Not since I had to break out from Butlins had I felt so self-conscious.

Mum (who will kill me for revealing this), aunt Kath and their combined brood of eight kids had overstayed the day-pass time limit and couldn’t afford the penalty charge.

So all 10 of us made a run for it across the holiday camp’s grounds before scaling a fence to financial freedom.

OK, hardly Great Escape proportions, but for an eight-year-old it was rather daring all the same. I felt about as inconspicuous as a green giraffe in a pink tu-tu desperately trying not to stand out in a group of pygmies!

That same strange feeling crept over me as I boarded our flight to Malaysia.

It’s the longest distance I’ve ever travelled and, as a special birthday year treat, we’d saved hard to do it in style.

Instead of the usual right-hand turn to economy, we found ourselves climbing the stairs to a world away from the backside-numbing seats of standard class. As we headed for our seats I only wished my hubby hadn’t insisted on taking his £2 ‘bargain’ bag bought from a Turkish market trader the previous year.

I had visions of being surrounded by Gucci, Prada and Armani when the only name we could boast was George at Asda.

But, bargain bag and all, here we were in business class and we didn’t feel a bit intimidated. The amazing crew (thank-you Richard in particular) made sure of that.

There is only one word to sum up that initial impression of this previously mystic world – space.

Rather than practically chewing on the head rest of the reclined passenger in front, hubby and I were sitting in true comfort and noshing our way through four delicious courses – complete with silver service and glass flutes – selected from a mouth-watering menu and quaffing champagne. Paradise – or to be more accurate – business class had never tasted so good.

Relaxing was easy; select movies, games, music from the on-demand entertainment system or simply press a button to go from seated to fully stretched out – snuggled under a duvet no less!

It was just like being at home – only 35,000ft up.

And if there was any danger of you going in the slightest bit hungry or thirsty there was a constant supply of succulent snacks and delectable drinks – not all alcoholic – rustled up at the metaphorical drop of a hat.

It was a gourmet collection of all the little things you never knew you missed until you had the chance to experience them.

And, what made it even more memorable, was the attitude of the staff. Like attending the very best dinner party, they were the consummate hosts, always attentive while making you feel perfectly at ease.

Never have I wanted a flight to continue for longer than the scheduled 12-hours to Langkawi. And never have I stepped off a flight feeling more relaxed than when I boarded.

A stop at Kuala Lumpur gave just enough time to experience Malaysia Airlines’ restful Golden Lounge with its relaxation room equipped with iSymphonic Massage Chairs and iSqueez Foot Massagers – pure bliss.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention, Malaysia is one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever had the good fortune to experience.

This South Asian country is smothered in dense, lush rainforest teeming with stunning wildlife and fringed by beautiful beaches.

And if that’s not enough, the locals’ legendary hospitality is nothing short of life-affirming. A mainly Muslim state, it’s enriched my life to be shown the true meaning of Islam and the warmth, generosity and genuineness of its followers.

But that’s a tale for another time.

This holiday was paid for by the reviewer.

Malaysia Airlines

www.malaysiaairlines.com

Heathrow - Langkawi from £499.Bookings must be made before January 18 and travel between April 10 and May 31.

Reservations: 0871 423 9090

Booked through Simply Malaysia (Oriental Panorama Ltd) www.simplymalaysia.com. Call 08456 800 818 (local rate)