Kerala Coconut Lagoon Resort

Coconut Lagoon Resort in Kerala ©Solange Hando

This lovely resort is located in Kumarakom, in the Kerala backwaters, just over 80 km from Cochin airport. It looks out to Wembanad, the largest lake in Kerala, and is only accessed by water.

 Relax and Enjoy ©Solange Hando

Spread out over lush extensive grounds, accommodation ranges from heritage bungalows to mansions and lakeside villas with private pools.

Style and material are traditional and remnants of old buildings have been incorporated.

What is this? ©Solange Hando

My own bathroom, a winner in my view, with a banana tree growing from the ground and if you look up top left, no roof. Shower and see the stars...

Rooms are spacious and comfortable with all amenities you would expect.

Coconut Lagoon in Kerala Backwaters ©Solange Hando

Lots of greenery, meandering waterways wherever you look, footbridges and quiet corners, this is the perfect place to wind down or try activities on offer, bird or butterfly watching, Ayurveda rituals, yoga, canoe rides or village walk.

Or you could meditate in the sacred grove or sample the floating tea-shop.

.Peaceful setting ©Solange Hando

Coconut Lagoon is an eco-friendly resort and whatever your accommodation, it will respect the CGH Earth label, meaning 'clean, green, healthy'.

Staff are from nearby villages and restaurants will serve excellent local food, from seafood and catch of the day to traditional Kerala curry and much more

Sunset on Wembanad Lake from Coconut Lagoon ©Solange Hando

Japan Cherry Blossom

Cherry Blossom in Takyama ©Solange Hando

When winter draws to a close, the whole of Japan looks forward to the arrival of cherry blossom. 

Every night on the news, the weather is followed by the 'cherry blossom forecast.'

Blossom in the Mountains ©Solange Hando

It starts in the south in the subtropical island of Okinawa, reaching Tokyo late March and finally the northern island of Hokkaido in May.

But should you miss it on the plain in Honshu, the main island, you might catch it in the mountains where it comes out later.

Springtime in Honshu Island ©Solange Hando

As iconic as Mount Fuji, Japanese cherry trees claim over 200 varieties, producing all kinds of blooms, from the most delicate flowers to frothy clouds of colour in every shade of red and pink or white, the rarest and definitely a favourite. 

Hanami Treats ©Solange Hando

Hanami, or flower-viewing, is enjoyed throughout the islands, with music and dancing, lots of parties and feasting on blossom-flavoured snacks, sweets, dumplings, kitkats, crisps,pastries, beer and even suitably flavoured Starbucks latte.

Cherry Blossom in Hida Folk Village ©Solange Hando

According to legend, Hanami began in the 8th century when Emperor Saga and his Kyoto Court offered flowers to the spirits dwelling in the trees. This was accompanied by plenty of sake, the traditional rice wine.

'Pink Snow' in Matsumoto ©Solange Hando

After just a couple of weeks, blossom falls from the trees carpeting the land with 'pink snow'. For many Japanese this is the time to remember that life is short and like the beautiful cherry blossom, we are just passing through.

Lovely Blossom in Tokyo ©Solange Hando