My favourite place

My favourite place would have to be the Inle Lake in Burma, a haven of tranquillity, with little sound other than the splosh splosh sound of the Intha people ‘leg rowing’ across the water and the occasional bird song. Surrounded by the Shan Hills, this is a magical place full of unusual sights.

A trip by long tail boat will take you past villages built on stilts over the water, floating gardens, and maybe a monastery full of cats. A trip to the five day market will give you an insight into the local way of life, with traders selling their crops, many of them wearing traditional dress. My favourite time of day on the lake is dusk as a complete quietness takes over and the water becomes still.

My favourite hotel

Without doubt, it has to be The Samaya Seminyak in Bali. This is my favourite place to get some down time and just relax.

It has vast villas with private pools, unbeatable service, and exquisite food. I often end up lying on my sunlounger by the beach at the night draws in, delicious cocktail in hand, as I watch as the sky turn orange and the sun melt into the sea in front of me. I am a big foodie, so as well as their delicious beachfront restaurant lit by glowing lanterns, the proximity to the world class restaurants Seminyak has to offer is a big draw for me.

My most memorable experience

Getting up at dawn to donate food to the saffron-robed monks of Luang Prabang in silence.

My top tips

• Don’t rush. If there’s a lot to fit in as there often is in places such as Burma and India, still try and factor in a day off to relax, wander around without a guide, absorb the atmosphere
• Don’t leave Indonesia without a traditional Balinese massage. They’re the best in the world!
• Make sure you try a Pad Thai when in Thailand