Buenavista Lanzarote Is A Glossy & Secluded Eco-Retreat

There’s something intrinsically liberating about wastelands. Forged from the fires of hell, says legend, virgins to Lanzarote’s scorched isle will get a taster of what our planet once looked like when it first formed billions of years ago: a barren, charred, volcanic wilderness. This jewel of a landscape is the undulating home of Buenavista Country Suites Lanzarote, a five-room boutique hideaway built into Le Geria’s vine growing lava fields. Uniquely original in design and expertly creative, it’s one of the few genuinely eco-conscious retreats Lanzarote has conjured up over the years.

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Hotel Review: Buenavista Lanzarote

STAY

From the road, the lodge looks more like a traditional country house, but owners Gonzalez and Mayca have created something much different. Working with countless local artisans and island-based architect Néstor Pérez Batista, the low-lying former warehouse rises up from the sun-scorched ground in an almost space station like fashion. Between the suites and main house (where Gonzalez and Mayca live) a boardwalk fringed by wildflowers, shrubs and vines leads to the Ashland directly facing the boundaries of Timanfaya National Park, home to the island’s last remaining active volcano.

Location wise, Buenavista is a real treat. Though it’s not far from the main road, secluded bliss really is the main vibe here. In between the estate’s vineyards, the El Cuervo, Montaña Roja and Montaña Blanca volcanoes are quite literally footsteps away, and the nearest town of Tías (great for local bites) is a five-minute drive west.

Do not go here in search of a mass of conscripted concierge must-dos, though. While both Gonzalez and Mayca are beacons of wisdom (they will happily recommend their favourite local bars and restaurants), their laidback attitude to life will encourage you to just stay put and enjoy the quiet. If boredom does ensue, open-air yoga sessions and massages can be arranged and, if you ask, the team will happily show you around the vineyard to get a taste of their homegrown organic malvasía wine.

Casa Gonzalo

The suites themselves are demi concrete palaces with sweeping ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass windows that spy views of the surrounding mountains. Natural light is a key fixture throughout with colourful prisms shooting across the spaces come sunrise and sunset. Polished walls feature original artworks and canvasses, many the work of native, bold painters and photographers, alongside antique furniture sourced across the Canaries.

The most photogenic feature? Sunken tubs and showers overlook the volcanoscape from windows hewn from crystal. It’s all very boho chic, and in the most imaginative, crafty and fashionable way possible. To add even more to its appeal, all the water is reused on property, solar power fuels all the spaces and single use plastics (including in the bathroom) have been abolished.

Breakfast

EAT

There’s no restaurant here. Instead, each suite comes with its own little kitchen stocked with pans, cutlery, plates and all the other utensils you’ll need. For a small buck, the minibar is well worth a potter to sample local wines and craft beers.

Breakfast, hand delivered anytime up until 10.30 AM, is a very local and organic affair. While small, it delivers a nourishing artisanal boost. Expect homemade jams, marmalades, breads, smoked Uga salmon, a selection of Lanzarote cheeses and estate eggs served on hand painted crockery by a local artist.

DO

Because it’s so close to the National Park, it’s worth planning an early day drip to see all the fruits of Timanfaya. Drive at your own pace, especially at sunrise, and come any hill, rush out of the car to catch a glimpse of our solar system’s glorious celestial orb rising out from the ocean. Buenavista is also close to the island’s natural rock pools (perhaps the most local thing you can do on the island) so it’s well worth taking an advantage of the easy breezy drive while you are here, too.

THE FINAL WORD

Buenavista is a grand schooling in everything a boutique hotel should be: eco-conscious, locally attuned, slick, tasteful and deeply personal. This is a place to get lost in rather than be seen in, and that’s very much part of its glossy, secluded appeal.

BOOK IT

Visit buenavistalanzarote.es to learn more and to book.

Luke’s return flights had a carbon footprint of 1227.8 kg CO2e. ecollectivecarbon.com