Hotel Balneario Pozo de la Salud

The tiny settlement of Pozo de la Salud (literally translated Well of Health) at the western end of El Hierro's north coast has grown around a spring reputed to cure all manners of ills. In recent years, there has been some debate questioning the health-giving properties of the spring's salty waters, but what is surely beyond question is the relaxing effect that a stay in this utterly tranquil and scenic setting would have on even the most stressed-out mind.

Originally built for those seeking to take the waters, the Hotel Balneario Pozo de la Salud is a handsome two-storey building set right on the shore. Completely renovated in 2011, it now provides what is arguably the most stylish accommodation on the island, and the closest thing to a boutique hotel that El Hierro has to offer. Whilst not huge, the 22 guestrooms are very attractively furnished and decorated, and the en-suite bathrooms have been thoroughly modernised. In-room facilities include mini-bars, flat-screen TVs, hairdryers and hospitality trays with a kettle for making tea or coffee. Safety-deposit boxes are available at reception. The ground-floor rooms have terraces whilst those on the upper floor have full-length patio doors opening onto Juliet-balcony-style railings. Half the rooms offer uninterrupted ocean views; the others face south and have views of the swimming pool and the mountains.

Sheltered from the coastal winds, the large swimming pool is certainly the place to spend sunny afternoons, but needless to say it would be a shame to come all the way to El Hierro and not explore the island in full. A hire car is included in your holiday o help you tour other parts of the island, but keen walkers will also find some interesting terrain on their doorstep. The whitewashed village of Sabinosa, perched atop a steep volcano, is approximately 4 km away, whilst a ramble along the coast takes you to Arenas Blancas, a patch of white sand that appears to have been misplaced amongst the jet-black lava fields that surround it.

A wholesome breakfast sets you up for the day's activities, and should your muscles ache when you return from a long hike, the hotel's small spa complex is just the thing, with a Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, as well as a range of treatments (pre-bookable locally, additional charges apply). Once suitable refreshed and relaxed, dinner in the hotel's restaurant, followed by a drink in the bar, is the perfect way to round off your day before retreating to your comfortable guestroom and letting the sounds of the ocean lull you to sleep.