The credentials:
So you didn’t know that Lanzarote had a posh bit? Well listen up, my friend, for I have discovered a swanky yachty enclave with fine dining on tap and endless views of the Atlantic at every turn. Yes, Puerto Calero’s palm-lined promenade and pristine marina have all of the ingredients of a West London Living love affair; great weather, stunning views, fancy restaurants and designer shops. So say ‘hola’ to short-haul winter sun.
Sleep:
Villa Estebana is a modern three-bedroom villa from the Oliver’s Travels portfolio. Residing on a quiet spot above the main promenade, just a short stroll from the marina, the modern property boasts a private pool and endless views of the ocean.
The glass-fronted property takes full advantage of its setting, with the main living area opening out on to a neat sun terrace and private pool, all with uninterrupted Atlantic views. The master bedroom is also in on the act, with patio doors flooding the room with light and leading to a large balcony with panoramic views. With a discreet private gate allowing direct access to the seafront, it oozes exclusivity and makes you feel like a local VIP.
Dine:
This well-equipped villa has a full kitchen, but with countless al fresco restaurants bathed in sun and overlooking the yachts, frankly it would be rude to cook.
In the morning, head for a coffee at one of the marina’s many cafés and watch the boats head off for the day—you may even see the local yellow submarine do its thing. For lunch, you can’t beat a windswept walk along the cliffs to Playa Quemada. The sleepy fishing village has three seafood restaurants right on the ocean’s edge—all offer fantastic fresh catches and hearty paellas.
As evening descends hotfoot it to Amura. Located at the marina’s entrance, the elegant colonial-style property serves upscale Spanish cuisine with fantastic sunset views.
Who goes there?
Who doesn’t? The convenient location and baby-friendly amenities worked brilliantly for me with my young family. However, the great local dining and slick master bedroom would make it a winner for a relaxing romantic break… and the private sun terrace and pool would make it a great go-to villa for a girly week away too. Throw it a box and it will tick it. But all-night ravers need not enquire.
Out and about:
Forget your French Soles, you need a serious pair of boots to see the best of this island. Lose the crowds at the ten-a-penny waterparks and camel safaris and get trekking. Our daily hikes saw us thrown in to an unworldly array of landscapes; from vast dunes and volcanic craters to vertigo-inspiring ridges, unwavering cliffs and the Land of Fire’s iconic black sand beaches.
If hiking isn’t your thing, fear not, head to Timanfaya National Park to get a look at the impressive lava fields, dine at Mirador del Rio to get a bird’s eye view without having to climb a volcano and book lunch in El Golfo to get your black beach selfie with a side of freshly grilled lobster.
Lanzarote is also a mecca for art-lovers, with tributes to local artist (and hero) César Manrique visible at every turn. Literally—many of the island’s iconic roundabouts are decorated with his sculptures and wind statues. In fact, you can’t leave the airport without spotting one. Manrique has shaped the island you see today, from the properties that are built and the roundabouts that connect them, to the top attractions.
To understand more about the man himself, visit his home. Volcano House is built within a sea of lava. The lower storey is set around five natural volcanic bubbles, interconnected by lava tunnels. The dreamy property features an exhibition that includes works by Picasso and Saura, and very possibly the world’s most tranquil swimming pool.
The worst thing:
Being in a string of villas you are sometimes a little paranoid about making too much noise—or maybe I just told myself that to justify swanning around the marina sipping cava at every opportunity, hmmm.
The best thing:
Villa Estebana’s prize location and fantastic views give this property a real sense of exclusivity. Slipping through your private gate directly on to the picturesque promenade makes you feel like you have a VIP pass to the Monaco of Lanzarote.
