantic one-bed villa is tucked away in a lush private garden in the heart of Mallorca's Pollença countryside. Take a dip in the private pool, with its Roman steps, lay back in the sun loungers on the deck, or grab a bat and head for the table tennis – perfect for more competitive couples. Inside, the single-storey cottage is simply decorated, with wood-beamed ceilings, colourful furnishings and tiled floors. The living space is open-plan and looks out on to the garden, while the double bedroom, which is air conditioned, opens out on to the terrace.

Pollença, Mallorca. One week self-catering stay from £550 through Simpson Travel (020 3603 7758; simpsontravel.com).

Casetta La Dolce Vita, Tuscany

Just a short walk from the village of Vetulonia in south Tuscany, this little love nest sits on a picturesque hill amid oak trees and olive groves. Cook up a storm in the outdoor kitchen or enjoy a meal prepared by Andrea, your private chef, who also gives lessons in making local dishes. If you're able to drag yourself away from the deck and its spectacular views of the valley, inside the two-storey cottage you'll find a double bedroom, a living room and a shower room. Decoration is on the rustic side, with exposed brickwork and wooden furniture.

Vetulonia, Tuscany, Italy. Nightly rate from €55 with a two-night minimum stay (00 39 347 934 4943; baciarino.com).

The Edge, Cornwall

Named after its location, this luxurious beach hut is perched on a cliff top. The interiors have a nautical flavour, with a blue and white colour scheme and portholes; while the bedroom features a floor-to-ceiling window looking out over the coast. This cosy Cornish bolthole has a kitchen, a log fire, and under-floor heating. Outside, guests can enjoy the views from the private deck or, better still, the hut's own hot tub.

Whitsand Bay, Cornwall. Three-night weekend self-catering stay from £1,575 through Unique Homestays (01637 881183; uniquehomestays.com).

Bergerie Lila, Corsica

This self-catering woodland hideaway sits in the tranquil Eden Estate, within its own walled garden. Originally a shepherd's cottage, it has retained its rustic charm with stone walls, a terracotta roof frame, open fireplaces and wood-beamed ceilings. It has a plunge pool at the end of the private garden, as well as both an open-air kitchen and dining area – for chillier nights there's also an indoor kitchen. The property has access to a reserved area on the beach 3km away.

Eden Estate, Corsica, France. Seven nights' self-catering from £1,522 through CV Villas (020 7563 7999; cvvillas.com).

Salkim Evi, Turkey

If it's seclusion you're after, look no further. This villa for two, just outside Kalkan, is built into the mountainside and surrounded by forest. You'll also have to abandon your car and walk the final few hundred metres to the door. The master bedroom has two glass walls, one of which looks out over the sea and the other over the private infinity pool. Relax in the indoor Jacuzzi – with a view through more huge windows, of course – or soak up the sun on the deck, which is poised over the valley.

Islamlar, Turkey. One week self-catering stay from £450 through Exclusive Escapes (020 8605 3500; exclusiveescapes.co.uk).

Baan Nok Hook, Thailand

Privacy doesn't have to mean isolation. This cosy hut is part of the Golden Buddha Beach Resort, so you can sip a cocktail in the beach bar or take yoga classes on the sand before heading back to your private hideaway. The large bedroom is tucked into the eaves on the first floor, with a view of the ocean, while downstairs is the kitchen, which opens on to a veranda. The resort is the only hotel on a 12km stretch of sand on the Andaman island of Koh Phra Thong, north of Phuket

Ko Phra Thong, Thailand. Self-catering from 6,000 Thai baht (£121) a night (00 66 8 1892 2208; goldenbuddharesort.com).