Charleston Luxury Hotel Bennett South Carolina

Hotel Bennett, Downtown Charleston ©Solange Hando

Opened in 2019 after 20 years planning, this is one of the grandest hotels in Charleston, set on a corner of King Street and the vast Marion Square with a pleasant terrace overlooking the greenery.

'European outside but southern inside', it is right at the heart of town within walking distance of designer shops, the city's historic market and harbour.

Welcome to Hotel Bennet ©Solange Hando

Step in  and you are greeted by this inner circular entrance where colourful murals by local artists reflect Charleston as it was, at the mouth of three rivers.
A grand stairway beckons beyond the reception and you can expect elegance all around enhanced by glowing marble.

A Place to Sleep Well ©Solange Hando

Guest rooms are spacious and light with floor to ceiling windows and most of them have a balcony with a view. Enjoy a superb bathroom, fine bedding and amenities and since a library used to be on the spot, your own bookcase. It's remote control for curtains and lights, easy to use once you get the hang of it.

The hotel has 179 rooms and suites, single or double, suites ranging from Junior King to Ambassador and Presidential with scenic terrace all around. 

Swimming Pool , Hotel Bennett ©Solange Hando

Lovely place to cool down, this is the rooftop pool where guests can reserve a cabana for privacy and shade. Close to the bar and terrace with a view. 

Other facilities include a gym and spa with tempting rituals such as blue diamond facial,  aromatherapy massage or  'holy city' healing wrap (the city is so called for its many spires).

The Champagne Bar ©Solange Hando

Inspired by Fabergé's egg and named Camellias, the oval-shaped Champagne Bar is the talk of town, especially appreciated for its caviar delicacies. 

Fiat Lux, the rooftop bar whose name means 'let there be light', serves delicious Mediterranean food and there's also a Pâtisserie and coffee shop for hand-crafted sandwiches and  pastries.
'Gabrielle' is the main restaurant, offering oysters, clams, red snapper, lamb roulade, Peking duck a l'orange and more.The chef comes from New Orleans and the pastry master from France. 

Cosy Corner at the Bennett ©Solange Hando

Hotel Bennett has conference and wedding venues and some quiet stylish corners to meet and chat with friends. Then for a real VIP treatment, book access to the King's Club when you reserve your room. Among other things, this covers a Champagne welcome, use of the private lounge with verandah,  services of a dedicated concierge and exclusive transfer to the city.

View from the Terrace, Ravenel Bridge over the river Cooper ©Solange Hando 

Carcassonne Citadel, UNESCO Site in South of France

The Citadel of Carcassonne, World Heritage ©Solange Hando

There it is across the river Aude, the largest medieval walled town in Europe, restored in the 19th century by Viollet le Duc with some artistic license, but a fairy tale nevertheless.

Best overall view is across the river or from the old medieval bridge, now traffic free, which you can see on the right hand side. Ideal location for Bastille Day fireworks.

The main entrance to the Cité ©Solange Hando

The windswept Narbonne gate takes you across the drawbridge then you can stroll through the lists between the 3km enclosure of double ramparts, taking in dark dungeons and 52 towers.

Then climb up the cobbled lanes in the inner town and explore souvenir and craft shops, museums and restaurants.

Looking North ©Solange Hando

You can also walk up on the ramparts for most of the way and enjoy all round view. To the north you look out to the Black Mountain and the foothills of the Massif Central and to the south by clear weather the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees.

Below you is the Bastide, or New Town, glistening along the river and the Canal du Midi which is also a UNESCO site.

The Counts' Castle ©Solange Hando

Inside the citadel right at the very top is the inner castle where medieval counts were well protected. Carcassonne was indeed a strategic crossroad, very close to the Spanish border until this was moved  further south by the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659.

See the museum inside and the nearby basilica.

Down to the Barbacane District ©Solange Hando

Walking back this way gives you different views of the ramparts, towers and gates but look out for the tourist train that uses the same path.

One of my Favourite Views ©Solange Hando

Venture round the back of the citadel and you will find these lush vineyards highlighting the iconic Cité, just as you would expect in the sunny south of France.

Namibia Canyon Village Hotel near Fish River

Canyon Village near Namibia's Fish River ©Solange Hando

A short drive from the famous Fish River Canyon, this beautifully isolated resort does look like a village with its scattering of semi-detached cottages set at the foot of rocky cliffs.

Wild life might wander across the grounds, softly lit after dark but you may appreciate a torch to return to your room.

Twin Room at Canyon Village ©Solange Hando

Rooms are colourful and comfortable, complete with nets, en-suite and air conditioning. Of special interest are wall paintings of traditional life, also found in the public areas highlighting the nostalgic charm of the hotel.

Swimming Pool at Canyon Village ©Solange Hando

The pool may be small but the location is stunning and you won't find a better place to cool down on a hot day. Sunbathe, relax, enjoy the view and listen to myriad sounds across the wilderness.

Canyon Village Main Building ©Solange Hando

The main building includes the reception, restaurant, bar and small boutique. The spacious terrace has parasols and in the evening, you can unwind around the log fire under a starlit sky.

With the Namibian wilderness all around, thatched roofs and flower baskets are sure to take you by surprise and in this sort of 'Wild West' setting, you may feel almost at home.

Sunset on the Rocks ©Solange Hando 

Sunsets are stunning and guests can join a sundowner walk among the rocks. There are also rides on donkeys and cart, safe rambling trails and of course, just a stone's throw away, the amazing Fish River Canyon, second only to the Colorado. 

Definitely a must-see in southern Namibia with a scenic walk along the ridge but hiking below is only for the brave, with a guide for 4 or 5 days.

Fish River Canyon View from the Top ©Solange Hando