My Favourite Holiday: Alison May is inspired by peaceful Malaysia

DEVONPORT-BORN Alison May has been fascinated by fairies and writing since she was a child.

She’s written DT Finds The Door (ADA Publishing), the first in a new Behind The Fairy Door series of four books.

They’re set in Silver Birch Dell, a charming place five to eight-year-olds will love and parents will find reminds them of childhood reading.

Alison, who’s about to be married and has a 20-year-old son Dan, lives in Plymouth.

THE gentle, turquoise waters and white beaches of Antigua.

The hustle and bustle of busy San Francisco at Fisherman’s Wharf. And the spectacular view of Sydney Harbour from a helicopter at sunset.

A holiday destination can be fantastic but, for me, it is much more about capturing a memory that will stay with you for ever.

Floating in the Dead Sea and experiencing Singapore are a couple of mine which are worlds apart.

But while they were wonderful adventures, the simplest of picnics on Dartmoor and the delicious ice creams when caravanning in Cornwall were just as enjoyable.

Every time I am about to embark on a holiday, the excitement becomes almost too much.

I remember the feeling through childhood when the countdown to school holidays would begin – normally the first day of a new term!

The build-up to having time off has always filled me with delight and I have to say as I have grown up, that feeling remains the same.

I have been very fortunate to experience many beautiful, vibrant places full of changeable climates, cultures and history as I have travelled to some truly wonderful places.

But the most outstanding place which I have completely fallen in love with is the island of Langkawi, a tropical island 30km off the Malaysian coast.

As you fly towards the island, you immediately see the lush landscape with rustic scenery and a stunning backdrop of mountainous jungle rainforest.

The sunsets are beautiful and complimented by the silhouettes of fishing boats bobbing up and down as darkness falls.

There is a very real sense of peace, spirituality and gentleness captured by the people who live there. They are so welcoming.

It is believed that Langkawi has a legend full of love and jealousy, which appeals to me as a writer, so I’m completely absorbed by the prospect of something more meaningful to the island.