Almaty in Kazakhstan, Royal Tulip Hotel

Royal Tulip Hotel in Almaty ©Solange Hando

At the foot of the Tien Shan mountains in southern Kazakhstan, the 5 star Royal Tulip  is among the best hotels in Almaty, the former capital and top cultural centre.

Located at around 1000 metres, it's a lovely oasis with water features and flowers and all the luxury you would expect.

The Reception Area ©Solange Hando

Step through the revolving doors and beyond the security scan, you are greeted in an elegant circular area with gleaming columns, fresh flowers and chandeliers. Service is efficient and prompt, staff helpful and English speaking.

Guest Room at the Royal Tulip Almaty ©Solange Hando

The hotel has 155 rooms and 10 suites, including executive and presidential. Rooms are spacious with period furnishings, ample storing space and top amenities.

Bathrooms are equally large with dressing area, double washbasin,bath and walk-in shower.

Almaty Royal Tulip ©Solange Hando

All room corridors are open, with space and light enhanced by golden rails, soothing paintings and green plants. Glass lifts leading to the upper floors let you to appreciate the palatial interior.

Breakfast Time ©Solange Hando

This is just a small selection of the luscious breakfast available in the Royal Cafe which also offers international cuisine throughout the day.

Relax in the lounge bar for tempting drinks and refreshments and look out for the Wine Gallery where you will find 100 famous wines from across the world.

The Grand Ballroom ©Solange Hando

Sought after by discerning locals and visitors alike, the Grand Ballroom is the top venue for VIP receptions and weddings, as was the case for the President's grandson.

Other facilities include three conference rooms, an indoor pool with underwater massage, waterfall and whirlpool and a spa and wellness centre offering among others hammam, Russian bath and Finnish sauna.

Scenic Mountain View from Royal Tulip Almaty ©Solange Hando

Andorra La Vella, Capital City

Pont de Paris in Andorra  La Vella ©Solange Hando

Stretching over the Valira river, this elegant bridge is just one example of the avant-garde architecture appreciated in Andorra.

It's 45 metres long on its straight section and 27 on the semi-circular part, contrasting in its own way with the older buildings in town.

Bird's eye View of Andorra La Vella ©Solange Hando

For an overall view of the capital, walk up the steep path leading to the irrigation channel running half way up along the slope.

See the mountains all around, including the southern section close to Spain, the buildings of Andorra La Vella - the capital of the namesake principality few people know about- and most surprisingly all the gardens and allotments climbing up the hills wherever there is space. 

Time Immemorial by Salvador Dahli ©Solange Hando

This is one of several modern sculptures you will find around Andorra La Vella and the adjoining town Escaldes.

It is made of bronze, weighs 1400 kgs and symbolises the passing of time. The crown on the top shows how time dominates humanity.

Old District ©Solange Hando

But beyond the modern art and architecture and away from the glittering boutiques and duty free shops, the Old Town is a cultural heritage site laced with cobbled lanes and stepped alleyways winding up and down the hilly capital.

Now and then you come across a hidden square, the perfect place to meet the locals and enjoy the local fare.

St Esteve Church in Andorra La Vella ©Solange Hando

First built in the 12th century and altered over time, this quiet Romanesque church has kept its bell tower and semi-circular apse with Lombardian decorations.

It is located in the old district close to the river and the Parliament Building.

So where is Andorra?

In the Pyrenees, bordered by France and Spain

Top attractions?

Trekking in summer, skiing in winter

Duty free allowance year round

Direct transfers from Toulouse or Barcelona

Enjoy!

Images London City Cruise

London Eye ©Solange Hando

On the south bank of the Thames, the London Eye was open in 2000 and is still the largest Ferris wheel in Europe and the top paid tourist attraction in the UK.

Old and New along the River Thames ©Solange Hando

Starting at Westminster pier, the London city cruise unfolds a stunning and at times surprising scenery,  luxury apartments and skyscraper to the left, old red brick buildings to the right, plus cruise and sailing boats.

