London - Sir Richard Branson founded the Virgin Group in 1970 and Virgin Atlantic in 1984.
First holiday memory?
Salcombe in Devon. It was the holiday when I learnt to swim. My aunt bet me 10 shillings that I couldn’t master it by the end of the fortnight. The water was freezing that year, but I was determined to win the bet. It wasn’t until we were on our way home, and we stopped by a river, that I finally managed it.
Favourite place in Britain?
Devon holds a special place in my heart. As a child, I normally went on holiday to Bantham and have lots of happy memories from my time there. I used to catch sand eels in the early morning and go fishing throughout the day.
Best holiday?
Necker (Branson’s private isle in the British Virgin Islands). I’ve got so many wonderful memories of times spent there. Two occasions stand out: my own wedding more than 20 years ago, and my daughter Holly’s in 2011.
What have you learnt?
That there are still so many places to see and not enough time to do it. Seeing the world has been so enriching for me – I would encourage everyone to see as much of it as they can.
Ideal travelling companion?
My wife, Joan, Holly, her husband, Freddie, and my son, Sam, with his new wife, Isabella.
Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
Adrenalin junkie. You only get one shot at life, so you need to make the most of it. I’ve probably calmed down a bit. My biggest passion sports-wise is kite-surfing.
Holiday reading?
I read everything, but generally more fact than fiction – especially autobiographies and biographies. I’ve read Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela at least twice on holiday. Every time I’m totally awed by his vision, strength and forgiveness.
Where has seduced you?
Madagascar. I went there last year and it truly captured my heart. It was sad to see 95 percent of the rainforests are being destroyed. We’re campaigning hard to help protect what is left of Madagascar’s wildlife.
Worst travel experience?
I love travelling – so while I’ve had some harrowing instances, I never look at them negatively. Memories are made when you’re travelling – not when you’re chained to your desk. My worst, however, must have been crossing the Pacific in a hot-air balloon when everything that could have gone wrong did. For three days, my teammate, Per Lindstrand, and I were both certain we’d never come home. We missed Los Angeles and ended up in the Arctic.
Favourite drive?
I love going on a safari drive whenever I visit Ulusaba Private Game Reserve in South Africa. I’ve been fortunate to see so many incredible animals over the years and each time it’s different.
Best meal abroad?
At Icebergs on Bondi Beach in Sydney. It has the most stunning views over the beach, fantastic food and wine.
Where next?
Kenya this year for the opening of the new camp in the Masai Mara, just in time for the annual great migration. - The Independent