Hotel La Palma Romantica

Standing in pretty subtropical gardens, and surrounded by ancient laurisilva forest and splendid mountain scenery, this well-established hotel offers comfortable accommodation, good food and a very relaxed, personal atmosphere. Its location in the north-east of the island, approximately 1 km from the small village of Barlovento, means that it is best suited to keen walkers and nature-lovers rather than sun-worshippers or beach-babes, but with its leisure facilities, including a heated indoor pool and small spa area, and its warm and welcoming public areas, it will also appeal to those who simply with to relax in peaceful and unspoilt surroundings.

Opened in 1985, the hotel was designed to reflect the island's typical architecture, with pan-tiled roofs, wooden balconies and lava stone arches. The 40 guestrooms are furnished in traditional style and are equipped with central heating, satellite TV (limited English-language channels), mini-bar, telephone and safety deposit boxes (local charge applies). Each has an en-suite bathroom with hairdryer, and a balcony or terrace with lovely mountain or ocean views on clear days. Junior Suites are more spacious and have a sitting area, whilst for those who would like a little more space and privacy there are three bungalow suites arranged in a single-storey terrace in the grounds, each with a double bedroom and a separate lounge area with a fireplace, as well as a Jacuzzi bath.

The public areas are just as homely and include a rustic lounge-bar with an open fireplace, a bright and airy conservatory and a charming restaurant. In the mornings, a wholesome buffet breakfast is laid out here and for those guests choosing the half board option there is a table d'hôte menu in the evenings with two alternatives for each course. For those who prefer the flexibility of the B&B option in order to occasionally try out the simple local eateries in Barlovento (or to venture further afield using the hire car included in our packages), there is also an à-la-carte menu featuring both Canarian specialities and more international options.

In addition to the hotel's outdoor pool, there is an indoor pool which is heated to a temperature of approximately 26 degrees C in the winter. The adjacent spa area includes a Jacuzzi and small gym, which are free to use, whilst a small charge applies for the use of the sauna and steam-room, as well as for massage treatments. Other diversions include a tennis court (local charge) and table tennis, but the most popular activity is undoubtedly hiking, with some of the island's most rewarding terrain practically on your doorstep. The nature reserve of Los Tilos and the "Enchanted Forest" at Cubo de Galga are both around 15 minutes' drive away, and for those who prefer to walk in company, a number of guided walks can also be arranged from here. For those who wish to swim in the sea, the natural pools of La Fajana are a short drive away, as it the volcanic beach at Puerto Espinola. For a change of pace, you can reach the island capital, Santa Cruz, with its historic town centre in around 45 minutes by car.