Ethiopia Maribela Boutique Hotel in Lalibela

Stunning Views from Maribela Hotel ©Solange Hando

Located on a ridge in the Ethiopian highlands, this panoramic hotel is delightful, rustic, elegant, easily accessed from the airport and a short drive from the famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.

The view above is from the outdoor section of the bar-restaurant framed by flowers and plants. Service is friendly, food delicious, continental or Ethiopian, my top favourite the avocado salad.

Coffee Time? ©Solange Hando

Like to try Ethiopian coffee? 

This is available all day, free of charge and freshly prepared in a traditional coffee ceremony, reflecting the heart and soul of this ancient country.

Likewise the local honey wine is ready to welcome you whenever you step in.

Bed for one? Wow... ©Solange Hando

Maribela has just 17 rooms on 4 floors -no lift but worth it for the views- ranging from single and double to King, Deluxe and Style Suite, some with double poster beds and traditional furniture.

All are spacious, quiet with picture windows and balcony complete with a day bed so you can relax and enjoy the scenery any time.

Corridor outside my Room ©Solange Hando

Arts and crafts depicting local life are attractive, especially the lampshades, by your bed or your door, and the angel face on your ceiling which turns into the main light.

Sculpted wood and orange shades add warmth to Maribella's unique authentic decor.

Cosy Corner ©Solange Hando

Small but cosy, grounds have quiet corners where you can meet  friends, share a drink and chat in the shade or in the sun.

Lush vegetation is all around, trees, flowers and plants and you are sure to see the bird life undisturbed by the guests.  

Maribela is a green hotel, staffed by locals and to encourage reforestation, some of the profits in the past 3 years have been donated to plant 2000 trees and drought-resistant flowering plants.

Sunset from my Balcony ©Solange Hando

Morocco Kasbah Hotel, Edge of the Desert, Enjoy and Travel Safe

Welcome to Hotel Xaluca ©Solange Hando

Built in kasbah style with adobe bricks and towers, Xaluca is a unique hotel with plenty of charm and character.

Located on the edge of the Sahara near Erfoud, far too hot for the virus spreading across Europe, it's the perfect place to explore the Merzouga dunes, a short drive away.. Then book a dromedary ride and enjoy the sunrise (or sunset) over the desert.

Xaluca Outdoor Pool ©Solange Hando

Step through the reception and you are greeted by this lovely pool in a spacious courtyard framed by palm trees. There are bougainvillea and bright Moroccan rugs spread on the paths, loungers, bar and lots of places to sit in the sun or in the shade.

Other facilities include a heated indoor pool and jacuzzi and a spa for beauty treatments, Vichy showers, massages and hammam.

Guest Room in Xaluca ©Solange Hando

The hotel has 137 rooms, standard and suites, and 7 secluded bungalows. All material used is local from ochre-coloured adobe walls to traditional Berber rugs and bed covers, mostly orange and red.

Bathrooms are rather special with tiles in geometric patterns, copper wash basins and adjoining shelves made of local stone engraved with ammonite and other fossils.

Breakfast Selection ©Solange Hando

Breakfast, dinner or snacks, there's plenty to enjoy on a generous buffet, from Moroccan specialities to continental offerings. Friendly staff and you can eat in or out. 

Tea, Madame? ©Solange Hando

Mint tea, leaves included or strained, sweet but no milk, it's likely to be poured from up high into a glass, sometimes with a silver teapot.  This old Moroccan tradition is a sign of hospitality and friendship.

Traditional Xaluca ©Solange Hando

Xaluca Hotel Kasbah is full of surprises with winding alleyways and archways leading to guest rooms and beyond. Wander around and discover hidden corners, finely decorated Kasbah towers and tiny cottage gardens.

  

My Favourite Riad in Taroudant, the mini-Marrakech in Southern Morocco

Riad Dar Zitoune in Taroudant ©Solange Hando

Great places to stay in Morocco are the boutique hotels known as riad, traditionally designed and furnished to highlight the local culture.

Dar Zitoune -meaning the Olive- is just outside Taroudant, a pretty town down south with few visitors but lots of atmosphere and a 7km medieval city wall which gave it the name of 'mini-Marrakech.

Luxury Room in Dar Zitoune ©Solange Hando

The two images above were taken in the new Berber Village, the most luxurious section of this 4 star riad where large tented rooms nestle around their own private pool.

Moroccan rugs, fine bedding and traditional patterns along the walls, it's beautifully light and colourful and the perfect place for a special holiday.

Standard Bungalow at Dar Zitoune ©Solange Hando

But before you reach the Berber area, bungalows in pretty colours greet you around the garden among lemon and orange trees, papayas, jacaranda and a profusion of flowers and plants.

My own bungalow was delightful, all the amenities I would expect plus a traditional bathroom glowing with copper and a bed large enough for a whole family. Bungalows are named after local fruit and plants and most have a secluded terrace in their own little garden.

Breakfast Time in the Riad ©Solange Hando

The local staff are helpful and friendly, employed by Swiss owners who simply fell in love with Taroudant and Moroccan culture. The verandah is a lovely place in the early morning or you can eat al fresco under the parasols.

The gourmet restaurant offers local gastronomy like tagine and international fare like pasta or fish curry.

Pottery Garden ©Solange Hando

Then after a  peaceful night or a visit to the town, take time to enjoy this true oasis of peace, wander around the garden where local artists leave a touch here and there, or just sit in the shade or in the sun.

Then of course the standard area has its own swimming pool and if you feel like it, there's a fitness room and a spa with a choice of rituals and a Moroccan hammam. 

Dar Zitoune near Taroudant ©Solange Hando

Here's the entrance to the multi-award Dar Zitoune. The decorated wooden gates on the side are closed after dark when the sweet fragrance of orange blossom rises under the stars.

