Iberostar La Bocayna Village

Tucked away amid coastal paths and volcanic landscape, the Iberostar isn't the obvious choice for a Lanzarote location. For those seeking tranquility though, it's a good pick. Spread over multiple levels around sunny pools, the hotel's low-rise structures are typically Canarian, with palms and cacti around whitewashed facades. Renovations in 2008 mean decor is a touch dated, but the place is spotless and it has a homey vibe. There's a real sense of privacy here, and serenity dominates. Guests tend to make the most of intimate terrace setups (which all bungalows afford), although the pool, restaurant, and bar offer a chance to mingle. Note that there's an evening dress code that requires pants for men.

Surrounded by similar complexes, the hotel isn't completely isolated, but it's well outside Playa Blanca's main hub. Affording tranquility, most guests find this a pro. Coastal paths here make for scenic 40-minute walks to Marina Rubicon, where Wednesday and Saturday markets are full of local produce. The nearest Las Coloradas beach is a roughly 20-minute walk. A bus outside the hotel runs every half hour for 10-minute journeys into Playa Blanca, and small coves line the route. El Pueblo Shopping Centre is eight minutes away on foot, and has a supermarket. Timanfaya National Park's dormant volcanoes are a 25-minute drive. Lanzarote Airport is 32 minutes by car.

The "home away from home" goal has been successfully achieved in 915-square-feet (85-square-meter) Bungalows. All two-bedroom, they come in Deluxe and Superior categories, and have a similar traditional design throughout. Cobalt blues and bold reds dominate the master bedrooms, and homey wall hangings overlook sofas with checked fabrics in living areas. Large patios have a good amount of seating, and some have distant sea views. Superior terraces get private hot tubs and barbecue facilities. Higher-level Bungalows afford better views, but are farther from hotel amenities.Excellent amenities include two (mostly flat-screen) satellite TVs with DVD players, phones, and fully equipped kitchens with large fridges, ovens, Nespresso machines, microwaves, kettles, and juicers. Dining tables are also provided. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos, marble sinks, and toiletries, and housekeeping is provided daily. Bungalows can be fitted with cribs. All have safes, AC, and free Wi-Fi, although signal varies and drops out regularly. 

Loungers and straw umbrellas sit around lovely freeform pools, which get plenty of sun, but are unheated. A lifeguard is on-hand at the kids' pool, and the area also includes a hot tub with great island and sea views. Paths here are well-maintained, and the space is illuminated at night. The lobby has a bar, although drinks are more popular poolside. Embracing the Spanish atmosphere, La Bocayna restaurant has attractive exposed brick, wrought-iron chairs, and hanging lanterns, and meals are well-reviewed. Local cheeses and vegetables add Canarian flavors to cooked and continental breakfasts, and Mediterranean buffet lunches turn interactive at dinner, when a la carte entrees are cooked-to-order. Ice cream both indoors and out particularly appeal to kids, who can also use a playground with climbing frame and swing set. Although guest have their own cooking facilities, all-inclusive packages are available. The spa is nothing special, but it offers massages and treatments, plus a sauna. There's a gym, but equipment is outdated and the room isn't air-conditioned. Room service is available from morning until late, and babysitting is available for a fee. Laundry facilities are on a paid basis as well, while parking and spotty Wi-Fi are free.