OT: What does a holiday mean to you?
MM: Resting. And sometimes even being completely cut off from the world and spending time with myself. Of course, doing no work is also part of being on a holiday, but I always end up feel guilty when I take a holiday.

OT: Your favourite holiday destination…
MM: It will have to be Paris. There are far too many memories to recount in this space. And the bank of memories expands after every trip I make to my favourite holiday spot. Paris is just so vibrant, rich and full of life! The city also has my favourite hotel—the Four Seasons—which is decadently luxurious.

OT: What do you enjoy most on holidays?
MM: The time that I get to spend with myself: whether it is doing the things I like, waking up whenever I want to, eating everything I feel like eating.

OT: What bothers you the most when you travel?
MM: Disorganised travel irritates me no end. Things must be planned and work like clockwork. I must have all my paperwork—not just tickets and my passport, but also maps and directions—sometimes all printed out for ready reference.

OT: You never travel without…
MM: My cellphone, iPad, perfume, toiletries and clothes.

OT: One holiday destination you keep going back to?
MM: Oh, my friends joke that New York should give me an award for going there as often as I do. While this is mostly for work, I have now begun to enjoy the buzz of the city.

OT: What do you like to do while on a holiday?
MM: Shopping and exploring. And I do most of this on foot, since I feel walking is the best way to explore what is hidden. I end up at the quaintest shops and stores that stock the most unusual things.

OT: So you pick up souvenirs?
MM: I am not a souvenir person, unless, of course, it is something that really catches my eye. Even then, I will not buy it just because it is from that particular place. I would much rather take pictures of wherever I am. I love taking photographs as they are always memorable.

OT: Any destinations on your wish list?
MM: There are several destinations—Alaska, Shanghai and Venice, to name a few. I don’t want to visit them for a day or two—I would like to spend at least a month at all of these places.