I've often hankered after spending Christmas in South Africa, particularly when these images of Villa Pezula popped up in my inbox. Just a 40-minute flight from Cape Town, the villa is situated on the Pezula private estate, in among 612 hectares of indigenous forest, cliff tops and sheltered beaches. Surrounded by balconies and stunning views, the villa sleeps 10 and has an infinity pool, and a helipad for your fanciest friends.

Once you're there, apparently it's about beach life, golf, riding, mountain biking, nature trails and spotting the Bontebok (the rarest antelope in the world). Surely that beats lolling around on a cold wet day in England, after a massive lunch with only the Eastenders Christmas special to look forward to?