Hotelier Sir Rocco Forte recalls his travel adventures 

So which destination is the hotelier’s most memorable?

Here he talks about why he’s so fond of Scotland, a great fishing trip to Iceland – and more…

Favourite destination?

I love Scotland and spend a month there every August shooting grouse. The Balmoral in Edinburgh is also one of my favourite hotels of all our collection. Also, I like going to Cornwall in the summer — my sister Olga has the Hotel Tresanton in St Mawes.

Can’t travel without?

My blackberry — it’s a little old fashioned, now I know, but I’m used it to and I like the way the keyboard works.

Favourite holiday activity?

I like some culture, but not too much as I also want to relax.

Your idea of holiday hell?

Airports — so congested and the airlines treat you like cattle nowadays. Flying is no longer a glamorous way to travel. 

Most memorable holiday?

Sir Rocco recalls a great fishing trip to Iceland where he caught nearly 100 fish in 10 days 

I had a great fishing trip to Iceland a few years ago — I caught nearly 100 fish in ten days. I loved the place for its rugged volcanic terrain and the complete wilderness of it all.

Where do you want to revisit?

New Zealand. I loved it — it’s like a mix of Scotland, Canada and Iceland. So much space — and the light there is wonderful.

Earliest holiday memory?

When I was young I used to visit my grandparents in Monforte, a little village south of Rome, it was quite primitive and they didn’t even have running water, but it was such a beautiful place.