Get away from the winter blues with a relaxing trip to Lanzarote

WE all know first impressions count, so when you walk into a hotel and you’re immediately relaxed and at ease in its calming surroundings you know you are in for a good time.

The NH Hesperia in Lanzarote is set on the volcanic country’s beautiful coast line, with views out to sea and towards the harbour.

During our three-night visit we were lucky enough to have the best of both worlds; the relaxation at the hotel and the tours of the volcanic island which benefits from year-round sun and hardly any rain.

We paid a visit to the Sunday market at Teguise which has an array of stalls to please even the most serious shopper; LagOmar, the house Omar Sharif had built and then lost in a game of bridge; the beautiful caves with a special twist at Cueva de los Verdes; the pretty cave at Los Jameos where tiny white crabfish usually found in deeper water can be seen; visits to the beaches at El Golfo, Los Hervideros, Playa Blanca and Playas Papagayo and a trip to Timanfaya, Lanzarote’s national park and the volcano site and gives you a real insight into the island’s history.

One of the great things about Lanzarote for us Brits who like the sun but not necessarily the heat is that even in the height of summer when it’s 29c it still has a refreshing breeze coming in off the coast.

And while we’re battling the January blues, the island benefits from temperatures of around 20c - perfect for a winter break.

Some of the scenery and views we took in during our stay on the Canary Island were beautiful, especially around the volcanic areas and along the mountainous coastlines.

One of the most impressive things about the NH Hesperia hotel is its design and to get the best view you need to head to the beach below to take it all in. Steps and swimming pools with bars take you from the sea level up to the building itself.

On entering the spa hotel, you are taken into a huge reception area which is light and bright with huge windows either side to allow as much of the sunshine through as possible.

The quirk is that most of its bedrooms are below the reception level as the hotel is set on the mountain side.

The rooms are plenty big enough for any length of break, with space around everything you could need without feeling cramped - light and airy, and with french doors which open out on to your own balcony with glorious views of the coast, especially at daybreak and sunset.

The hotel has its own two restaurants and we sampled both El Risco and Botavara during our stay. Each had a range of choices to suit all tastes.

We spent two nights at El Risco where I sampled the Campesina pizza (ham and sausage) and a prawn and asparagus risotto, along with pre-chosen starters of meats, cheeses and breads, and heavenly desserts, including chocolate, vanilla and coffee.

The meals were delicious and certainly filled us up.

During our stay, we were treated to a full body massage - one of the many spa treatments the Hesperia offers its guests.

We were given the choice of an oil massage or an aloe vera one. I opted for the latter, thinking its hydration qualities would help put some much-needed moisture back into my skin after suffering in the winter cold.

The treatment was incredibly relaxing and left me feeling completely unwound and better than I had done in a long time.

We were told not to shower until the next morning to truly get the benefit of it and I have to say my skin the following day had never felt so good.

The spa itself was incredibly calming and benefits from saunas, jacuzzis, a relaxation room, hot coal baths, and a pool with an array of massaging and relaxing areas, including waterfalls.

Having never been to Lanzarote before, it’s certainly a place I’d go back to - there are plenty of places to discover, given its volcanic history, but you can also relax and unwind as well right from the moment you arrive.

INFOStation

Julie flew to Lanzarote with Monarch.

The award winning low fares airline offers year round flights to Lanzarote from Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester airports with fares, including taxes, starting from £52.99 one way (£89.50 return).

For more information or to book, visit www.monarch.co.uk.

She stayed at the fivestar NH Hesperia Hotel which offers a range of 335 suites and rooms: standard, suite, presidential suite, standard with a view and suites with views.

There are a total of 42 suites available to choose from including one presidential suite.

The resort is offering a special “Weekend Extender” offer. This provides a late check-out with breakfast included and free minibar for one day.

Prices start from €128.00 per double room.

This offer is with a minimum stay of two nights checking in on a Friday or Saturday.