Finca Malvasia

Laid-back luxury in these chic white cottages hiding between the volcanic cones of Lanzarote's interior (each sleeps 2-5)

When Tarnya and Richard warned me that their rural hideaway was off the beaten track, they weren’t exaggerating. Four self-contained cottages form an L-shape around a sparkling, solar-heated pool, surrounded by nothing but fields of black volcanic ash dotted with vines. This young, enthusiastic pair have created an amazing oasis of tall green cacti, jelly palms, bright pink bougainvillea and clean white walls. Built in the style of the island's famous designer, Cesar Manrique, the 1 and 2 bedroomed cottages are a distinctive blend of rustic Canarian with funky retro touches.

Its isolation doesn't mean you need get bored. Stressed-out professionals can find solace in the on-site yoga hut, with spa treatments and massage also as options; young families can head to the beach less than 10km away; and walkers can hike right from their cottage on routes that criss-cross the region. Various tours can also be arranged, including mountain biking and wine tasting.

Highs

• Tumbleweed solitude; not a sound apart from the scratching of palm leaves on whitewashed walls
• Stylish decor and small personal touches; like a bottle of local wine on arrival, designer toiletries, Egyptian cotton bedlinen and DVD/CD players
• Young, on-the-ball owners successfully balancing an eagerness to please with a degree of discretion
• Beautiful pool area, surrounded by an assortment of sub-tropical flora
• Razor-sharp night skies due to near-zero light pollution
• Gourmet breakfast hampers and platters available (when ordered prior to arrival)

Lows

• The arrival along 1km of pitted dirt road leaves you shaken and stirred, but the real sense of solitude soon calms the nerves
• Some of the shower cubicles leave little room for movement without exfoliating your elbows on the volcanic stone walls
• Mobile telephony is notable for its absence, except for a weak signal on selected phone networks
• Those looking for a holiday based around neon nightlife should give it a miss
• You'll need to hire a car