Hotel Hacienda de Abajo

Situated in the traditional village of Tazacorte on the sunnier west side of La Palma, the Hacienda de Abajo is so extraordinary that the Canarian government devised an entire new classification to do it justice. It is the archipelago's first "Emblematic Hotel", a rating reserved exclusively for hotels whose construction constitutes an integral part of the historic heritage of the Canary Islands. The hotel's main building, known as the Casa Principal de Tazacorte, was built in the 17th century by a noble family from Galicia, whose business interests stretched from Flanders to the West Indies. Lovingly restored by the descendents of the original owners, the Hacienda de Abajo is not so much a hotel, as the manifestation of a family's commitment to preserving and sharing a refined lifestyle, of which hospitality is an integral part. The owners' outstanding collection of art and antiques is displayed throughout the hotel, and although of recent construction, the two wings containing the majority of the guest accommodation were designed to reflect the estate's traditional architecture and to blend harmoniously into the lush tropical gardens that surround them.

The Hotel Hacienda de Abajo comprises 32 guestrooms, all of which are individually furnished and decorated, offering the perfect blend of historic style and modern comfort. All are equipped with heating and air-conditioning, satellite TV, mini-bars (complimentary soft drinks and water replenished once a day), safety deposit boxes, telephone systems with connection for mp3 players, and free internet access via cable (with optional WiFi booster). The lavishly appointed en-suite bathrooms come complete with heated towel rails, hairdryers and magnifying mirrors, and many have bathtubs and separate walk-in showers.

Superior Rooms are approx. 38 m² and enjoy views of the gardens or banana plantation through their windows, whilst Premium Rooms have their own balconies or terraces, and are between 32 and 45 m² in size. Being situated in the historic Casa Principal, the three Junior Suites (39 to 50 m², previously knows as Deluxe Rooms) benefit from the original tea wood floors and ceilings and have particularly opulent bathrooms with free-standing bathtubs and separate rain showers, but do not have balconies or terraces. On the upper floor of the Casa Principal, the 74-m² Suite has an 18th-century Catalan bed, a separate living room and a wide balcony with magnificent views towards the Atlantic. The Junior Suites and the Suite also include Nespresso coffee machines. There is also a surprisingly good value "Roulette Room" option, where guests will be allocated at least a Premium Room but may in some cases be upgraded to a Junior Suite or Suite.

Days at the Hacienda de Abajo start with a wholesome buffet breakfast, whilst for those choosing the half-board option, a four-course table d'hôte dinner, with a choice of main course, is served in the elegant restaurant, El Sitio. An à la carte menu is also available at lunchtime and in the evenings.

Those primarily in search of relaxation will enjoy the heatable outdoor pool set amidst the lush gardens, and the small spa area with its sauna, whirlpool and hydromassage showers. A wide range of beauty and massage treatments can be arranged at an additional charge. To ensure the peaceful ambience, the hotel does not accept children under 16 years of age.

The more actively minded will find some lovely country walks close by amidst the extensive banana plantations. Those keen to explore further afield at their own pace should take advantage of our reduced car hire rates, but for those who prefer not to drive a hire car is not essential, as it is just a short stroll to the nearest bus stop, from where an hourly service runs to the authentic inland town of Los Llanos de Aridane (6 km away) and to the fishing village and volcanic beach of Puerto de Tazacorte, which is less than 2 km away, and thus accessible even on foot for those not deterred by the steep uphill walk on the way back.