My Kind of Holiday: Mike Haysman

Mike Haysman is a cricket commentator

Where did you spend your last holiday?

My last holiday was spent in San Francisco to celebrate a half-century.

What was the best thing you did while there?

A day trip to Alcatraz. I couldn't help but wonder how those cells would have perfectly accommodated one or two of my commentator colleagues.

Your favourite city abroad, and why?

Havana, Cuba. The feeling of being transported back in time and existing in a city that has stood still for decades was surreal. There is a surprise around every corner. The architecture is magnificent, the cars spectacular and the people vibrant.

What must a first-time visitor see there?

The "old city" at night. Strolling around, sampling local rum and indulging in a Cuban cigar is a perfect way to spend an evening.

What should they not bother with?

Getting a media visa ... unless you like waiting in an isolated room for four hours!

What was your best holiday, ever?

Anguilla ... It is one of the world's best- kept secrets. The beach is the best I have ever seen and it is framed by some superb five-star hotels. It really is paradise and barbeques on the beach at night are memorable.

What was your worst holiday ever? What happened?

I once woke up to a large rat sitting on the pillow next to me in the Caribbean. Clearly I had taken over his space and he was not amused ... nor in any hurry to move.

The worst hotel you have stayed in?

The Sunrise Hotel in Athens. Following the cancellation of an Olympic Air flight, my wife and I were put up by the airline at the most disgraceful, mosquito-infested hotel, sans air conditioning, in the heat of the summer. She spent the night sleeping fully clothed in the bathtub in an inch or two of cold water.

What is the best thing you have been given on holiday?

A birthday present from my wife. A five-course, romantic silver-service dinner under a moonlit sky on the beach in Barbados, complete with a chilled bottle of Cloudy Bay sauvignon blanc ... or two!

Your favourite SA destination, and why?

The bush. Who wouldn't want to spend time with the animals? Some of my best friends have tails!

Your favourite restaurant, anywhere?

Wolfgang Puck's restaurant called Spago in Beverly Hills.