With summer finally within reach, all thoughts are on the luxurious – and much needed – breaks it might hold. But if you’re turned off by the thought of spending a precious fortnight of freedom surrounded by strangers in the confines of a tropical resort, there is another option.

From secluded private islands in the Maldives to elegant Italian palazzo, some of the world’s most luxurious hotels are available for private hire – meaning you and your (carefully selected) guests will have the place entirely to yourselves. Yes, you’ll need deep pockets to afford this kind of exclusivity but haven’t you earned it? Here’s our guide to the best hotels around the world available for exclusive use.

Dar El Sadaka, Morocco

Available by exclusive reservation only, Dar El Sadaka is a verdant oasis on a sprawling 25-acre private estate in the heart of the Palmeraie of Marrakech. Reimagined by French artist Jean-François Fourtou and interior designer Philippe Forrestier, the lush gardens and refined interiors of this former farm-turned-artist’s retreat are scattered with whimsical sculptures and large-scale artworks, which invite guests to forget about the orderly world left outside and immerse themselves in the magic of this enchanting medina. And with exclusive use of the estate’s swimming pool, olive grove, traditional hammam and treatment rooms for you and up to 24 guests, it won’t be difficult to do so.

Food is authentic yet creative, balancing delicate flavours with a focus on seasonality. Organic produce is sourced locally from independent vendors, organic markets and from the villa’s grounds and served family style, with bespoke menus available to suit all dietary requirements. Upholding the rich Moroccan tradition of hospitality, festive dinners are served in the estate’s Giant’s House installation and romantic Caïdal tent, where you can tuck into fare including lobster tagine with saffron and white beans, or pumpkin velouté with Madras curry, as fire jugglers and traditional dancers put on a show to remember for you and your guests.

From £4,200 per night, visit darelsadaka.com

Thanda Island, Tanzania

Planning the family reunion to end all family reunions? Nestled within Tanzania’s Shungimbili Marine Reserve, making it the only exclusive-use protected marine reserve in the world, Thanda Island has been designed specifically for private hire. Accommodating 18 guests across a five-suite villa and two traditional Tanzanian Bandas (beach chalets), the emphasis here is on shutting out the rest of the world and making incredible memories.

Helicopter transfers, use of the island’s private yacht Sea Leopard (which can sleep a further eight people), meals, drinks and a huge span of activities – including unlimited spa treatments, private dive charters, swimming with whale sharks, deep sea fishing, jet skiing, water sports and yoga – are all included in the price, so once you arrive you needn’t worry about a thing. The island also comes equipped with a full gym, floodlit tennis court and a team of highly experienced staff ready to cater to your every whim.

From £35,975 for a minimum five-night stay, visit thandaisland.com

Borgo Egnazia, Italy

Taking exclusive use of Puglia’s Borgo Egnazia is more like becoming lord of your own Italian village than hiring a hotel. This sprawling resort on the coastline at Savelletri di Fasano is inspired by traditional boxy Apulian architecture and the winding, labyrinthine towns of the area, creating an atmosphere where arriving to breakfast prepared by Puglian massaie feels not dissimilar to stumbling upon a friendly nonna who happens to have a few dozen spare pastries.

A hugely popular location for weddings and special events, Borgo Egnazia’s 63 suites, 29 villas and 92 rooms are available to hire for exclusive use, which also gives you and your guests the run of the onsite beach club, two private beaches, bar and restaurant, which serves authentic Italian fare. There’s plenty to keep more active guests entertained as well, with the San Domenico golf course located minutes from the hotel and on-site activities including a kids and teens club, Vair spa, gym, tennis courts, padel courts and water sports. That is, of course, if you don’t get lost wandering the streets of this truly magnificent hotel.

POA, visit borgoegnazia.com

Velaa Private Island, Maldives

The Maldives is already a bucket list destination thanks to its reputation for privacy and luxury, but Velaa Private Island takes this to the next level with its takeover offering. Usually run as an ultra-luxe resort offering a range of beach and water villas, for bookings of at least four nights the entire resort can be booked privately, meaning guests have exclusive use of its pristine white beaches, tropical forests and numerous infinity pools.

With four restaurants, serving cuisines spanning teppanyaki, internationally-inspired fine dining and homestyle all-day dishes, as well as a kids club, water toys and a range of boat excursions, there’s no need to worry about getting bored. There’s also a full-service spa boasting the Maldives’ only snow room, a nine-hole golf course, tennis and squash courts, a climbing wall, football pitch and yoga pavilion. In fact, the only thing you really need to be concerned about is how to pack everything into your stay.

POA, visit velaaprivateisland.com

Villa La Massa, Italy

Perched on the banks of the river Arno and just a 15-minute drive from Florence, Villa La Massa is the stuff Tuscan holiday dreams are made of. The sister property to Lake Como’s iconic Villa d’Este (which should give you some idea of the level of luxury to expect), Villa La Massa sits on a 25-acre private estate which is home to some of the country’s most impressive landscaped gardens, while guests are also privy to cookery, painting and yoga classes, wine tasting and treatments at the Arno Spa. There are also four bars and restaurants to choose from, including the hugely romantic Il Verrocchio and a 15th-century wine cellar housing some seriously impressive vintages.

Despite its 51 rooms and suites, a stay at Villa La Massa is more akin to staying at a lavish private family home than a modern hotel, making it the ultimate exclusive retreat. Able to accommodate more than 100 guests, it makes an incredible wedding venue, but we recommend booking it just for your nearest and dearest and enjoying life as Italian nobility for a week or two.

POA, visit villalamassa.com

Zannier Hotels Omaanda and Zannier Hotels Sonop, Namibia

If you think safari has to mean roughing it in a sand-swept tent, think again. Zannier has been offering super-luxury experiences to its guests for years and is one of the few hotel groups boasting not one, but two, safari-focused resorts for private hire. Start your trip at Zannier Omaanda, where ten gorgeously decked-out huts located in the heart of the savannah offer unparalleled access to the wildlife of the area. Twice-daily game drives, rhino and elephant tracking and tours of the Zannier Reserve by animal rescue and protection charity N/a’an ku sê complete the experience.

A short flight away, Zannier Sonop feels like a different world. This remote desert resort is all about experiencing the isolated beauty of this destination in utter luxury. Fill your days with hot air balloon rides over the dunes and horse riding or e-biking through the desert before returning to relax and unwind at the outdoor pool, spa or cocktail bar. At night linger over a fine dinner at the onsite restaurant before availing yourself of the team’s expertise with a stargazing session. This is one holiday you won’t forget in a hurry.

POA, visit zannierhotels.com

Read more: Last-minute luxury: Gorgeous villas to rent in Europe this summer