Christmas is a time for family, sure. But who says that family needs to remain at home over the festive period? Break the habit of falling asleep, overstuffed, on the sofa, to Home Alone or arguing over Monopoly, and swap it for a truly unique getaway that everyone will remember for years to come. Because, after all, is there any better present? From tropical escapes to jolly festive fun, there’s an option to suit anyone. Here’s my pick of some of the best Christmas holiday destinations.
Cape Town, South Africa
World-class restaurants, fascinating museums, beaches and vineyards, plus game reserves within a few hours’ drive — Cape Town is the city that has it all. And December is one of the best times to visit with average temperatures at 20C. To boost the festive spirit, hop in a taxi to Boulders beach (an hour’s drive from the city centre) to visit the penguin colony. Or enjoy a sunny picnic on the lawns at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden during its annual carol concert. Even better, there’s very little time difference so ringing the grandparents on Christmas Day is no problem and you won’t have jet lag when you get back to work.
The Rhine
Spend the Christmas season afloat on the Rhine, accompanied by a glass of local wine as steep vineyards and historic castles slip by. You’ll find this sailing a soothing way to celebrate the festive season, as most journeys stop at Rhineland cities such as Cologne, Koblenz and Bonn. Here, amid the twinkling lights, visitors and local people mingle in charming Christmas markets, while the swish of skates on an ice rink, shoppers’ voices and Christmas carols provide a lively soundtrack.
Barbados
The Caribbean is made for Christmas. Barbados, a go-to Caribbean favourite for Brits, is at its most relaxed between mid-September and mid-December, when hotel prices drop by up to a third and the air-kissing, winter sun-seeking regulars haven’t yet jetted in. There’s a risk of rain, but it never lasts long and the temperature’s still a balmy 27C. Explore the wild east. The island’s Atlantic side is an exhilarating whirl of dramatic shores (particularly around the little town of Bathsheba), rolling surf, flapping coconut palms and topsy-turvy hills that seem a world away from the busy beach resorts lining the west and south coasts. Drive over to bask in the peace and fresh air; the Bay Tavern in Martin’s Bay is a mellow spot where Bajans take a break on Thursday afternoons, shooting (and feeling) the breeze at a “lime” (informal hangout).
Courchevel, France
Courchevel is still a gathering ground for the world’s super-rich. Broad, easy-skiing pistes combine with Michelin-starred restaurants and five-star hotels to create the most luxurious of all ski resorts. The period from Boxing Day to New Year’s Eve has the biggest social buzz: think champagne bars and perfect teeth, set against a razor-sharp mountain ridge. New Year in Courchevel isn’t cheap, so save where you can by booking a central, self-catering apartment in the Forum. Brush up your skiing with New Generation Ski and Snowboard School, so you don’t take a tumble outside the key slopeside bars. And don’t wait until December 31 to start the celebrations.