You’ll find yourself feeling calm and tranquil the moment you arrive at Barceló Teguise Beach, an adult-only hotel. And while Lanzarote has good weather more or less guaranteed all year round, this is an ideal destination for a long weekend of wellbeing and me-time. Situated in the little town of Teguise, once the original capital of Lanzarote, handsome colonial mansions line the cobbled streets, which lead off the Plaza de San Miguel where there’s a busy market on Sundays.
After a warm and friendly welcome, along with a perfectly-timed cold glass of Cava, the helpful staff are proud to show you the ins and outs of the hotel while weaving the way to your room. Balinese-style beds sit invitingly next to the large infinity swimming pool, immediately tempting you to take a swim and stretch those limbs after your flight.
The rooms are bright, modern and well-equipped with complimentary fresh strawberries, chocolates, a beach bag and goodies. The hotel has hot tubs in most of the 305 rooms, either inside the room or on the terrace. A great place to soak under the night sky looking up at the stars.
There are three bars & restaurants to choose from depending on your mood; Atlantic buffet, divided into three themes, local Canadian cuisine, Asian and international, Breeze Gastro Pool Bar with a varied Mediterranean menu and sublime cocktails, and Champs sports bar for simple burger and fries.
Guests can indulge in the spa experience; a dynamic 35degree relaxation pool, sauna, steam bath, bi-thermal shower, aromatic shower and bucket shower. It’s worth booking your treatments ahead, with three treatment rooms; a beauty salon, a double room for couples and a single room. If you want to keep to your gym routine while you’re away there’s an outdoor fitness studio with cardiovascular and toning equipment so you don’t have to miss out on the fresh warm air.
The hotel is a convenient location for walking, cycling or try taking a segway along the seafront and the environment is perfect for scuba diving, surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, paddle surfing and sport fishing. You’ll also find different activities for nature lovers, such as trips on land and sea, as well as options to go hiking and all can be arranged through the hotel.
Take a tour across the spectacular volcanic moon-like landscapes, one of the key reasons the island was declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 1993 and was used as a training base for Nasa’s Apollo 17 crew. Take a pit-stop at the restaurant, El Diablo, situated on top of a volcano, with stunning far-reaching views of the island’s Timanfaya National Park. The food is cooked using the heat from the actual volcano and there’s a giant grill housed over one of the dormant volcano’s openings.
Beyond the roadside, the landscape is hand-tended. Donkeys still do the ploughing and local farmers have their own way of dealing with a land of volcanic ash and minimal rainfall, by the cultivation of grapes for Lanzarote wine, particularly in the La Geria region.The majority of the vineyards are at the centre of the island, La Geria and the wine is definitely worth sampling.
You’ll find Cesar Manrique’s art & architecture influence dotted across Lanzarote, his native island. His home is built into the boulders in a lava field andis now a foundation dedicated to his work. The ground floor is an exhibition space with works including Tàpies, Millares, Picasso and Saura, but it’s the view framed by the huge windows that draws the eye. Basalt steps lead down to a turquoise pool and five lava bubbles linked by passages in the volcanic rock.
Also worth a visit is Mirador Del Rio where you can enjoy uninterrupted breath-taking views across to La Gracios island. One of Cesar Manrique’s iconic architectural creations, camouflaged by layers of lava rock, you’ll find the cave-like chamber inside organic and peaceful while perusing the design perfection. Jameos del Agua is another of Manrique’s gems. An auditorium famous for its outstanding acoustics and a swimming pool created in one of the world’s largest volcanic tubes were you can meander at your leisure. Once filled with stalactites and a unique species of blind crab.
Rates at Barceló Teguise Beach for a Deluxe Room start from €137 per room, per night on a bed and breakfast basis.
For more information or to book visit: barceloteguisebeach.com
You can book flights to Lanzarote from Southend Airport (easily accessible by train from Liverpool Street Station)