Bohemian Hideaway - La Labranza

The setting gave us a great mix of mountain walks and quieter spots inland, with beaches and the busier south coast still within reach. You really need a car, though. Xeph, the local manager, was so helpful with tips on places to eat, buy fresh fish, and shop for other things. We spent two amazing weeks here, and the kids loved it. The pool was lovely, if a little chilly, but we still swam every other day. Booking was easy, and communication was quick, friendly, and accurate. The place has a really distinctive, authentic style and a cozy, calm feel. Small tip: the GC500 road from Agüimes is the least curvy one. We’d absolutely recommend it.

The bed was superb, the best quality we've had on a holiday. We had the four-person apartment just for the two of us, so there was loads of room, including big bedrooms and plenty of kitchen equipment. The patio was lovely, and the kitchen and shower were good too. We spent a lot of time on our private terrace and barely used the large living room. The small pool was very cold in February. Such a peaceful place, we loved staying here.

Xeph and Babu made the stay memorable. Xeph suggested places to eat and things to see, and took us on mountain hikes to lunch spots. Babu was always by his side and great company. We were six people celebrating a friend's anniversary, and we'd love to come back someday. We stayed in La Labranza, a tucked-away house that's easy to miss at first. Inside, it's elegantly put together, with two lovely bedrooms, animal-print feature wallpaper, huge cupboards, and great attention to detail. The kitchen and bathroom had everything we needed, from toiletries to modern appliances. The upstairs dining room was a lovely place for dinner, or to relax with a movie by the heater after a long day. We enjoyed coffee and downtime on the veranda overlooking the mountains, and the Moroccan courtyard was beautiful. After a long hike, the pool was just right, and the barbecue made for a lovely dinner under the vivid night sky. The Bohemian Hideaway is a gem. Thanks, Allan.

Santa Lucia and San Bartolomé nearby have plenty of little shops for daily needs and restaurants, though you'll need a car to get around and see the area. We spent plenty of time relaxing at the house or by the pool in the sun, enjoying the slower pace. It's quiet and secluded, with striking views into the long-dormant volcano's bowl. Diego welcomed us warmly and was always available for advice or help. The house is thoughtfully decorated and has all the amenities we could need. If you want a break from the busy coast and somewhere to recharge, this is a great choice. Highly recommended.