Just north of the iconic Timanfaya National Park, in a sleepy, unassuming, authentically Canarian village, is this beautifully converted 19th-century mini-estate. The white-washed house and outbuilding have been converted into 4 charming one-bedroom apartments and studios, plus a separate two-bedroom cottage within the old bodega (wine press). All are stylishly renovated, with nifty kitchenettes, restored antiques, potted palms and succulents spilling from every corner (hence the house's name); and - perhaps the trump card - a shared courtyard with pool and alfresco dining area. This is where guests tend to relax and socialise: swimming in the pool, cooking up a storm on the barbecue, and marvelling at the island’s rugged volcanic hills from the comfy loungers.
Although it feels a million miles from the bustling resorts of this small island, the house's central location means there are plenty of activities at your fingertips. The landscape has an extensive network of cycle routes (4 of which are on your doorstep), beaches are a short drive away, and you can explore the charred terrain on one of the many trekking and hiking tours available in the area. Grab your family or friends and embark on a few sun-warmed adventures - you'll soon be thankful for that notorious Lanzarote breeze!
Highs
- The studios are great for couples wanting a cosy, self-catering bolthole
- The two-bedroom cottage is perfect for a family, with a double and a twin bedroom, plus a private terrace
- There’s a handy store room with a wetsuit shower, bike racks and a washing machine
- We also enjoyed chilling out in the subterranean library and reading room, converted from an old aljibe (water tank)
- Well placed for cycling, trekking and surfing - the team can assist with arrangements
Lows
- Car hire is essential if you want to make the most of the island - the village is very quiet, with only two eateries and a supermarket
- Kitchenettes are equipped for light meals rather than feasts, and studio guests wanting to dine outdoors will have to use the communal dining table
- Be aware you'll be sharing the pool with guests of the other studios and apartments
- No kids allowed except in the cottage
- All the studios are double-bedded (no twins)
Best time to go
With almost perennial good weather, Lanzarote is a year-round destination. The winter months are the busiest as northern Europeans seeking sun flock to the island. If you are planning an active holiday, you might want to avoid the more extreme heat of July and August.
Our top tips
Be sure to pick up some aloe-vera beauty products. They’re a Canarian speciality and great for looking after sun-drenched skin. There are even a couple of museums dedicated to this spikey plant!
- Boutique Hotel
- 5 apartments for 2-4
- Self-catering; restaurants nearby
- Kids welcome in the cottage
- 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
Rooms
We stayed in the Balcony Apartment and loved it. Set on two levels around a central atrium with a large seating area, it works well for couples wanting a bit more space than the studios. It is stylishly decorated, with white-washed walls, exposed beams, a coffee table made from the original doors, crisp white bedding, fluffy towels and geometric print throws. There's a simple kitchenette, a raised double bedroom (with pretty little balcony), and a modern shower room behind frosted glass.
We also thought the Poolside Studio looked lovely for more sociable couples, with it's covered sit-out next to the pool. The Corner and Cuarto Studios are smaller, but have their own charm, and fine for a couple on a budget. Cuarto has a separate sunken sitting area (in addition to the main sitting room), and glass-topped eaves to compensate for the lack of windows; but it's worth noting that it is roadside so you may hear some traffic noise.
For families, the Wine Press Cottage is the perfect option. Set across the courtyard from the main building, it has a double bedroom, a twin bedroom, 2 shower rooms and more privacy thanks to its terrace with sunloungers and a dining table.
Features include:
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
Each apartment or studio has a kitchenette and simple indoor dining area; some also have their own outdoor dining space, while others share a communal poolside table and BBQ - perfect for those warm evenings. Compact kitchenettes have all you need to prepare light summer meals: a 2-ring induction hob, microwave (but no conventional oven), fridge (no freezer), toaster and kettle, plenty of crockery and utensils (salad bowls, bread boards, wine glasses), plus herbal teas and a Nespresso machine.
The village supermarket has a great selection of fruit and veg, cheeses, and a bakery for fresh bread; we were really tempted by the impressive butcher’s counter, which got our minds racing with BBQ ideas. There were also plenty of home-grown products on offer. On Sundays there is a small but popular farmers’ market in Mancha Blanca (a 10-minute drive), selling fruit, veg, bread and cheese; wander from stall to stall and, if you’re feeling indecisive, sample the local wines, liquors and chutneys before you buy!
If you would prefer to eat out, the Canarian grill house, El Tenique, across the road offers decent meats (goat stew, suckling pig), some seafood and traditional mojos and fried cheeses. For something more special, head to the Italian Casa Morelino on the edge of the village (10 mins' walk): the spaghetti with prawns and mussels, the wagyu beef and the tiramisu all get big thumbs up, and the pizzas are tasty too. Expect grilled fish (the bocinegro comes recommended), pork fillet or pulled pork roll, lamb or veggie tagines, maybe zamburiñas (Galacian scallops), a duck confit burger or a colourful salad.
Features include:
- Coffee maker
- Communal dining
- Fridge
- Hob or stove
- Kitchenette
- Microwave
- Restaurants nearby
- Toaster
Activities
- Trek across the lunar landscape of Timanfaya National Park and explore other unspoilt rural areas of the island on a walking tour
- Head to surfer’s paradise La Santa to make the most of some of the best waves in Europe, or join the surf school at sandy Famara beach - stay for sunset if you can
- Explore the island by bike, taking advantage of the 4 cycle routes which pass through the village
- Feel like a Bond villain as you admire the stunning panoramic views and incredible architecture of Mirador del Río - a lookout point and restaurant at the northern tip of the island
- Visit the otherworldly caves and pools at Jameos del Agua, located at the end of the world’s longest lava flow. It’s also home to the only blind albino crabs in the world!
- Sample local wines in the nearby wine region La Geria - take a vineyard tour to learn about the unusual practices involved in growing vines in a seemingly inhospitable terrain
- Don’t miss the island’s largest market in Teguise (every Sunday): artisan goods and aloe vera products galore
- Set sail for the unspoilt beaches and crystal-clear waters of the smallest of the inhabited Canary Islands, La Graciosa
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Cycling
- Golf
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Museums / galleries
- Plantlife / flora
- Private guided tours
- Shopping / markets
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Trekking
- Windsurfing
- Wine tasting
Kids
Children are welcome in the Wine Press Cottage, which sleeps a family of 4 in comfort - it has a master double bedroom, a twin room, two bathrooms and its own terrace. Children are not allowed in the main building (with the 4 studios).
Best for:
Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Cots Available, Family Rooms
Baby equipment:
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The Botanical House is set just off the main road running through the village of Tiagua, in central Lanzarote.
By Air:
Lanzarote’s airport, Arrecife (17km away), is served by a wide range of scheduled and budget flights.
From the Airport
It's an easy 25-minute journey from the airport; you could take a taxi, but most guests hire a car and drive. Although the village does have a supermarket and a simple restaurant, you'll feel pretty stuck without a car (see our car rental recommendations).
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Lanzarote Arrecife 17.0 km ACE
Other:
- Beach 11.0 km
- Shops 0.4 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km