La Hacienda de Buen Suceso

Peacefully situated amidst 500,000 sqm of lush banana plantations on one of the oldest country estates in the Canary Islands, La Hacienda del Buen Suceso will appeal to travellers who seek to divide their time between relaxing in rural surroundings and exploring the historic towns of northern Gran Canaria. Dating from the 16th century, it is hard to believe that this handsome old building was formerly used for such mundane a purpose as to dry corn and coffee beans, but its conversion into a small hotel by the Marquesa of Arucas in 1997 has fully restored its original grace and grandeur, with its wide stone arches and carved wooden balustrades lending a distinct colonial charm.

Spread over the ground and upper floor, the 13 guestrooms and 5 junior suites are all different, each furnished and decorated individually but all combining traditional character with contemporary comfort. Naturally, all have en-suite bath or shower rooms with hairdryers, as well as a mini-bar and satellite TV (limited English-language channels). Some have four-poster beds.

The public areas are just as welcoming, with various comfortably furnished covered terraces inviting you to enjoy lazy afternoons, and a spacious public lounge with an open fireplace providing an appealing venue for mingling with your fellow guests in the evening. Lovely country views can be enjoyed from the outdoor swimming pool (which can be heated depending on the season), whilst indoors there is a Jacuzzi and a small fitness room. The hotel's restaurant, El Alpende, is atmospherically set in what was once the old stables, but please note that it is currently only open for breakfast.

The nearby town of Arucas is the third-largest on the island and widely considered to be one of the most interesting, with its impressive cathedral San Juan Bautista and its formal gardens being the key attractions. Just a short drive away are the mineral springs of Firgas, the local beach of El Puertillo, and the picturesque town of Teror, whilst for the occasional complete change of pace, the busy capital Las Palmas is just 17km away.