La Casona de Yaiza

A classy country-house conversion with a superb restaurant, fringing the pretty interior village, Yaiza, plus self-catering villas for 2-6

Positioned at the very edge of Yaiza, a whitewashed village of utter inertia in Lanzarote’s wild interior, La Casona de Yaiza is a converted country house catering to outdoorsy types. It offers a stylish base with comfortable facilities, in an attractive rural setting. Owned by the same proprietor as nearby Casa de Hilario, it sets itself a couple of marks higher when it comes to spaciousness and décor - and the restaurant is a real treasure, lauded by some as the best on the island.

Inside, the hotel weaves a touch of elegance into the ‘walker’s guesthouse’ feel, with dashes of Italian Renaissance art and Sunday-best furniture. The 8 rooms and suites feature ceiling frescoes and gaily daubed headboards. Some have free-standing bathtubs; all have nice ensuite bathrooms. Aside from tramping up and down volcanoes, activities such as mountain biking, horse riding and sailing can all be arranged by the owner. Closer to home, guests can make use of the outdoor pool or delve deep into the cellar art gallery.

Highs

• Without doubt, the standard of food and ambiance of the restaurant is a star attraction
• The grotto-like gallery in the cellar is a great hideaway to chill with glass of wine
• Owner Jose makes it his personal mission to arrange any imaginable activity desired (within reason!)
• The village of Yaiza is one of the prettiest on the island and its heart is just a short walk away
• There are also contemporary self-catering villas for 2-6 in Yaiza, each with a private pool; perfect for families

Lows

• Trying to find a member of staff can be a challenge - you'll be left to your own devices
• A row of unfinished houses next door provides an unsightly welcome
• The thick stone walls restrict WiFi access to just the public areas
• Wooden floors means noise really travels