Parador de La Palma

Founded by the Spanish government in the 1920s to enable travellers to explore the country's natural and cultural treasures in comfort and style, the Paradores of Spain have become a national institution, renowned for their high standards and unique ambience. Many are located in restored historic buildings; others are situated in areas of great natural beauty and designed to reflect the architectural traditions of their environment. La Palma's Parador falls into the latter category. Opened in 1999, it enjoys an elevated position in the district of Breña Baja, with panoramic views down to the ocean and to the nearby island capital, Santa Cruz. On a clear day, you can even spot the neighbouring islands of La Gomera and Tenerife from here.

The hotel comprises 78 guestrooms arranged in three low-rise wings around an enchanting central courtyard. Beautifully furnished and decorated, they offer some of the most comfortable accommodation to be found on the island, and all the facilities you would expect to find in a four-star hotel, including air-conditioning, satellite TV and minibars. In addition to well-appointed en suite bathrooms, each room also has a terrace or balcony with at least a partial view of the ocean.

Within the well-maintained gardens that surround the hotel, you will find an enticing swimming pool, which is sheltered from the occasional winds by a hedgerow of cypress trees. Other facilities include a small gym and a sauna - perfect for soothing tired muscles after a long country walk. The nearest village, San Antonio, is little more than a kilometre away and has a couple of simple eateries and shops, but for a wider range of options, Santa Cruz is 8km away - a journey of about 15 minutes using the hire car that is included in your holiday. Closer still - approximately 5 km - is the resort of Playa de los Cancajos with its black sand beach, which also boasts a handful of restaurants.

Many guests, however, choose to return to base in the evenings, for the Parador's restaurant enjoys a reputation for offering some of the finest cuisine on the island, with a strong emphasis on traditional Canarian recipes. After dinner, you can enjoy a nightcap in the cosy bar, or on the terrace, from where you can gaze at the twinkling lights of Santa Cruz in the bay down below. For those seeking a comfortable, stylish hotel as their base from which to explore the stunning scenery of this unspoilt island, the Parador de La Palma is unrivalled.