Royal Marina Suites

Perched on the rocky shore above the entrance to Puerto Calero's yacht harbour, this highly-rated boutique hotel is perfect for guests wishing to relax in stylish and peaceful surroundings, with an excellent selection of local restaurants within easy walking distance. Conveniently situated in the centre of Lanzarote's south coast, approximately 4 km west of the larger town and resort of Puerto de Carmen, Puerto Calero is the island's smallest holiday resort. Its main focus is undoubtedly the attractively-designed marina, backed by a boulevard lined with a wide choice of eateries, some upmarket boutiques and a few other shops for your day-to-day needs. Apart from two larger but pleasantly low-rise hotels, Puerto Calero consists mainly of privately-owned villas and town houses, so unless you are fortunate enough to call one of the cliff-top villas your own, we'd say that the Royal Marina Suites are easily the most appealing place to stay here.

The 26 suites have an air of understated elegance, with their tasteful blue, white and cream décor, quality furnishings and a host of thoughtful touches. At approximately 45 square-metres, they are wonderfully spacious, and that's before you add the extensive private terraces that each suite enjoys, all equipped with a table and chair as well as a pair of sun-loungers, and each blessed with splendid views out to sea. Thanks to huge floor-to-ceiling windows and patio doors, the open-plan interiors benefit from the same views and comprise king-size or twin beds, a comfortable sofa and a desk. All are quipped with air-conditioning, TV, safety-deposit box, minibar, electric kettle, capsule coffee machine, free WiFi, hairdryer, bathrobes, slippers and pool towels. The large bathrooms are particularly impressive, boasting double washbasins, a free-standing bath-tub and a large round window to the rest of the suite so you can savour the views even from the walk-in rain-shower! Cachet Travel guests can choose from Ocean Suites on the first floor, and Royal Suites on the higher floors which in addition to their more elevated views offer perks such as complimentary soft drinks in the minibar and daily coffee capsule refills.

Thanks to the hotel's intimate size and its adults-only policy (minimum age 18 years), the public areas feel just as restful as the suites. Those simply seeking complete relaxation will find little need to drag themselves away from the pool area with its enticing infinity pool, separate hot-tub and array of comfortable sun-loungers. Whilst the hotel's entrance and reception are on the second floor, all other communal spaces are accessed directly from the pool area, including the light and airy breakfast area, the small exercise room and the cosy lounge area. Breakfast is included and combines a continental buffet with an à-la-carte menu of hot dishes that are cooked to order. Drinks are available from the pool-bar during the day, whilst light meals and snacks can be ordered at lunchtime.

For dinner or drinks in the evening, it is a 5-10 minute walk down to the marina via the private gate from the pool area to the clifftop footpath (the shortest route involves approximately 40 stairs but there is also a slightly longer, more gently shelving route); here you will find a good variety of restaurants catering to all tastes. As the coast around Puerto Calero is quite steep and rocky, the nearest sandy beaches suitable for sea-bathing are in Puerto del Carmen, where you will also find a much larger selection of shops, and some livelier nightlife (should you ever feel that way inclined). During the daytime, it is possible to walk along the coast to Puerto del Carmen in around an hour, although we would recommend suitable footwear as the path is slightly uneven in parts. Alternatively, there are regular buses to both Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca (Puerto Calero's bus stop is approximately 15 minutes' walk from the hotel), or you could treat yourself to a water-taxi from the marina! The bus to Playa Blanca passes though the inland villages of Uga and Yaiza, organised coach excursions to the island's main sights can be booked through the hotel and there are also various boat trips on offer at the marina, so a car isn't necessary to discover other parts of the island (although we can of course arrange car hire for those who wish to explore independently).

Whether you are primarily looking for a quiet and comfortable venue for blissful relaxation or a base from which to explore further afield, we are confident that you will be as impressed as we were by the Royal Marina Suites' excellent standard of accommodation, beautiful views and wonderfully personal ambience.