Devon Langstone Cliff Hotel Review, Dawlish Warren

Langstone Cliff Hotel ©Solange Hando

As the name indicates, this lovely family-run hotel is situated on a cliff top with spacious grounds, trees and lawns, overlooking the Exe estuary. 

There's plenty of private parking, bus stops just outside the entrance and a shaded footpath leading to the rail station and the beach with eating places and entertainment. The hotel is family and dog friendly. 

Pleasant Room at the Langstone ©Solange Hando

The Langstone has 64 rooms on two floors with all the amenities you would expect, free WiFi, TV, tea and coffee making facilities, biscuits included, comfortable beds and a choice of bath or walk-in shower.

Luxury rooms boast private balconies or patios, with lawn or sea views.

Orchids a Treat ©Solange Hando

The hotel is justly proud of its flowers, from orchids to hanging baskets, hydrangeas and more.

If you love flowers and colour, this is the place for you, all beautifully tended and in perfect condition.

Lincoln Restaurant ©Solange Hando

With its adjoining bar, the Lincoln serves delicious food, in smaller areas with waiter service or in the main restaurant which offers a buffet with a wide choice of starters, main courses and desserts with clotted cream if you wish. 

Food and snacks are also available in a range of connecting rooms overlooking the lawn and pool. Look out for afternoon tea on the lawn.

Guests Lounge at the Langstone ©Solange Hando

Plenty of comfort and space to chat and meet friends, share a drink or read the free paper.

Though if you want to be active, there are two swimming pools (in and outdoors), tennis court, a fitness room and a beauty-therapy room to pamper yourself.

The Verandah ©Solange Hando

The veranda is a lovely place to relax, in the shade or in the sun, close to the bar and looking across garden and pool and the estuary beyond.

Relax with a View ©Solange Hando

Langstone Cliff Hotel

Spice Village Hill Resort in Kerala

Cottage in Spice Village ©Solange Hando

Close to spice plantations and the Periyar National Park, Spice Village is a CGH Earth resort, 'clean, green, healthy' Located on the edge of Kumily village, it's in the Thekkady district of the Kerala's Western Ghats.

Accommodation is in traditional bungalows scattered in the greenery, built with local materials and thatched with elephant grass. It's an oasis of peace, beautifully quiet at night.

Guest Room, Spice Village ©Solange Hando

Rooms are spacious and clean and at over 700 metres, pleasantly cool so no need for air conditioning. Furniture is made of recycled pine wood and floors are tiled, with coir mats as needed.

It may look a little spartan but with hot water, soft lighting and all the usual amenities, everything you might need is at hand.

Lawns and Trees in Spice Village ©Solange Hando

There's a lovely garden to relax in the shade, enjoy your lunch or perhaps a cool drink or herbal tea. Friendly staff make you feel most welcome and although you may well be tempted by the colourful stalls along the lanes, take time to unwind at least for a while in your little haven.

Other facilities include a Green Leaf Ayurveda Centre, yoga and meditation, badminton, tennis and activities such as trekking, bamboo rafting or visiting a spice plantation.

Tamarind Restaurant at Spice Village ©Solange Hando

Overlooking the swimming pool is Tamarind, the main restaurant serving regional and international fare. Or you could try the '50 mile Diet Restaurant' which guarantees that all ingredients are produced within a 50 mile radius. There's is also a pleasant Woodhouse Bar where you can meet and chat with your friends. 

Spice Village Organic Garden ©Solange Hando

Then wander up the slope and right at the top, beyond the last cottages, you will discover the resort organic garden where fruit, vegetables, lettuce, spices and more are grown for healthy and tasty dishes. 

Besides sheer eating pleasure, it's good to know that so many local people have found employment in this caring Spice Village  hotel, grounds and garden.

The Periyar National Park ©Solange Hando 

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 

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

India Tamil Nadu, Radisson Blu Resort, Mamallapuram near Chennai

Radisson Blu Resort in Temple Bay, Mamallapuram ©Solange Hando

Just south of Chennai, this beautiful resort is an ideal base to explore the world heritage site of Mamallapuram. Culture aside, it is right by the beach and claims one of the longest swimming pools in India, meandering like a river for 220 metres. Amazing...

Luxury Villa in Superb Grounds ©Solange Hando

The hotel has 144 rooms in chalets and villas, with pool, garden or seaviews. Enjoy 44 acres of landscaped ground, highly colourful with tropical blooms and trees.

Standard Room at Radisson Blu ©Solange Hando

Rooms are spacious and bright with a pleasant seating area, a cool tiled floor and four star facilities, including Wifi, tea /coffee and mineral water. Balconies and patios invite guests to relax and enjoy the views.

Wine and exotic cocktails are available in the bars then you can feast on seafood, grilled steaks and a whole range of international fare. Deluxe buffet at the weekend.

Sand Castle Competition ©Solange Hando

Radisson Blu has its own private beach close to the Shore Temple on the Unesco site. Activities include beach volleyball and boat rides, as well as cycling, basketball, table tennis, archery and 9-hole mini-golf.

Spas specialise in tailored rituals with herbs and exotic oils, as well as Ayurvedic massage and facials.

 Statues in Radisson Blu ©Solange Hando

These guardians welcome you near the entrance, reflecting the ancient heritage of Tamil Nadu, close to some of the top cultural sites in India.

As well as the Mamallapuram monuments, dating back to the 7th-8th centuries, guests can enjoy day trips to Kanchipuram, Pondicherry and of course Chennai.

 Infinity Pool, Radisson Blu ©Solange Hando

Just above the private beach, this quiet infinity pool offers superb views of the Bay of Bengal.