My life in travel: Phil Tufnell

'A seafood platter is my holiday luxury'

Peak condition: a view of the Pitons from Jade Mountain in Saint Lucia

Phil Tufnell co-hosts The Ashes: Test Match Special from 10 July at 10.25am on BBC R5 Live and BBC R4. The 2013 Ashes Series starts on Wednesday at Trent Bridge and concludes on 25 August at The Oval

First holiday memory?

Spain. What stuck in my mind was the weather and being able to play on the beach. I spent every day swimming. There's a picture of me on that holiday dressed in a yellow top and yellow socks with a beautiful tan and blond hair. I looked amazing when I was four!

Favourite place in the British Isles?

I enjoy Cheltenham for the races, the Cotswolds and the south coast, as Brighton is only down the road from me. When there's a bit of sunshine I like to get down there for something to eat and a few drinks on the beach.

Best holiday?

Saint Lucia. My wife and I stayed at Jade Mountain, which was nice and quiet so we could completely relax. I'd had a really busy time leading up to the holiday, so we went away for a real rest. It was 10 days of putting my feet up.

Ideal travelling companion?

My wife, because she looks after me and we always have a Bloody Mary whatever time of day it is on holiday, even before we get on the plane.

Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?

I like to chill out on the beach with a piña colada. My best beach holiday was to the Sandpiper Hotel in Barbados. I've been a couple of times to the island and always had lovely holidays, but that one was very nice.

Greatest travel luxury?

Seafood. It's just one of the things I always do when I arrive somewhere new: order a big seafood platter, spread over three tiers, with a glass of wine, and eat it overlooking the sea. That's my little luxury.

Where has seduced you?

Ibiza. We stayed in the Old Town and popped in to the party parts for drinks and dinner. For the most part it was a really relaxed holiday. We hired a boat and went around the whole island, stopping at Formentera.

Worst travel experience?

When our suitcases didn't turn up, which was a nightmare and almost ruined the holiday. I had to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe because it was mostly my gear that got lost.

Best hotel?

The Palazzo Versace on Australia's Gold Coast. I only stayed for three days, because I was off in the jungle doing I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here but my wife spent two weeks there and had a great time.The couple of days I did spend there were very nice indeed.

Favourite ride?

A water taxi around Venice. I got picked up by this Italian bloke in white jeans, with a pink jumper draped over his shoulders and a pair of Prada sunglasses, who took us for this lovely drive around and showed us all the sights. The architecture was fantastic.

Best meal abroad?

The Cliff in Barbados. The food, the scenery and the service are amazing, and I proposed to my wife there. We had a lovely table right on the cliff.

Favourite city?

Sydney. Sitting in the harbour with a beer, with the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge in front, there's just a real buzz about the place. The locals are really friendly and the weather is fantastic, so it's got the whole package.

Where next?

The El Oceano near Marbella, a nice little hotel right on the beach. They do a very good Sunday roast, funnily enough, as it's owned by some British people, so we all sit there eating Yorkshire puddings in about 90-degree heat.