Anita Nair, author

nItaly has always been one of my favourite places to holiday in. There’s just something about the culture and atmosphere of this country that draws me again and again. I’ve been going there each year for the last five years now and I just can’t seem to get enough of it. I can’t even pinpoint which cities I like the best really ? the whole of the country fascinates me and I think I’ve visited almost every corner. Florence and Padua are two of my absolute favourite destinations in the world, and so is Venice. I love burrowing through the old flea markets there and coming back with beautiful old whimsical things to put around the house. I also love porcelain and china figures and I pick up the loveliest ones in Italy.

But if you’re talking about a nice, relaxing holiday that lets me totally unwind, there’s nothing like going back home to Kerala. Putting up my feet, having home-cooked food served to me piping hot, not having to bother with a different language ? now that’s my notion of a good time and I try and do this at least twice a year.