The Tower of London from the Cruise ©Solange Hando

Built on the north bank in 1066 and later expanded, the Tower has acted as royal residence, fortress and prison  and it is home to the Crown Jewels.

London along the Thames ©Solange Hando

Sail under the bridges, see the sights such as St Paul's cathedral dome on the far left. but most exciting for many of us is the innovative architecture which has given London a brand new face.

The Shard ©Solange Hando

Most iconic these days is the glass-clad pyramid of the Shard designed by an Italain architect and 95% owned by Qatar. London's highest observation desk is on the 72nd floor for the best views of the city.

London Tower Bridge ©Solange Hando

Book the late afternoon cruise in summer and you might enjoy a superb sunset over the Thames as you reach the famous Tower Bridge. Built in the late 1800s, it lifts when needed to let the boats through. River traffic has priority over the road and the 40,000 people who go across every day.

Images of Sri lanka

On the South West Coast, Traditional Fishermen on Stilts ©Solange Hando

The iconic image, is it not? The men may be doing it for real or for the photos, it is impressive either way as they need to keep their balance, whatever the waves.

Wild elephants in Sri Lanka ©Solange Hando

There are only 5000 left on the island and the best place to see the herds is in the Kaudula National Park, a reasonable drive from some of the main cultural sites.

A jeep safari is the best way to get around, most rewarding late afternoon when the elephants venture on the plain to feed on succulent grass.

Waterfall on the Horton Plain ©Solange Hando

Don't be fooled by the name, this is in the Central Highlands, a great place to trek and enjoy the views from the dramatic World's End to Adam's Peak in the distance.

Trails are well marked but can be rough at times so allow plenty of time to make the most of the experience.

Yala National Park ©Solange Hando

This is a highly popular park but one needs to be very lucky indeed to spot a leopard. Quieter in the afternoon but creatures tend to hide deep in the shade.

Nevertheless monkeys are always on the prowl and you might see exotic birds, wild buffaloes and maybe a couple of elephants or a lonely crocodile.

Madu River ©Solange Hando

Near the estuary on the south west coast, cruises up the Madu river are delightful, taking in mangroves and lakes, quiet villages, shellfish farms and a sprinkling of islands.

You can land on Cinnamon Island and meet a family devoted to the trade and on Temple Island where you will find an inspiring Reclining Buddha.

Tea Plantations ©Solange Hando

Then of course, wherever you are and whatever you do, you can enjoy a cup of Ceylon tea, straight from the Central Highlands. Any island tour will take you there and the fresh mountain air and lush scenery are truly enjoyable.

Sunset on the Indian Ocean ©Solange Hando

Sri Lanka Earl's Regency Luxury Hotel in Kandy

Earl's Regency Hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka ©Solange Hando

Known as Sri Lanka's cultural capital, Kandy is a must-stop on the tourist trail at the heart of the central highlands. There is plenty of accommodation for all budgets but this five star hotel on the edge of town is the perfect place to relax after a busy day sightseeing.

  View from the Earl's Regency in Kandy ©Solange Hando

The hotel is up on a hill with views stretching from the city on one side to the wooded hills and river on the other.

The Mahaweli is the longest river in Sri Lanka and almost encircles the town. This is the view you might enjoy from your balcony as you listen to myriad birds twittering in the greenery.

Guest Room at the Earl's Regency ©Solange Hando

Maidens on the wall? Lucky indeed for these are decent reproductions of cave frescoes in Sigiriya, the dramatic rock fortress not so far away where photographs of the maidens are not allowed.

The Earl's Regency has 104 rooms spread across the main building and two wings, ranging from Deluxe to the exclusive Mountbatten Suite. All mod. cons, including free bottled water, tea and coffee facilities and signature toiletries from local herbs.

Looking down on the Swimming Pool ©Solange Hando

Pool aside, you will find a gym,  tennis courts, badminton and putting green. There's also a business centre, gift and jewellery boutique and a spa for massage and facials. Wedding facilities available. 

