Isolation can be a splendid thing - when you can find it. By the time I had squeezed my car down the long, narrow driveway leading to Casa Tomarén, I was ready for a bit of winding down. Thankfully, that's what this cluster of stone houses, hidden behind bougainvillea, jasmine and palm trees on the outskirts of Mozaga village, specialises in.
Owner Damian Hidalgo's rural accommodation is all about contemplation, meditation and relaxation. The 9 houses are individually furnished with a mix of Canarian, Moroccan and Indonesian artefacts. Earthy tones abound, from the washed ochre walls to the terracotta floor tiling. Breakfast is the only concession to serviced dining, but all the houses have fully equipped kitchens for DIY meals - easy for families. Pursuits include trekking, biking, wine tours and all things ocean-related - surfing, sailing, diving. Or you could always just loll around in the hammocks next to the gorgeous swimming pool and do absolutely nothing.
Highs
- A post-apocalyptic sense of silence and seclusion; even the birds seem to sing in hushed whispers
- The magnificent heated swimming pool: turquoise waters with tropical shading in a sheltered volcanic sinkhole
- The lush gardens: a wealth of exotic colour bursts from the black, volcanic-ash earth
- A central location, an easy drive from the coast and volcanic areas
Lows
- When we visited, there was a lack of signage from the road, but we're assured that this has been improved
- No meals provided apart from breakfast (an additional cost)
- You're very much left to your own devices - it's best suited to more independent travellers, though the welcome is warm and friendly
- Some may find the decor and furnishings a little more rustic than chic
Best time to go
With year-round sunshine, any time is a good time to stay at Casa Tomarén, especially if you’re feeling stressed out and need to chill in the sun.
Our top tips
There's lots to see and do nearby, but the pool here really is superb, so make sure you leave enough time to enjoy it.
- Boutique Villas
- 8 villas (each sleeping 2-9)
- Self-catering (breakfast provided + other meals on request)
- All ages welcome.
- Open all year
- Heated Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car essential
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Laundry Service
Rooms
Scattered around the sunken swimming pool, the 9 houses each have their own quirky configurations, but you can expect very similar facilities and Indonesia-meets-Morocco styling.
The Mawar and Melati, are the best choice for couples. Ours (2-storey Mawar) had a large, ground-floor living room with wheat-coloured walls, a beamed ceiling and a small fireplace for rare chilly winter nights. The small kitchen has a fridge-freezer, 4 rings, a microwave and a kettle. The bathroom has a separate wash area with 2 stone sinks and wooden steps up to a shower and toilet. An open stone staircase leads to the bedroom, where a double bed - framed by a billowing white mosquito net - faces a large window with a marvellous duvet-view of the ashen landscape and a couple of low-lying volcanic cones. It also overlooks a private walled terrace and garden coloured by hibiscus, begonia and orchids.
If budget is important, the open-plan Dewa, Dewi and Hall - are great-value and set up primarily for couples.
For families with small children, Akar Wangi and Sari Wangi each have 2 bedrooms (1 double and 1 twin) plus a garden with a barbecue and terrace.
Features include:
- Microwave
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfast is served in the dining room and conservatory every day. Down by the pool is a self-service bar.
Otherwise, all the houses are set up for self-catering, though some kitchens are more equipped than others. For example, Sari Wangi and Akar Wangi have ovens, while Mawar has only hob rings and a microwave. Sari Wangi, Akar Wangi and Melati have barbecues.
For stocking up the kitchen cupboards, the nearest supermarket is a 5-minute drive. And, although none are within a short stroll, there are several restaurants just a few minutes away. For homemade Canarian dishes try the restaurant at Caserio de Mozaga nearby. The excellent Casa del Enyesque in San Bartolomé is recommended for a creative spin on local meat and fish; the same village also offers Pizzeria El César for all things Italian. The eatery at Casa Museo y El Monumento al Campesino is a good bet for lunch.
Another option is to buy takeaway homemade Canarian dishes and spit-roasted chickens in tupperware from Baya Baya in San Bartolomé. While there, pop into the Lolita bakery opposite for freshly baked bread and cakes.
Features include:
- Children's meals
- Microwave
Activities
- Hit the waves with a surfboard, windsurfer or kiteboard, sail on the northwest coast, or get down and deep with an ocean dive experience (the best diving and snorkelling is off the southeast coast)
- Don your boots and go walking, with or without a guide - check out the surreal Timanfaya National Park
- You can go birdwatching all over the neighbouring La Geria nature reserve
- Put your feet on the pedals and take in the glories of Lanzarote by mountain bike - ask Caroline or Damian to arrange bikes for you
- Head out to sea for the big game fishing season from May to December; deep-sea fishing excursions are also possible
- Saddle-up for a horseback view of Lanzarote's stark beauty; several nearby equestrian centres cater for all levels of rider
- Go green and take in a round at the Costa Teguise or Tias golf clubs
- Take an island-wide self-drive tour of monuments designed by famous local architect César Manrique; his Casa Museo y El Monumento al Campesino is just down the road
- And then unwind back at Casa Tomaren: the team can arrange a massage for you on request
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Golf
- Hiking
- Horse riding
- Sailing
- Scuba diving
- Snorkelling
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
Kids
Lie back in a hammock or on a daybed near the pool and sip a cold drink from the bar while your youngsters splash about in the sunshine. Tomarén is a great family-friendly spot, particularly as you feel like you're staying in your own private house. There's also a babysitter available if you want a night out or some time alone as a couple.
Being in the centre of the island, you're close to everything there is to do, but given that this is such a tranquil haven, there's no shame in doing nothing but kicking back, watching the children play and reading a good book.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Toddlers (1-4 years), Children (4-12 years)
Family friendly accommodation:
We recommend the Sari Wangi and Akar Wangi, as not only are they large, but they also each have a private terrace with a barbecue area.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Babysitting:
Babysitting is available by arrangement (24 hours' notice at least). See Rates.
Baby equipment:
- Baby cots
- High chairs
- Baby bedding
- Stair gates (where needed)
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Children's meals:
All houses have slightly different kitchens; basically, the bigger the house you book, the better the kitchen. Breakfast is included in the rates; at other times you can request lunch or dinner (24 hours' notice), get a takeaway from a nearby restaurant, or stock up at the local supermarket.
Kids Activities on site:
- Communal play area
- Swimming pool with shallow end
- Garden with hammocks
- Playground
- Children's DVDs
Kids Activities nearby:
- Mountain biking
- Horse riding
- Walking
- Watersports
- Beaches - we'd recommend Papagayo near Playa Blanca as a sheltered, sandy spot
Families Should Know:
The swimming pool isn't fenced or heated, but is behind a wall a short distance from the houses. Some houses have stair gates where needed.
Distances:
- Airport: 15 minutes
- Hospital: 20 minutes
- Shops: 5 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Casa Tomarén is in Islote, near the tiny village of Mozaga, in central Lanzarote. It's north-west of Arrecife Airport, heading inland.
By Air:
Lanzarote Arrecife (15km away) is the island's only airport - click on the links below for a list of airlines serving it.
From the Airport
You really need a car here, but see Rates for an idea of how much a taxi may cost if you really don't want to drive.
By Car:
A car is essential unless you plan to remain in your house for the duration of your stay - see our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
More on getting to Lanzarote and getting around
Airports:
- Lanzarote Arrecife 15.0 km ACE
Other:
- Beach 8.0 km
- Shops 2.0 km
- Restaurant 2.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
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