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. 

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

Astana / Nursultan, Kazakhstan New Capital

The Bayterek Tower in Astana ©Solange Hando

Rising to 97 metres to celebrate the capital born in 1997, this is the true icon, a 'tree of life' clutching a golden egg at the very top to ensure a successful and happy future.

Enjoy all round views from the top floor and make a wish when you rest your hand in the former President's golden print.
President since 1991, Nursultan has just stepped down (March 2019) and the capital is being renamed after him. 

Nurzhol Boulevard ©Solange Hando

Stretching from the tower all the way to the river, framed by 21st century high rise, this wide pedestrian area is full of art work and flower beds.

Lovely place to relax and watch the world go by.

Khan Shatyr Centre, Astana ©Solange Hando

Like the famous Bayterek, this yurt-like building was designed by Norman Foster. Inside you will find a shopping mall, eating venues and entertainment facilities, including a beach boasting sand from the Maldives.

 The Hazret Sultan Mosque

Named after a medieval poet and saint, this is the largest complex of its kind in Central Asia. Islam in Kazakhstan is tolerant and relaxed but visitors are requested to dress appropriately and respect praying areas. Arcades, chandeliers and carpets are magnificent.

River Ishmi ©Solange Hando

On the right bank of the river is the old town while the new luxurious apartments and offices rise on the left bank. The blue-domed building on this image may look like a mosque but this is in fact the presidential headquarters.

Samruk ©Solange Hando

Samruk, the sacred bird, is the legendary guardian of the Kazakh people. You see him frequently around town, wings spread out to offer happiness and peace. 

In 1999, Astana was declared a Unesco City Of Peace, a theme kept alive in monuments and buildings, including a glass pyramid with painted doves and a 'Peace' Wall where the word 'peace' is inscribed in 51 languages. 

Kazakhstan, Charyn Canyon near Almaty

The End of the Road, Looking down into the Canyon ©Solange Hando

Named after the river, this spectacular canyon is located in a National Park close to the Chinese border, about a 3 hour drive east of Almaty.

There are five canyons altogether, stretching over 100 km, including the Valley of Castles which can be visited on a day trip from Almaty.

 Charyn Canyon, Desert and Snowy Tops ©Solange Hando

The Charyn is smaller than the Colorado but framed by the eternal snow of the Tien Shan mountains, it certainly claims a little extra.

A long flight of steps leads down to the bottom of the gorge where for the next 3 kms or so, the Valley of Castles meanders among high sculpted rocks, with patches of unexpected greenery scattered here and there.

The Valley of Castles in the Charyn Canyon ©Solange Hando

There is an adequate footpath down in the gorge but with due care, you can improvise as you wish, with no restrictions for the time being.

Most amazing in the canyon are the different colours, sandstone ranging from red to orange and pink, but also dark volcanic rock on some of the lower slopes.

Watch your Head ©Solange Hando

The path narrows in places, with big boulders almost barring the way or sharp precarious rocks barely hanging from the top, all created over millions of years by water and wind erosion.

You might just spot lizards, snakes or groundhogs but be prepared for extreme heat in summer.

The Sharyn River ©Solange Hando

Take your time then when you reach the bottom of the valley, you can relax by Sharyn's emerald water, paddle or even swim if the current is not too strong. 

The river comes down from the Tien Shan and white water rafting can be arranged.

Yurt in the Charyn Ecopark ©Solange Hando

Down by the river, the ecopark offers a few facilities, including food and drink, picnic spots and traditional yurts when you can rest at the heart the canyon among flowers and feathery trees.

Namib Desert, Sossusvlei Sea of Sand in Namibia

Big Daddy Dune in Namib Desert ©Solange Hando

Stretching along the coast of Namibia, the Namib desert is said to be 55 million years old and claims some of the highest dunes in the world

What's this? ©Solange Hando

My shadow in the early morning, at the entrance to the Naukluft National Park listed by UNESCO. This was my first view of the desert heading towards Sossusvlei and the Sea of Sand.

Morning Light in the Namib Dune Corridor ©Solange Hando

This is an oryx, the national animal, soon after sunrise. Superb colours across the dunes, changing all along the way,  from pink and apricot to orange or flaming red.

Greenery in the Desert ©Solange Hando

Moisture and even fog from the Atlantic can bring a semblance of life to the desert, such as wild sage or mirabilis popping up up here and there. You might also come across desert elephants and white ants found nowhere else on earth.

Deadvlei below Big Daddy Dune ©Solange Hando

Beyond the end of the road, a safari ride takes you to the start of a short trail which leads to this white clay pan, a dried up oasis bristling with dead camel thorn trees. Lovely contrasting colours.

Namib Desert from the air ©Solange Hando

This was my final view of the desert from a light aircraft, heading towards the Skeleton Coast.

Loved it and would highly recommend it, flight starts in Swakopmund.

Namibia Fish River Canyon

Fish River Canyon in Namibia ©Solange Hando

At an altitude of 900-1100 metres, this is the second largest canyon in the world, 160 km long, up to 27 km wide and 550 metres deep. It is part of Transfrontier Park shared with South Africa.

Steps down into the Canyon ©Solange Hando

Hiking down in the canyon must be booked in advance, guide compulsory, 86 km, 4-5 challenging days over pools and rocks and only two emergency exits. But a gentle up and down trail along the ridge is accessible to most visitors, with wonderful views and no commercialisation.

Eerie shadow over the abyss ©Solange Hando

Best time to see the canyon is early morning before the crowds arrive and strange shadows creep across the land. Notice the river, a mere trickle of water but expect floods in late summer.

Another dramatic view ©Solange Hando

Allow plenty of time to explore and you may spot the wild life, zebra, kudu, baboon, springbok and more.  There are hot springs at the lower end of the canyon in the Ai-Ais oasis.

Flowers in Fish River Canyon ©Solange Hando

Delightful for botanists too as wild lobelia, fire lilies, yellow devil's thorn and other flowers cling tenaciously to the very edge of the canyon.