The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Travel
Travelling life
‘I hate mosquitos because they seem to love me’
How often do you travel?
I travel around the UK constantly for work, and last year I was away in New York a lot to record the album. Cath [Michael’s partner] and I like to travel. We love the sun, the sea and the beach.
What do you need for a perfect holiday?
Anything where I’m lying down, then being propped up to eat and drink. Anywhere that has nice weather and nice food, where I can read a stack of books. Cath is passionate about the sea and can sit for hours on end, just staring at it. It makes you realise how small you are in comparison to everything going on; it’s a great leveller.
Your favourite coastal destinations?
In the UK, it’s West Wittering, in West Sussex.
Earliest memory of travelling abroad?
We used to travel all the time to Wales to see family and had regular trips to the seaside at St Ives or Tintagel when we lived in Plymouth,
but we only ever had one holiday abroad: Sardinia when I was eight. I remember climbing to the top of some ancient monument atop a hill in the blistering heat, and having to sit with mum before reaching the top, while dad insisted on carrying on.
Your most adventurous trip?
When I was 19 and at drama school, a couple of friends and I decided to drive from Guildford through France, down to the heel of Italy and then take a ferry to Greece – in an MG Midget. On our second day, in France, we were in a very bad accident and wrote off the car so we had to go home. But we then flew out instead and went island hopping.
Your most relaxing destination?
In 2008, Cathy, my stepdaughter, Emma, her husband, two kids and I went to Eleuthera – one of the islands in the Bahamas – for Christmas. We rented the house owned by India Hicks. It was idyllic and so peaceful.
Most exotic holiday?
For the millennium, we flew to Kuala Lumpur and then on to Pangkor Laut, a nearby island. Emma was married there in a private chapel in the middle of the jungle, with all our friends joining us. It was magical. It was hot and humid, with torrential rain interspersed with blazing sun.
Favourite hotel?
Hotel Splendido in Portofino – the most expensive place on God’s green earth, but it was a birthday treat. Also the Graycliff in the Bahamas, where Edward and Mrs Simpson stayed. I actually prefer villas, so I can wake up and make my own breakfast and have some privacy.
Favourite city?
New York, because it feels like a home from home. I know so many people there, and there’s great shopping and restaurants, plus Broadway. Each area like SoHo and Midtown has such a different character.
Most memorable meal?
Fifteen years ago, in Mauritius with all the family and some friends, when we had a barbecue on the beach. We’d had this competition where we put all our names in a hat and we had $10 to spend on an outfit for someone else for the barbecue that evening. I got my best friend’s wife, Michelle, and managed to find her a beautiful kaftan at the local market. Everyone looked great except me. Cathy got me the vilest shirt possible as a joke. I looked like a tacky Brit abroad.
Best and worst airline?
British Airways for both. When they get it right, nobody does it better, but when they get it wrong, nobody is more frustrating.
Best travel advice?
Be prepared and comfortable – whether it’s slip-on shoes for going through security or slipping into PJs as soon as you get on a long-haul flight.
Travel essentials?
My Kindle, good sunscreen and a nice scented candle, because that can make any hotel room seem better.
What do you hate about holidays?
Getting there is always a pain. And I hate mosquitos because they love me. And loud tourists.
Where next?
New York, Australia and New Zealand, plus around the UK for our concert tour. I’d love to explore South America, but the security issues worry me.
Michael Ball OBE is an ambassador for the children’s charity Shooting Star Chase (shootingstarchase.org.uk). He is also on tour with Alfie Boe at venues across the UK this summer. For tickets, see livenation.co.uk.