Reviewed by
Joe Cawley
It’s hard to miss Finca de Arrieta. Driving north along highway LZ-1, you see to your right a traditional Lanzarote scene: a sweeping bay bordering a sugar-cube fishing village. On the left, however, is a slightly less conventional sight: a cluster of Mongolian yurts and volcanic-stone cottages set amongst 3 hectares of mango and palm trees.
But it’s not just the aesthetics that make Finca de Arrieta stand out from the crowd; it’s also the ethos. English owners Tila, Michelle and their family are so eco-friendly that the entire finca is 'off the grid'. There are wind turbines and solar panels (the latter also powers water desalination) and DIY hens' egg collecting. But sparing the planet doesn’t mean skimping on comfort. Whether you choose to stay under canvas in a yurt or under slate in a cottage, you’ll find comfortable beds, Balinese furniture, hot showers and fully equipped kitchens. There's a solar-heated pool, a chill-out area with daybeds, a super playground with giant chess set and trampoline, plus an honesty shop. This is a quirky rural retreat with a real feel-good factor, ideal for anyone seeking a laid-back holiday off the beaten path.
But it’s not just the aesthetics that make Finca de Arrieta stand out from the crowd; it’s also the ethos. English owners Tila, Michelle and their family are so eco-friendly that the entire finca is 'off the grid'. There are wind turbines and solar panels (the latter also powers water desalination) and DIY hens' egg collecting. But sparing the planet doesn’t mean skimping on comfort. Whether you choose to stay under canvas in a yurt or under slate in a cottage, you’ll find comfortable beds, Balinese furniture, hot showers and fully equipped kitchens. There's a solar-heated pool, a chill-out area with daybeds, a super playground with giant chess set and trampoline, plus an honesty shop. This is a quirky rural retreat with a real feel-good factor, ideal for anyone seeking a laid-back holiday off the beaten path.
Highs
- A great option for families - yurts and cottages sleep up to 8, there's baby equipment and body boards, plus a pool, trampoline and playground
- Only 300m from a sandy, family beach - one of the best on the island
- Only 35 minutes' drive from the airport
- Super-friendly staff are on site every morning for local advice or activities, including surfing, snorkelling, sea kayaking and boat trips
- A good choice of restaurants beachside and in the fishing village of Arrieta (a 10-minute stroll away); or deli meals can be delivered to your door
Lows
- Don't expect luxury: accommodation is simple and stylish rather than sumptuous
- Most of the yurts are set close together and though they are separated by walls, noise does carry; but we found the atmosphere very convivial
- To reach the beach you have to cross a road and walk down a bumpy track (or you can also access the beach by road)
- The weather in this part of Lanzarote is always bright but can be blustery - a blessing when it's hot
- Gets very booked up - reserve your dates early!
Best time to go
Lying just 100km off the coast of Africa, Lanzarote enjoys year-round sunshine and thus any month is a good time to go. Those who prefer a little less heat might want to steer clear of July and August. Expect strong sea breezes throughout the year.
Our top tips
For an alternative dip in the sea head to Caleton Blanco, a lagoon just a few minutes north of Finca de Arrieta on the way to Orzola. The warm, shallow water is ideal for young kids to splash around in.