Step into the architectural marvel of La Oliva Hideaway and you could be forgiven for thinking you’d walked onto the pages of an exclusive magazine shoot. Not surprising as its architect Néstor Pérez Batista has masterfully designed two distinct spaces that seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings.
La Oliva Hideaway is situated in northern Fuerteventura, in the centre of the Spanish town with which it shares its name. A completely renovated 19th-century house, once home to a well-connected local family, it comprises two self-catering units created from the bones of the former theatre and original casa. Each is a blend of tradition, modernity, and avant-garde design, paying homage to the island's heritage with local materials such as stone, wood, clay, lime, and glass. The two units, which can be rented separately or together, are separated by a long, square shared pool. Minimalism prevails throughout, with a focus on clean lines and simple aesthetics to create a feeling of calmness. Rooms are bathed in natural light, creating an ambiance of transparency and spaciousness, and the design blurs the boundaries between the interior and exterior. This grown-up haven is an idyllic destination from which to embrace the slow movement, disconnect from the world, and immerse yourself in the lunar beauty of this island's surreal landscape.
Highs
- There’s a concierge service that delivers breakfast and can arrange anything from day trips, massages, hiking/biking tours or any other requirements
- The gorgeous pool is large enough for laps. It is shared between the two units but if you rent both properties, it’s all yours
- The design details and decor throughout is a thing of wonder
- Sustainability is a priority – 100% solar energy, LED lighting, effective waste management, organic products for breakfast, and water-saving showers
- Fuerteventura itself, one of the lesser visited Canary Islands despite its size, has the best beaches in the archipelago, a mild climate and a volcanic interior; it's a great destination for sunshine, hiking and watersports
Lows
- Unless you want to rely on taxis, a car is must if you want explore the rest of the island
- Adults only so not suitable for families
- The beds cannot be configured as twins
- Both units face each other across the pool, you'll be sharing this space to some extent with your neighbours
- If you're not a fan of minimalism this isn't the place for you
Best time to go
Due to its proximity to Africa, Fuerteventura is fairly sunny and hot throughout the year. It's warmest between July and September, with average temperatures of at least 28º. April to June and September/October are slightly cooler, and winters are mild with temperatures in the teens. However, the island itself is often buffeted by winds – which makes it great for watersports but sometimes less ideal for beach sunbathing.
Our top tips
If you have the chance, a full moon hike at the Calderon Hondo Volcano in nearby Lajares is definitely worth staying up for. Climb to the top of the volcano to watch the sun set on the west and then turn around to watch the moon rise in the east. It’s a relatively easy three-hour hike with stops along the way, and you also get some archaeology, astronomy and Canarian culture lessons thrown in.