COLIN MCALLISTER AND JUSTIN RYAN, TV PRESENTERS AND INTERIOR DESIGNERS
Where is it?
The Caribbean island of Grand Cayman. Our careers send us around the globe. When we're working, we don't really have time to relax. So, when it does come time to press pause, we head to Grand Cayman.
Based, as we are, for half the year in Canada, it's only a four-hour journey. Flights are surprisingly affordable, and with planning there are some great deals to be had on world-class hotels.
Why do you go there?
We've many friends "on island", and the climate is outstanding. We can leave Toronto in the depths of winter and be immersed in leafy paradise (and 30C heat) before we know it.
The kite surfing is exhilarating, the scuba diving amazing and the beaches are beautiful. And it's one of the best places in the world to swim with stingrays (safely, of course, and under strict supervision).
How often do you go?
Twice a year. We always make sure we're there for the Cayman Cookout, a January gathering of talented chefs and wine experts hosted by acclaimed French chef Eric Ripert. There are food tastings and wine samplings against the stunning backdrop of Seven Mile Beach. Bliss.
How did you discover it?
We went on a press trip a decade ago and it was love at first sight.
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What's your favourite memory?
We were invited to dinner by our friends Natalie and Andreas, and, arriving at their house, our eyes nearly popped out when Richard Branson opened the door to welcome us in. We hit it off immediately, although our attempt to score tickets for Virgin Galactic didn't quite bear fruit …
Who do you take?
We've travelled there several times by ourselves, with our Canadian friends Mark and Laura who run a PR company, and with the Canadian TV personality and fellow designer Janette Ewen.
What do you take?
Loads of books, wireless earbuds, swimming shorts and sunscreen. Oh, and casual dinner attire so we can head out each evening to our favourite restaurants.
What do you leave behind?
Our laptops and iPads, although we (reluctantly) take our iPhones. Being cut off from the world is how we like to spend our holidays. We always stay at one of two outposts: the Ritz-Carlton for old-school glamour, or the Kimpton Seafire for full-on, highly coloured modernity.
Sum it up in five words.
Tropical. Hedonistic. Beautiful. Escapist. Super-friendly. Wait, that's six words? Carol Vorderman can sleep easy …
What spots are on your post-lockdown wish list?
We're major fans of Mauritius, particularly a hotel called Le Saint Geran where we once enjoyed morning coffee with Nelson Mandela. But it's a long trek, so we'll have to wait until lockdown and timetables ease, before heading back.
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We have close friends in Bordeaux who we haven't seen for a while, so we're looking forward to catching up. And Cuba is on our dance card, not least for its dusty architecture and those dreamy pastel-toned vintage cars.
Colin & Justin's Great Escapes is on BBC Scotland, Wednesdays, 8pm
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