The Big Six: Luxury lighthouse lodges

Sugarloaf Point, New South Wales

Perched above the fishing village of Seal Rocks, on the edge of Australia's Myall Lakes national park, Sugarloaf Point offers expansive views of the Pacific and a pristine beach below. Ideally suited to surfers in search of soaring waves, or wildlife watches wanting to glimpse dolphins or humpback whales offshore, it offers three self-catering cottages.

Sugarloaf Point, Kinka Road, Seal Rocks, New South Wales, Australia (00 61 2 4997 6590; sealrockslighthouseaccommodation.com.au). Weekend rental from AUS$350 (£225). Each cottage sleeps up to six.

Corsewall, Stranraer

This statuesque beacon stands on the upper limit of the Rhinns of Galloway peninsula – where the west coast of Scotland extends a tentative hand into the Irish Sea. Because the lighthouse is still fully operational the six snug rooms are located in a separate building to the back, converted from the former keepers' cottages. Guests are treated to a five-course dinner each night and a hearty Scottish breakfast next morning.

Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel, Corsewall Point, Kirkcolm, Stranraer, Scotland (01776 853 220; lighthousehotel.co.uk). Doubles start at £160, half-board.

Grebini, Dubrovnik

This secluded outpost of the Dubrovnik Palace Hotel stands half a mile from the city's harbour and is reached by boat only. Fitted with four bedrooms, a kitchen and two sun terraces that snake the circumference, it's the perfect party house – particularly if you take up the option of adding a personal chef and butler. The rest of the island is uninhabited, but panoramic views of the Adriatic provide ample distraction.

Grebeni Lighthouse, Dubrovnik Palace Hotel, Masarykov put 20, Dubrovnik, Croatia (00 385 20 430 830; alh.hr/en/grebeni-lighthouse). Daily rental from €700, B&B. Sleeps seven.

The Old Light, Lundy Island

Located at the summit of a granite outcrop in the Bristol Channel, Lundy Island's lighthouse has been standing guard for almost 200 years. It now boasts two self-catering flats, converted from the original keepers' quarters after the Landmark Trust assumed guardianship of the island and its properties in 1969. Lundy has fewer than 30 permanent residents, and guests are free to explore the wild isle. Wildlife includes guillemots, Sika deer and grey seals.

The Old Light, Lundy, Bristol Channel (01628 825925; landmarktrust.org.uk). A three-night weekend break in the Lower Light starts at £307 (sleeps four); the Upper Light starts at £358 (sleeps five), both self-catered.

No 47 Molja, Norway

Presiding over the harbour of the picturesque town of Alesund, No 47 Molja is landmark lighthouse-turned-boutique retreat for two. An annexe of the Hotel Brosundet, it is surrounded by the town's timbered houses, with views of islands beyond; inside the cosy, circular rooms are linked by a spiral staircase.

No 47 Molja, Hotel Brosundet, Apotekergata 5, Alesund, Norway (00 47 70 11 45 00; brosundet.no). The lighthouse starts at NOK4,850 (£544) for two, B&B.

Faro Capo Spartivento, Sardinia

Built by the Italian navy in 1856, this former lighthouse is located at Sardinia's southernmost point. Now a luxury hotel with room for just a dozen guests, it boasts an infinity pool and an al fresco dining area. The interior is stylishly decorated with Murano chandeliers, carved mirrors and rustic artefacts scattered asunder.

Faro Capo-Spartivento, Chia, Domus de Maria, Sardinia, Italy (00 39 70 68 01 28; farocapospartivento.com). Doubles start at €400, including breakfast.