My Life In Travel: Julien Macdonald

'I love the Rio carnival. It's the best fashion show I've seen'

First holiday memory?

First holiday memory?

With some friends, cycling around the Welsh coast. It started out as a surfing holiday, but our camper van broke down, so we ended up hiring bikes and exploring on two wheels instead. It certainly wasn't as glamorous as subsequent holidays.

Best holiday?

Rio de Janeiro during the carnival. Rio has to be the most glamorous destination ever. I loved it because it's one of the world's longest parties, and I was fascinated by the samba schools and all the different colours - it's one of the best fashion shows I've ever been to.

Favourite place in the British Isles?

Mount Snowdon. I love the Welsh countryside and the people are so friendly. I actually climbed Snowdon when I was 14 years old. The views from the top are breathtaking.

What have you learnt from your travels?

Always over-pack. You never know what might happen, or who you might meet.

Ideal travelling companion?

Marilyn Monroe. She was one of the most mysterious and glamorous women of her time. She's the ultimate style icon, and I think she'd have been a lot of fun to travel with.

Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?

Definitely a beach bum, with cocktails to drink, of course. Most of the holidays I have are at beach resorts.

Greatest travel luxury?

Giving all your clothes to room service and getting them back pressed.

Holiday reading?

Any Jackie Collins novel, but I'm more of a magazine person. When I'm on holiday I like to switch off and do things that I can't usually do. And I prefer to listen to music.

Where has seduced you?

India. I loved the colours and the aroma of the different spices. I went to Goa for a working holiday and fell in love with the culture. I especially liked the hot food and the lassi.

Better to travel or arrive?

It's always better to arrive, in style, of course - preferably in a private helicopter.

Worst travel experience?

Being stuck at Casablanca airport with food poisoning. I was there for about five hours.

Worst holiday?

Thankfully, I haven't had one.

Worst hotel?

I wouldn't like to say.

Best hotel?

The Belvedere in Mykonos. All the rooms have fantastic views, the people are very friendly and fashionable, and it has a Nobu restaurant. It's a slice of Palm Springs in Greece. I also love the One & Only Le Touessrok resort in Mauritius. It offers total tranquillity - every room is incredibly private with amazing round baths. You can relax totally and nobody bothers you. There's also an island nearby that you can hire and have completely to yourself.

Favourite walk/swim/ ride/drive?

My favourite drive is from Marrakech to the seaside village of Essaouira in Morocco. It always reminds me of a Thelma & Louise-type escape. It's hot, dusty and total chaos on the road, and you can stop off at various markets and towns on the way.

Best meal abroad?

It would have to be dinner in Yves Saint Laurent's garden in Marrakech. It was one of the most memorable moments in my life. The setting was incredible - a lush plantation with huge flowers. We ate a fantastic meal by candlelight, with Moroccan musicians playing in the background, and the guest list was pretty exclusive, too, which made it all the more special.

First thing you do when you arrive somewhere new?

Have a hot bath with Elemis essential oils, or have a relaxing massage.

Dream trip?

Going on safari in Africa.

Favourite city?

Moscow. It's the most up-and-coming city in the world. You don't imagine that it would be fun. There's an amazing 360-degree restaurant, which has a red-lacquer interior and a transparent, diamond-shaped piano in the centre.

Where next?

I don't have any plans at the moment, but I'd love to visit Cuba.

Julien Macdonald is a fashion designer