Horticulturist, editor of The Gardener magazine and television presenter

Where did you spend your last holiday?

At AfriSki ski and mountain resort in Lesotho.

What was the best thing you did while there?

Avoided breaking any bones when I fell.

Your favourite city abroad, and why?

I don't like cities. My favourite area is the South of France, Provence. It is still the way Peter Mayle described it in A Year in Provence: filled with delicious food, beautiful gardens and real people.

What must a first-time visitor do there?

Go to a local bistro, not have a clue what the waiter is saying and order what everyone else is having.

What should they not bother with?

Rushing.

What was your best holiday, ever?

We stayed on a tiny island, it's only 1km long, called Medjumbe in Mozambique. Only 13 chalets, personal service, perfect beaches, no children. It was paradise.

Your worst holiday ever? What happened?

I've never had a horrid holiday. There's always something you can find to make it better.

Which is the worst hotel you have stayed in?

A supposedly four-star hotel in Maputo. The view was a derelict car park, the air conditioning didn't work and the linen was musty.

Your fantasy holiday companion? Why?

Jamie Oliver. He is uncluttered and real and has no pretensions, and he takes on things that are not predictable. Obviously he'd have to give me some cooking tips.

Your favourite SA destination, and why?

Namaqualand in August. The daises are a miracle. It should be on everyone's bucket list.

Your favourite restaurant, anywhere?

My best restaurant is at home when the whole family are there to chip in and cook.

What is the most exotic dish you have ever eaten on holiday?

Some unidentified protein and noodles in Thailand. It had lots of legs.

One place you want to see before you die?

Madagascar.

Any embarrassing moments as a traveller?

I was catching one of those small planes where you drop your luggage on the runway next to the plane. We were about to board when an attendant came out waving my bag that had started vibrating. I had left the batteries in my toothbrush. I spent hours assuring everyone that it really was only a toothbrush.