Assemble your own small army, though — say 8, 10 or 12 people — and, suddenly, things change. With that size of party, you can take over a whole hamlet in Tuscany, overrun a private island or conquer your own Scottish castle.

Going with a big gang opens up endless possibilities — and, paradoxically, it also gives you more privacy. Having exclusive control of the property means no strangers bobbing about in your pool, slurping their soup or asking loud, daft questions.

In short, it's a recipe for an amazing holiday, in an otherwise unreachable location, in company of your own choosing. We've found the world's best venues for large groups: all you have to do is recruit the perfect companions to share them.

Unless otherwise stated, package prices are per person and include flights from London. Contact the tour operator for UK regional and Irish departures

OUT OF AFRICA

Several small safari camps in East and southern Africa market themselves exclusively to private groups. Although you might catch sight of other animal-spotters during the day, at night you'll have the bush all to yourselves.
Where? Kenya.
What? Governors' Private Camp is an intimate, traditional safari camp, in the forest on a bend of the game-rich Mara River. It has just eight tents, each with handmade furniture and ensuite bathrooms, and there is a full team of guides and staff on hand to cater for your every need.
How many people? 4-16.
The deal: from £1,853pp based on four sharing, including four nights at the camp, all meals and drinks, three game drives daily, one bush walk, laundry and park fees.
The details: World Odyssey (01905 731373, www.world-odyssey.com).

Alternatives: Sand Rivers Bonham Camp, in the Tanzanian Selous (just four tents, from £200pp per night); Loisaba Cottage, on Kenya's Laikipia Plateau (maximum four people, from £280pp per night); Ant's Nest, on the Waterberg Plateau, South Africa (maximum eight people, from £150pp per night); and Wolwedans Private Camp, Namibia (maximum four people, from £150pp per night). Prices include all meals and game viewings; all bookable through World Odyssey.

THE BIG CHILL

If you share a ski chalet with strangers, at least you'll have a passion for the white stuff in common — but what if they use all the hot water and eat all the cake? Play safe, and block-book all the beds.
Where? The Swiss Alps.
What? There are plenty of large chalets up for grabs, but why not do it in style? One of the classiest is Chalet Eugenia in Klosters, minutes from the main lift and the resort's restaurants and bars. It has a big central fireplace, a sauna, a steam room, cable television, a DVD player and complimentary access to a nearby spa — and there's a gourmet chef in residence. It's so luxurious, you'll be tempted to skip the piste and just lounge indoors for the week.
How many people? Up to 15.
The deal: from £1,667pp, based on 12
sharing, including food, wine, champagne and a chauffeured 4WD, excluding flights. The tour operator can arrange flights to Zurich; from £140pp.
The details: Descent International (020 7384 3854, www.descent.co.uk).

ESTATE OF GRACE

You can play the old colonial with your very own rubber plantation. Bring your Kipling and a solar topee.
Where? Southern India.
What? Serenity at Kanam is a newly converted 1920s estate bungalow, surrounded by rubber trees in the Malabar Hills. It's between Cochin on the coast and the wildlife reserve of Periyar, near Thekkady, and comes with a full complement of staff, including a masseuse.
How many people? Up to 12.
The deal: five nights' full-board, based on a party of 10 or 12, with two nights' B&B in Malabar House, Cochin, on the way in and out, costs £1,445pp between January and March (the best time to visit).
The details: Cox & Kings (020 7873 5000, www.coxandkings.co.uk).

HORSE PLAY