Johannesburg - Latoya Newman chats to Carte Blanche presenter Derek Watts about his best and worst holiday experiences.
First holiday memory?
Driving with the family to Durban from Bulawayo as a 6-year-old and taking my first dip in the ocean. The major attraction for kids was Scotty the beach photographer who took pictures of you behind cardboard cutouts. So you could be Superman or Mickey Mouse or even a large lady in a polka-dot bikini. These days you can do the same with your cellphone app!
Favourite place in South Africa?
As a family we have fallen in love with Blythedale on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, with its 2km of rugged and beautiful coastline and the dolphins making a regular appearance. And a crowded day is you and two fishermen.
Best holiday?
I have got something of a snorkelling obsession. I can lose myself for hours and hours amid coral reefs and fascinating marine life, which is my preamble to saying that the Seychelles – especially Praslin and La Digue – are the islands of my dreams. I did come face to face with a shark near the superb Paradise Sun on Praslin last time out, but am not sure who got the biggest shock!
What have you learnt from your travels?
Don’t fall prey to the FBS (free bar syndrome) on the plane and don’t believe the weather reports – take a jersey and anorak!
Ideal travelling companion?
No pressure there, thanks… my wife of course. Along with our children if possible. But the truth is that I have travelled overseas far more often with the producers of Carte Blanche… and they are never in a holiday mode!
Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
I am a confirmed and committed beach bum with a strong dose of adrenalin junkie. But I am often converted into grudging culture vulture by my wife, Belinda, and escorted to art galleries and museums – which I end up enjoying far more than I ever thought possible.
Greatest travel luxury?
Very simply… a down feather pillow. It seems that even 5-star hotels (when we can afford them) regard synthetic and rubbery fillings as acceptable. I do give a feather or a fig… and it has to be the former!
Holiday reading?
On a recent trip to Phuket and Singapore it was Russell Brand’s Revolution.
I was amazed at his writing skills and extensive vocabulary and this ultra-angry book has me looking at companies and governments with an even more wary eye.
Which place has seduced you?
The Vabbinfaru Resort Maldives Islands totally seduced all of the family. There is something about a morning swim around your tiny atoll accompanied by turtles, rays and reef sharks that sets you up for the day. We also got to “launch” some baby turtles, bred in protective netting and specially fed, into the ocean blue for a new life of freedom. It is part of an international bid to improve turtle populations.
Worst travel experience?
I was doing a Carte Blanche story with the intrepid and fiercely- bearded explorer Kingsley Holgate in Bagamoyo, Tanzania, when he decided to dispatch the cameraman and myself on a dhow to Zanzibar at midnight. After fighting off rats most of the night we sailed into Stone Town harbour at dawn with sore heads and empty wallets and the challenge of using all our boy scouts’ training to survive.
Best hotel?
Here’s a clue or two… the grand dame has recently celebrated her 50th birthday and was Sol Kerzner’s first. The Tsogo Sun Beverly Hills in Umhlanga is, for me, the epitome of understated luxury, elegance and comfort. No synthetic pillows unless you ask for them! And it is in such an idyllic spot by the lighthouse with stunning views down the coast.
Favourite walk, swim, ride or drive?
Okay, let me combine walk and swim. The Robberg Nature Reserve in Plett has got three circular walks with the added bonus of whale and dolphin sightings from the cliffs if it’s your lucky day. It is scenic and stimulating without being too exhausting – especially if you head out early in the morning.
Then you can take a swim amid the crashing waves below Robberg with the barking Cape fur seals! The pups are totally engaging and will even perform a few somersaults and other tricks for you. But avoid the great whites and go with a tour company!
Best meal abroad?
My stomach has a very short-term memory so I will go with a Poo Pad Pong Garee (stir-fried crab with curry powder) at Panwa Beach, Phuket. It is mouth-watering but I think the name is also unforgettable!
Favourite city?
One of my toughest assignments was to evaluate suburban train services in New York, London and Paris as a prelude to the completion of the Gautrain.
They are arguably the three top city destinations and the choice was simple – Paris.
A brochure reads: “it’s fantastically beautiful, it lends itself to quiet exploration and contemplation, and it delivers on dining and culture.”
I can’t argue with that.
Saturday Star