Step into the architectural marvel of La Oliva Hideaway and you could be forgiven for thinking you’d walked onto the pages of an exclusive magazine shoot. Not surprising as its architect Néstor Pérez Batista has masterfully designed two distinct spaces that seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings.
La Oliva Hideaway is situated in northern Fuerteventura, in the centre of the Spanish town with which it shares its name. A completely renovated 19th-century house, once home to a well-connected local family, it comprises two self-catering units created from the bones of the former theatre and original casa. Each is a blend of tradition, modernity, and avant-garde design, paying homage to the island's heritage with local materials such as stone, wood, clay, lime, and glass. The two units, which can be rented separately or together, are separated by a long, square shared pool. Minimalism prevails throughout, with a focus on clean lines and simple aesthetics to create a feeling of calmness. Rooms are bathed in natural light, creating an ambiance of transparency and spaciousness, and the design blurs the boundaries between the interior and exterior. This grown-up haven is an idyllic destination from which to embrace the slow movement, disconnect from the world, and immerse yourself in the lunar beauty of this island's surreal landscape.
Highs
- There’s a concierge service that delivers breakfast and can arrange anything from day trips, massages, hiking/biking tours or any other requirements
- The gorgeous pool is large enough for laps. It is shared between the two units but if you rent both properties, it’s all yours
- The design details and decor throughout is a thing of wonder
- Sustainability is a priority – 100% solar energy, LED lighting, effective waste management, organic products for breakfast, and water-saving showers
- Fuerteventura itself, one of the lesser visited Canary Islands despite its size, has the best beaches in the archipelago, a mild climate and a volcanic interior; it's a great destination for sunshine, hiking and watersports
Lows
- Unless you want to rely on taxis, a car is must if you want explore the rest of the island
- Adults only so not suitable for families
- The beds cannot be configured as twins
- Both units face each other across the pool, you'll be sharing this space to some extent with your neighbours
- If you're not a fan of minimalism this isn't the place for you
Best time to go
Due to its proximity to Africa, Fuerteventura is fairly sunny and hot throughout the year. It's warmest between July and September, with average temperatures of at least 28º. April to June and September/October are slightly cooler, and winters are mild with temperatures in the teens. However, the island itself is often buffeted by winds – which makes it great for watersports but sometimes less ideal for beach sunbathing.
Our top tips
If you have the chance, a full moon hike at the Calderon Hondo Volcano in nearby Lajares is definitely worth staying up for. Climb to the top of the volcano to watch the sun set on the west and then turn around to watch the moon rise in the east. It’s a relatively easy three-hour hike with stops along the way, and you also get some archaeology, astronomy and Canarian culture lessons thrown in.
- Design Pads
- 2 units for 2
- Self-catering, breakfast provided
- Over 16s only
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car essential
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Laundry Service
Rooms
La Oliva comprises two units, each offering a distinct experience.
Unit 1, once a performance space inside the original building, accommodates two people, and has a kitchen-dining room, spacious living area, bedroom, dressing room and bathroom with a rain shower. It also has a circular bath in the bedroom. Clean lines, whitewashed walls and floors and square picture windows overlooking the courtyard give a feeling of space and airiness, yet the oversized sofa, mood lighting and curtain around the bed add a touch of intimacy and cosiness in the evenings.
Unit 2, also for two, features a bedroom, large dressing room, kitchen-dining area, and a captivating living room with a bathroom showcasing a rain shower over a beautiful square bath. Formerly the original 19th-century residence, if anything, it is even more minimalist, an open-plan symphony of whitewashed stone walls and flooring with huge double bathroom basins.
Each unit also features satellite TV, WiFi, a fridge-freezer, kitchen (with oven and hob), a coffee maker, toaster and dishwasher. Toiletries, bathrobes, pool and beach towels are also provided.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Safe box
- Satellite TV
- Toiletries
- WiFi
Eating
À la carte and continental breakfast options with fresh pastries, fruits and juice are available each morning, delivered at a time of your choosing. A menu is provided the day before for you to order from. You'll find oil, vinegar, salt, sugar and water provided in your sleek fully-equipped kitchen. For everything else, you’ll have to go to shops in La Oliva. There's a mini market a 5-minute walk away, and a supermarket 15 minutes' walk away. Unit 1's dining table seats up to eight and faces the lap pool and olive tree, while the table in Unit 2 seats up to six, part of an open-plan kitchen-living room space.
Luckily the town boasts a diverse array of dining options, and you get a list of restaurants to choose from; two are within a 15-minute walk. Traditional Canarian restaurants, known as guachinches, serve homestyle dishes in cosy and welcoming settings. There are also plenty of cafes, and the streets are bustling with vendors offering freshly grilled seafood and savoury empanadas. In fact, seafood takes centre stage with most dishes incorporating locally caught fish and octopus. Goat also features strongly on the menus (goat or kid stew, baked goat, fried kid), while mojo sauce, a vibrant and aromatic condiment made with garlic, peppers, and local spices, is a staple accompaniment. Many dishes also incorporate gofio, a toasted grain flour grown locally in the volcanic soil, and the traditional goats cheese, known as queso majorero, which has a very creamy and distinctive taste.
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Coffee maker
- Dishwasher
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Oven
- Restaurants nearby
- Toaster
Activities
- La Oliva village is centrally located in the north half of the island, near small towns such as Lajares (useful starting point for Hondo Volcano), El Cotillo (for west coast beaches) and Tindaya
- There are beaches galore – Playa del Jablito, Chinchorro Beach, Playa del Aguila Beach and Playa de Esquinzo are all within a 15-minute drive
- An excursion to Tindaya Sacred Mountain is also recommended. The volcano is the site of a major archeological dig, funeral caves, cave paintings and star gazing platforms
- History buffs should check out the Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de las Candelaria bell tower, the Casa del Inglés, and La Casa de la Cilla
- There is surfing of every sort, fishing, dolphin-watching tours, kayaking and snorkelling. A catamaran tour of the island is also highly recommended
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Dolphin watching
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Kayaking
- Kitesurfing
- Sailing
- Shopping / markets
- Snorkelling
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
Location
La Oliva Hideaway is located in the town of La Oliva in northern Fuerteventura, which is the second largest of the Canary Islands.
By Air:
Fly in to Aeropuerto de Fuerteventura, which is around 27km away.
From the Airport:
Taxis are available at the airport and cost around GBP25-35 one way. Car rental is widely available although it is advised to book ahead. See our car rental recommendations. There’s also a good value public bus service, but that can take up to 1hr 40 mins.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Fuerteventura aka El Matorral Airport 26.6 km FUE
Other:
- Beach 16.0 km
- Shops 0.3 km
- Restaurant 1.9 km