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Joe Marler on Britain's most underrated city and his favourite Greek island

Joe Marler, English rugby union player:
Joe Marler, English rugby union player:

Joe Marler, the English rugby union player, on the most fascinating person he's met on his travels and why Dubai lacks soul. 

I’m lucky to be able to explore

....some of the places I visit for work. I travel abroad about eight or nine times a year for my club or representing my country. We frequent Italy, Wales, Scotland, France or Ireland for away games and occasionally Portugal for an England training camp.  

Port Elizabeth is amazing

This summer I travelled with the England team to South Africa for a three-and-a half week tour, staying in Johannesburg, Durban and Port Elizabeth, which was incredible.

The Cape Recife Lighthouse in Port Elizabeth, South Africa
The Cape Recife Lighthouse in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

I need a sunny climate

I am not the sunbathing type but my wife loves sitting with her feet up on a sun lounger. So a perfect family holiday for us will need to include some sun, while a beach and good children’s facilities are also key, as my son is four and my daughter is two, so they need good kids’ clubs.

Greece is my favourite holiday destination

We had our first holiday there with my son when he was only three months old at the Emelisse Nature Resort in Kefalonia and the locals adore kids, which is really sweet. 

The best Greek islands
The best Greek islands

Sardinia is one of the world’s most relaxing places

This July we had one of our best family holidays at Forte Village Resort. The food was brilliant, especially the seafood platters, and the weather nice and warm. I took my son to the rugby camp there one day too and he had a lot of fun. We’ve also enjoyed the Westin Mauritius Turtle Bay Resort, where we stayed on a villa with a private beach, which was very special.

An aerial view over Forte Village in Sardinia
An aerial view over Forte Village in Sardinia

Dubai lacks soul

It’s just a bit over the top and doesn’t do a great deal for me.

Edinburgh is incredibly underrated

I’ve found it to be a great place to visit whenever I’ve been and also explored the city with my wife as well.

Britain's 20 best cities – according to you
Britain's 20 best cities – according to you

Best city for nightlife?

Paris sticks out. I’ve been out in the city with the England team after a few games, though unfortunately more often that not it wasn’t to celebrate our win.

Argentina has the best steaks

I am a big foodie and their restaurants serve very healthy portions. Closer to home, the chefs at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh always look after us bigger rugby boys too.

I love a good beer

Both my wife and I love beer and we had a fabulous time visiting Amsterdam on a city break a few years ago. The canals are so pretty and there is such a relaxed vibe there. My favourite local pub is The Six Bells in Chiddingly, East Sussex. Apart from the two bars it has a separate band room.

Houses in Amsterdam
Houses in Amsterdam

Brighton is my favourite place in Britain

We live about 20 minutes away and find it such an attractive place. There is always lots going on there, with some eclectic shops at The Lanes and of course the beach. I love eating at The Salt Room on the seafront in Brighton.

Deck chairs in Brighton - Credit: This content is subject to copyright./Lucia Hisatsuga / EyeEm
The beachfront of Brighton Credit: This content is subject to copyright./Lucia Hisatsuga / EyeEm

The most fascinating person I’ve met on my travels

One of the survivors of the Uruguayan rugby team plane crash of 1972. I was once introduced to him while we were on tour. I was just blown away, knowing what he been gone through.

I can be a bit obsessive

I like to be very prepared for my trips. Whenever our family goes on holiday, all our passports and itineraries are all kept together one folder in my bag, which my wife takes the mickey out of.

Do your research ahead of your trip

On the second holiday my wife and I went on together, we didn’t do our research properly and booked a holiday in Thailand during monsoon season.

I don’t mind paying for comfort

Being a big bloke, where I sit matters when I’m booking a flight and I'm happy to pay that bit extra for comfort. When travelling with a team on a long-haulflignt, we wear special socks, which stimulates the circulation in your calf muscles.

How much have plane seats shrunk since the golden age of flying?
How much have plane seats shrunk since the golden age of flying?

Health is my priority

...when I’m travelling for work rather than any grooming needs. I take melatonin to sleep on a plane and to help acclimatise to the destination.

My next holiday may be bittersweet

When I’m lucky, I get a weekend away during the rugby season but that will mean it’s because we have gone out of a competition. Unfortunately I only get to go on a holiday about once a year, when I get about five weeks off from the end of June to the beginning of August.

It would be a dream to return to Zimbabwe

I went when I was a teenager with my family. We stayed on a houseboat on Lake Kariba and went on a safari where we spotted elephants, rhinos and hippos. I’d love to be able to take my own family there one day too.

An elephant on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe - Credit: Gilles MARTIN/GAMMA-RAPHO/Gilles MARTIN
An elephant on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe Credit: Gilles MARTIN/GAMMA-RAPHO/Gilles MARTIN

The 2018 Rugby Championship is on now through October 6. 

Interview by Roz Lews

Win a luxury holiday worth up to £80,000
Win a luxury holiday worth up to £80,000