Recently upgraded Bronze Member, Roop Kalia, shares his future holiday plans, best-kept travel secret and how he spends his Avios

How did you get upgraded to Bronze?

I’ve been travelling a lot for business in Club World for the last 10 years, so I’m sure that helped! I choose to fly with British Airways because of its reputation, and the number of destinations it services is far more extensive than any other airline.

Do you travel mainly for business or leisure?

Both. I travel a bit less for business now, but working in the investment banking sector, I’d go to New York once or twice a year, India at least twice a year and Hong Kong once every 18 months.

Where have you been in the last year?

I’ve been on family holidays to the Maldives and Barbados, and travelled to Bangalore and Prague for work. I prefer beach holidays, as I can’t fully unwind on a city break because of the hustle and bustle.

Where’s next on your list?

Somewhere I haven’t been, such as Australia and the South Pacific. I’d also love to go back to Koh Samui and Phuket in Thailand.

Where do you always return to?

Kenya, where I was born. I love the fact that you can have an adventurous safari holiday and then hit the beach to relax. Mombasa’s south beaches are beautiful.

Describe your Perfect Day

Spending time with my family at the Kuredu resort, which is on the northern reef of the Lhaviyani atoll of the Maldives. My Perfect Day would involve staying in a stunning over-the-water villa, eating fresh seafood and going snorkelling. It’s one of those resorts that has lots of facilities, so it’s brilliant for families.

What are your recommendations for your hometown?

Taking a walk from London Bridge to Waterloo along the South Bank. You pass the Globe Theatre and Tate Modern, with great views of St Paul’s Cathedral on the other side of the river, and there are lots of restaurants to have a nice meal at, too.

Which place would you like to be kept secret?

La Digue, one of the islands in the Seychelles. It’s surrounded by turquoise blue waters with pristine white sands and palm trees everywhere.

If you could live in a hotel, which would it be?

The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai. Not only is the service phenomenal, but the hotel also has a grand, colonial feel.

Where would you eat your last meal?

Tamarind, a restaurant on the beach in Mombasa. I’d dig into a fresh, grilled lobster, and wash it down with a gin and tonic, looking out at the sunset.

What do you redeem your Avios on?

Treating my wife. I once flew her over to meet me in Mumbai when I was there on business.

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This article has been tagged BA, Travel Tips