Casa Tomaren

Seven rustic houses (each sleeping 2-8) with Bohemian overtones make up this cosy converted farm in the heart of Lanzarote.

Isolation can be a splendid thing - when you can find it. By the time I had squeezed my car down the third narrow county lane looking for Casa Tomaren I was ready for a bit of winding down. Thankfully that's what Casa Tomaren specialises in. Owner Damian Hidalgo's rural accommodation is all about contemplation, meditation and relaxation.

The 7 houses are individually furnished with a mix of Canarian, Moroccan and Indonesian artefacts. Earthy tones abound, from the washed ochre walls to the terracotta floor tiling. Breakfast is the only concession to serviced dining but all the houses have fully-equipped kitchens for DIY meals. Alternative health and wellness play a big part of life at Casa Tomaren - for those who choose to participate: yoga classes are held regularly, massages and reiki are also offered. Other pursuits include trekking, biking, wine tours and anything ocean-related - surfing, sailing, diving. Or you could just loll around in the hammocks next to the gorgeous swimming pool and do absolutely nothing.

Highs

• A post-apocalyptic silence; even the birds seem to sing in hushed whispers
• Free WiFi throughout, just in case you need to check the pulse of the outside world
• A feeling of ownership; you're very much left to your own devices. This can also be one of the downfalls...
• The magnificent swimming pool: turquoise waters with tropical shading in a secluded volcanic sinkhole
• The lush gardens: a wealth of exotic colour bursts forth from the black, volcanic-ash earth
• Magnificent sunrises and amazing landscapes
• Central location, easy drive to the coast or volcanic areas

Lows

• Lack of signage both on the main road and within the grounds; it took a bit of trial and error to find and then locate the 'reception'
• A welcome pack of basic foodstuffs, such as coffee, tea and milk, wouldn't have gone amiss
• No restaurants within easy distance - the nearest is a good 10 minutes' walk away - and lunch and dinner are only available on request with 24 hrs notice
• The abandonment: once you've been shown to your house you're pretty much left on your own
• No info on local services and facilities available in the houses - though, since our visit, an extra English speaker (besides Damian) has been appointed to help plan your day