Travel industry experts and Mayfair neighbours tell us their favourite holiday hideaways

Mark Schmitt, sales director UK at Seadream Yacht Club

“It has to be the Indian Ocean, so the Seychelles, Maldives and Mauritius.

“These have some of the best beaches I have ever visited, picture perfect locations and some of the best hotels I have been lucky enough to visit and stay in.”

(Pic: Banyan Tree, Seychelles)

Monica Galetti, chef and TV personality

“Samoa. It's where I was born and still remains one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited.

“I've been working with Coco Bodu Hithi in the Maldives. It's been a real treat to create dishes for its award-winning restaurant, Aqua, that capture the spirit of the destination for me.”

(Pic: Coco Spa, Maldives)

Lisa Fitzell, managing director, Elegant Resorts

“I'd have to say Cambodia. From the magnificent 12th century temple of Angkor Wat … amazing landscapes and glorious coastline, the local people who are so friendly and happy to immerse you in their culture.

“With the opening of new five-star resorts on coastal islands … it is shaping up to be the perfect luxury destination.”

(Pic: Six Senses)

Stephen Webster, jeweller

“My most memorable trip was climbing Kilimanjaro in 2014. It was emotional, hard work and freezing cold.

“In the team I climbed with there were individuals who had run double marathons, completed Iron Man triathlons and – in my case – quite a few Glastonburys.

“It goes to say, Kilimanjaro was not a walk in the park.”

(Pic: Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania)

Lysbeth Fox, managing director, Fox PR

“I used to go to Fowey with my parents and grandmother every year.

“I remember spending time on the beach, the iconic Bodinnick ferry, glorious afternoon teas, sea fishing and even milking a cow.

“Such a typical British summer holiday experience!”

(Pic: Admiral House, Fowey, Cornwall)

David Gandy, model and Mayfair Times contributor

“Safari in Africa. I have been on safaris all over Africa. Fishing in the Okavango Delta in Botswana surrounded by elephants and hippos was incredible.

“Trekking for gorilla in Uganda was probably the most unique experience and one I remember the most.”

(Pic: Botswana)

Tom Parker Bowles, author and food critic

“My favourite hotel is probably the Mandarin Oriental in Tokyo – incredible rooms, stunning views, peerless service.

“In London, I adore Claridge's. Both my great grandmother and grandmother had permanent suites there when I was young, so I spent a huge amount of time in the hotel.”

(Pic: Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo)

Baroness Mone of Mayfair, entrepreneur

“My favourite hotel is The One & Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives. This beats the others for everything – restaurants, scenery, service, activities, spas, you name it.

“It has an unrivalled level of style. It also has 12 pristine perfect beaches, just amazing.”

(Pic: One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives)

Raef Bjayou, businessman and Mayfair resident

“The notion of duty came to the fore during a trip to the Maldives in 2017. Ninety nine percent of the nation is made up of water.

“It is because of the abundance of water that the Maldives has already become a victim of climactic migration, with a number of islanders having to move to neighbouring islands because of the rising water levels.

“It was a trip mixed with jubilation and anguish.”

(Pic: Reethi Rah, Maldives)