Singer and presenter Alesha Dixon recalls her travel adventures

So which destination is the presenter’s favourite?

Here she talks about why she loves Los Angeles, remembers a special ‘blow-out’ holiday to the Maldives – and more…

What do you love more – beach or city break?

I’m a fan of beach holidays, but I also enjoy getting out and about and exploring. That’s why I love Los Angeles so much — you can drive down to Malibu or Santa Monica in about half an hour.

What do you do on long flights?

I like to meditate and realise the vastness of the universe, and how small we are in perspective.

Favourite hotel?

I love the Beverly Wilshire in LA — it’s such a lavish place, with a beautiful pool. It’s where they filmed Pretty Woman with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. The beds are the comfiest in the world, and the staff are super-friendly.

I adore the Beverly Hills Hotel, also in LA — I’ve been there with the team from America’s Got Talent — and always order a Cobb salad in the Polo Lounge.

Earliest holiday memory?

My first holiday was going to Clacton-on-Sea with my mum and brother when I was about five. We stayed in a caravan and played on the slot machines every day in the arcades at the pier. I was desperate to win a teddy.

Most memorable holiday?

When my mum was 60, and for my gran’s 80th, we had a blow-out holiday in the Maldives. It was nine days of total bliss. We went out on a boat to watch the dolphins, and one day we even went jet skiing surrounded by dolphins. I never wanted to come home from that trip.

Aleeha’s most memorable trip was a ‘blow-out’ holiday to the Maldives with her mum and gran

Favourite destination?

I do love Japan. I enjoy the contrast in cultures, the food, and the kindness of the people. I also admire their fashion, because they’re really not afraid to experiment.

Where do you love to visit most in the UK?

There’s something special about Cornwall. I first went there as a child with my best friend Victoria. We visited Land’s End. The beaches are incredible. I loved it so much that I now go there every year. It might be a five-hour road trip from London, but it’s worth it.

My mum and I have three dogs each, and it’s a very dog-friendly location because of the long walks you can do along the beaches.

• Star Switch by Alesha Dixon is published by Scholastic Books.