Hotel Casa León Royal Retreat

Perched on a hillside in the exclusive neighbourhood of Monte León, this family-run boutique hotel is just a 20-minute drive from the impressive sand dunes and long, sun-drenched beaches of Gran Canaria's south coast, but its rural surroundings and tranquil ambience feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the island's popular holiday resorts of Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles. From its privileged position at an altitude of 500 metres, Casa León boasts glorious views of the surrounding mountains and ravines right down to the ocean.

The hotel is arranged around an open atrium. Each of its 27 guestrooms are comfortably furnished and decorated in a traditional country-house style, with colour-coordinated carpets, curtains and handmade fabrics and quality solid-wood furnishings. Classic Rooms face the mountains at the rear of the building and do not have balconies or terraces, perfect for the more adventurous. Garden Rooms and Panorama Rooms are more spacious; the former open through large patio doors onto a terrace area with two sun-loungers, whilst the latter have large balconies - again with two sun-loungers - with splendid views across the countryside towards the distant coast. Suites are bigger still and have a separate lounge area. All rooms have marble shower rooms and come equipped with air-conditioning (individually regulated warm and cold), telephones, safety deposit boxes, mini-bars, satellite-TV (limited English-language channels), hairdryers, bathrobes and slippers.

Casa León Royal Retreat is the creation of a family from Germany, who set out to create the ultimate relaxing retreat and who - together with their small, dedicated team - strive to ensure that guests return thoroughly refreshed and invigorated. Those simply wishing to unwind in peaceful and scenic surroundings will naturally gravitate towards the infinity swimming pool, the Jacuzzi and the sun terrace that surrounds them, or to one of the more private corners that are tucked away within the flower-filled, terraced gardens. There is also a sauna, and the hotel can arrange a selection of massage and beauty treatments, which are payable locally and should be booked in advance.

Those who enjoy a more active holiday will also be in their element: the hotel's mountainous surroundings are begging to be explored on foot or on two wheels, and guests are welcome to borrow Casa León's Nordic Walking poles or mountain bikes and helmets for an extra fee. Golf enthusiasts will find five golf courses within easy driving distance, and discounted green fees can be arranged through the hotel. Back at base, you will find a fitness room with cardiovascular and resistance equipment, a clay tennis court, table tennis, pool table, shuffleboard and boules courts and giant chess, and a daily programme of gentle activities, such as aqua aerobics or callisthenics, is offered subject to sufficient demand. An extended programme of activities (yoga, breathing, meditation, core and more) is included with your stay. A personal training session can be booked at an additional cost with the hotel's specialised team.

Eating well is considered an essential part of well-being at Casa León Royal Retreat, and the hotel's chef places great emphasis on the use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and recipes drawing on the region's culinary traditions. Days start with an extensive buffet breakfast that incorporates both healthy choices and more indulgent options, whilst dinner is usually a four-course affair served at the table, with occasional themed evenings such as outdoor barbecues. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets can be catered for; please advise us at the time of booking if you have any special dietary requirements. After dinner, you can enjoy a night-cap from the hotel's bar, or perhaps a relaxing herbal tea by the fireplace.

Due to Casa León Royal Retreat's rural location, we feel that most guests would wish to have their own transport here, and have therefore included a hire car in our holiday prices. For those who are simply looking for a very relaxing break and prefer not to drive on holiday, we can also provide a quote with private airport transfers instead of car hire. Casa León Royal Retreat does provide a complimentary minibus transfer to the beach, subject to availability, but for any other outings those without a hire car would rely on taxis.

Please note that Casa León Royal Retreat normally applies a minimum age of 12 years, although for certain dates during school holidays, families with younger children may be accommodated on request.