Being classified as a Parador is a stamp of authenticity. Hotels that are Paradores wear this badge with pride. There is some distance from turning off the road and into the Parador de La Palma and reaching reception. That builds up a level of excitement and you are not crushed with disappointment upon arrival but elevated by expectation being exceeded. Although only dating to 1999, this four-star hotel follows the Paradores template for all their establishments in the Canary Islands. Accordingly, it is crafted from island ceramics, stone, and wood. The lobby emphasises a connection to the area with miel de flores from Henry y Viti in nearby Zumacal on sale. Along with mojo suave y picón by Productos Sicilia.
We love that they take advantage of their location to sell local produce such as Puros Cruz - expert artisans of hand-rolled cigars.
The hotel is set in extensive tropical gardens and the beach is a short drive away.
By plane: flights from London take around 9 hours with a stop in Barcelona; flights from Birmingham take around 11 hours with a stop in Tenerife. The hotel is a 1o-minute taxi ride from the airport. Free parking is available on-site. skyscanner.net
The hotel is split between a younger Spanish visitor in the summer and an older Northern European one in winter. The beautiful fountain right in the centre of the communal patio is a calming water feature to soothe the senses.
The elegant games room feels like a living monument to an aristocratic tradition of leisurely evenings playing cards.
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Swimming pool
- Spa and fitness centre
- Games room
- Free parking
Apart from the views, the rooms are pretty samey. Superiors are better in that regard as they boast Atlantic vistas. The pretty wooden balconies are excellent vantage points to observe the sun go down and the night sky at play.
Standard Double, Matrimonial Double, Matrimonial Superior
Facilities include: ensuite with toiletries, TV, desk, free Wi-Fi, hairdryer
They don't do doggie bags at the restaurant but more thoughtfully provide biodegradable and combustible sugarcane containers for any leftovers. Tasting far better than it sounds, the fantastic Atlantic ropa vieja (old clothes) combines yellowfish, octopus, and the iconic amberjack.
The restaurant: traditional Spanish and Canary Islands cuisine, local produce, kitchen garden, local wines.
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