Blending superb architectural heritage and hedonistic nightlife, the Greek island of Crete suffers from an identity crisis. The town of Malia, in particular, is a sight to behold, attracting a bipolar crowd of bookish archi-tourists and Ouzo-swilling electro enthusiasts. But, we digress. The island is also a place of outstanding natural beauty – and nowhere takes advantage of this quite like Villa Kamy. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the breathtaking Bay of Chania, this ultra-modern villa – all polished concrete, white walls and exposed brickwork – sleeps up to 10, and is the perfect place to relax with friends while watching the sun go down. akvillas.com

If St Tropez is the place to be, then this palatial residence in the heart of town is most definitely the place to stay. Set in 3,750sqm of gardens, encircled by palm trees and scattered with Kenzo furnishings, Le Château St Tropez embodies all the glitz and glamour of the Côte d’Azur. The guide rental price of €30,000-€55,000 per week might seem steep – living in the lap of luxury doesn’t come cheap – but the cost becomes far less prohibitive when split between the 16 people that the property sleeps. To sweeten the deal, a chef, waiters and a villa manager are on hand to pander to your every whim. sjvillas.co.uk

If the bustling beaches and chaotic nightlife of Kuta don’t do it for you, then set your sights on Nusa Dua, on Bali’s luxurious southern peninsula. It’s home to numerous five-star resorts, but for those who prefer their privacy there’s Bidadari Cliffside Estate – an oasis perched atop a 120m-high cliff, with staggering views of the Indian Ocean. Tired of the elliptical infinity pool and two outdoor bathtubs? There’s an Inclinator Carriage – an elevator set on an incline – ready to carry you down to your very own Balinese beachfront cabana. Utter indulgence: this place has “Instagram envy” written all over it. ministryofvillas.com

Nestled into a hill in Bayview, Sydney in such a way that it’s cleverly hidden from public view, this concrete and glass modernist home has serious architectural pedigree, taking design inspiration from Mr Richard Neutra’s legendary Kaufmann House in Palm Springs and Mr Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater located in rural Pennsylvania. The infinity pool is purposefully designed to give the impression that you (along with seven other guests) are floating serenely across the waters of the adjacent bay. For those not interested in getting their feet wet, Bayview Golf Club is less than five minutes’ drive away. luxehouses.com.au/the-walker-house

A string of six modern pavilions – one master suite, four guest suites and one suite for the “nanny or teenagers” – adorn a hilltop overlooking the beaches of Pond Bay on Virgin Gorda. This, the third largest of the British Virgin Islands, is a place that lends itself to clichéd descriptions of natural beauty: the beaches are soft and white, the greenery lush, the waters turquoise and crystal clear. We simply can’t think of a better place to spend the week between Christmas and New Year’s. 100pondbay.com

OK, so the name “Beachfront Dream” sounds a little bit like the kind of cheap cocktail you’d regret drinking (more than one of) on holiday. But rest easy, because this spectacular Malibu rental property, situated about halfway between Zuma Beach and Point Mugu, makes up for it in pretty much every other department. From the completely unobstructed views across the Pacific Ocean to the expansive rooftop deck with built-in kitchen area –summer barbecue, anyone? – this paradise off the Pacific Coast Highway has it all. boutique-homes.com