Johannesburg - Singer Lira shares her best and worst travel memories.
First holiday memory?
My very first holiday was to a resort in Mpumalanga called the “Bundu Inn”. I was aged about six and we had been in the bus for what seemed like an eternity to get there. I remember being in the pool and someone asking me to pose for a picture and after it was taken I almost drowned as one of the children pulled me into the pool. My swimming improved a great deal because of that day.
Favourite place in South Africa?
Cape Town in the summer. The mountain, the great outdoors, the restaurants, the wine farms, the vibe and the beaches are all awesome… pity about the unbearably cold ocean.
Best holiday?
I have had so many. The Maldives, experiencing the Northern Lights and staying at the Icehotel in Sweden and skiing in Austria are among the highlights. I had the most amazing party and social experience in Beirut and being in Cairo was life-altering.
What have you learnt from your travels?
To love and appreciate life. There is so much to experience and to enjoy and a great deal to learn. Travelling enhances one as a human being.
Ideal travelling companion?
My husband. He and I have been all over the world together. He is fun and adventurous. My band are also really awesome to travel with because they are always keen to try out new things.
Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
It really depends on where I am but I like a bit of everything. I tend to throw myself into every experience.
Greatest travel luxury?
My Maldives trip was pretty luxurious, followed by my trip to Dubai under invitation from Italian Vogue Magazine.
It was a balance of work and play but we stayed at the Armani Hotel, which is inside the Burj Khalifa, which is the world’s tallest building. I was picked up in a limited-edition Rolls-Royce and taken clubbing. Epic!
The entire trip was the peak of luxury for me.
Holiday reading?
I find I always have several books I am reading and I’ll pick one at a time. I like inspirational books and I like to ponder life in general. One of my favourite holiday reads for instance is The Monk who Sold his Ferrari by Robin Sharma.
Which place has seduced you?
Rome… hmmm, the Italians and African girls. I felt like a queen as I walked through the streets of Rome. I love it there. It’s great for a girl’s self-esteem. Ha ha ha!
Worst travel experience?
Mombasa in Kenya. It was the worst hotel, beach, dining and service experience I have ever had. But that isn’t necessarily a reflection of the whole place.
Best hotel?
The Four Seasons in the Seychelles, which I recently came back from, is probably one of the most beautiful, with the best service I’ve had.
Favourite walk, swim, ride or drive?
It depends on which part of the world I’m in and what’s available. I do, however, like to ride bikes and walk a lot in other countries… more often than I would drive.
Best meal abroad?
I had the most unique sushi in a small hotel in Berlin. They also made the most experimental and exotic cocktails. This was back in 2009 and I still think about it!
Favourite city?
Rome.
Where next?
I’m off to Denmark for the first time in July. I’m so excited. I have a Scandinavian tour and I’m leaving about 10 days before so I can explore the place.
Saturday Star