Boutique Chic At César Lanzarote – Review

3 months ago

A new homely, boho chic spot

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The newest hotel on the Lanzarote block, César Lanzarote is all about modern Canarian bling. Before it became a school, the hotel began life as the former home of Gumersindo Manrique, father of the island’s famous painter and sculptor César. And naturally, small odes to both run throughout. Luke Abrahams checks in.

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Hotel Review: César Lanzarote

STAY

All the aesthetics, at first, are a little confusing – but in an eclectic, fun kind of way. Numa Signature hotels alum interior designer Virginia Nieto is the woman behind it all. On the outside, César looks like your traditional whitewashed Spanish finca, but the inside tells a very different story. The central courtyard is more traditional Moroccan riad meets Tulum pad than it is quintessentially demure Lanzarote home. Think giant woven chandeliers, volcanic lava walls, mammoth poofs and long rugs that snake towards the grand staircase. Shades of green and white fill the spaces, along with a spectrum of natural stone, wood and linens flecked by art pieces and ceramics. Solar panels generate much of the energy used throughout César, and there’s also a well-hidden desalination plant that supplies the hotel’s hefty water needs so its impact does not affect the locals.

The rooms are all different and face either the volcanoes of Timanfaya National Park or the sea. The concept of the place is ‘a home’. It’s hardly groundbreaking, but the layout is considered in such a way that you are actively encouraged to mingle with your fellow guests: sunbeds are stretched out with little privacy and all routes lead to the groovy communal pool. Industrial chic best sums up the look and feel of the bathrooms, which come complete with tubs and walk in showers (and oddly glam Zara apparel). High 400 thread count beds are big and comfortable and, depending on which room you are in, are crowned by natural tones of bamboo or kaleidoscopic patterns.

EAT

Dinner here is a highlight. Juanjo López, of Madrid-based restaurant La Tasquita de Enfrente fame, is the culinary whizz who oversees César’s gastronomic offering, alongside executive resort chef Alejandro Martín. The sea reigns supreme on the menu. The catch of the day is worth it in any shape or form, as are the calorific Lanzarote-style potatoes, the suckling pig and all the fruits of the Med, from freshly caught mussels to prawns and scallops.

Some herbs and veggies are grown on estate gardens, and none use herbicides or chemicals, and instead only organic fertilisers. Locality also rules the wine list with a host of natural wines made by small producers. Advice: let the sommelier suggest according to your palette as the list is quite lengthy. A word of warning: the menu is pricey in comparison to other good local hangouts, so dine here for a special occasion.

DO

Timanfaya National Park is virtually on your doorstep. Drive at your own pace, especially at sunrise and sunset, for the most stellar views of the island and Atlantic. The team are also great at suggesting local haunts worth visiting across the island, from the vibrant town of Teguise to the local rock pools and more.

THE FINAL WORD

Stylish and considered, César works best as a retreat for couples looking for a spot of R&R or a playful weekend (wink, wink). It’s boutique chic done right and, with buckets of potential, as it grows into its homely vision, the more fruitful and realised it will become.