Buffet in the Main Restaurant ©Solange Hando

The Earl's Regency caters for traditional and international tastes. Far Pavilions, the main restaurant, has an extensive buffet, a show kitchen and theme nights, with seating indoors or on the terrace.

You may like to try the Royal Spice Indian Restaurant or just relax with your friends in one of the bars.

Lovely Lake in the Kandy Town Centre ©Solange Hando

From the lake and Temple of the Tooth to the Royal Botanical Gardens, there's plenty to see in town (and beyond) and the Earl's Regency can organise sightseeing tours and excursions.

Alternatively, book a taxi or if you want to go really local, try a tuk tuk for a short trip.

Sri Lanka Cultural Sites

Sigiriya ©Solange Hando

This is the Lion Rock, the island's most iconic site where in the 5th century, patricide king Kasyapa built his palace on the very top to ensure his safety.

Climbing up there may be a challenge but the views are spectacular while on the way you can see ancient frescoes depicting the sensuous but beautiful ladies of the Court. 

Hindu Temple ©Solange Hando

Also known as Sita Amman, this is an important site near Nuwara, Eliya, welcoming Hindu pilgrims from across the island and India.

According to the Hindu epic, this is where the Goddess Sita held captive by a king prayed to be rescued by Rama. She is the regarded as the goddess of good fortune and all feminine virtues. 

Seated Buddha in Polonnaruwa ©Solange Hando

Polonnaruwa is the site of a medieval capital with extensive ruins, lots of walking but you could hire a bicycle. Vestiges include those of a palace, temple and shrines.

It's mostly stones and bricks but most impressive are the four Buddhas in different positions carved into a single rock surrounded by prayer flags.

Kandy ©Solange Hando

Capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom before the British take over, Kandy is considered the most sacred city on the island. The Temple of the Tooth holds a Buddha's relic, celebrated every summer with a highly colourful pageant.

The lake was created for royal pleasure with a special bath-house for the Queen (above). You can walk all the way round or enjoy a boat trip.

Anuradhapura ©Solange Hando

This is the oldest of the ancient capitals, once home to thousands of monks and 113 kings. Arts and culture flourished and temples and palace were stunning.

There are plenty of remains but most pilgrims gather around the branch of the original bo tree and the huge finely restored stupa (above) surrounded by a wall of life-sized elephant statues.

Mihintale ©Solange Hando

On a hilltop above frangipani and mango trees, Mihintale is another inspiring site as the birth place of Buddhism on the island, They say that in 247 BC the king on a deer hunt met an Indian Prince who converted him.

It's a steep way up to the panoramic site scattered with rocks and temples but a colourful Reclining Buddha invites you to meditate or just relax in a cool shaded place.

Alsace Favourite Village, images of Kaysersberg

The river Weiss in Kaysersberg ©Solange Hando

Nestling among the vineyards of Alsace on the eastern slopes of the Vosges mountains, Kayserberg was voted favourite village of the French in 2017.

Population is under 3,000 but such a charming place is sure to attract visitors for much of the year.

Relaxing al fresco ©Solange Hando

Colourful half-timbered buildings, balconies and archways, flowers everywhere, you could just while away the time, dining on fresh asparagus and three kinds of ham, with a glass of local wine.

Welcome, says the gingerbread man ©Solange Hando

Gingerbread is special all around Alsace and particularly appreciated during the famous Christmas markets. Kaysersberg is said to have one of the best.

This was also the home of Nobel Peace Prize winner, Albert Schweitzer (1875-1967), and you can visit his museum in the village.

  Medieval charm ©Solange Hando

You can't deny it, this lovely village has deserved its award, sprinkled with so many architectural gems, from the Renaissance townhall, to all things medieval, houses, fortified bridge of pink granite, Constantin fountain, upper gate tower or the remains of the castle up on the hill.

Kaysersberg ©Solange Hando

Best overall view of the village is from the road going up the hill (to the Bonhomme mountain pass). Trees have grown on the parking space but just walk down a few minutes and enjoy the view. Most people visit for a day but evenings are delightful, quieter and truly romantic. 

Cherry Blossom in Kaysersberg ©Solange Hando