La Isla Y El Mar Hotel Boutique

First opened in late 2015, La Isla y El Mar was designed with the environment in mind, and this mission is apparent not only in its long list of eco-conscious policies, but also in the materials and architectural techniques used. The combination of big volcanic rocks and regional flora helps the hotel blend well with its surroundings, while a smart use of mirrors makes the larger structures virtually inconspicuous. The property is built on the side of a hill, and its terraced layout makes it almost invisible from the street, with the lobby at the very top and the rest of the single-story structures gently cascading toward the lower part of town. The property’s sleek design and compact size make it feel exclusive and intimate, and the open layout of common spaces makes the most of the privileged views. Although some suites are suitable for families, the hotel’s peaceful atmosphere (there is no entertainment program here) primarily draws couples looking to relax. La Isla y El Mar is an exclusive property, and only a handful of other hotels on the island live up to it. The most similar one is Lani’s Suites de Luxe, a top-notch property with even more luxe services and a more central location right on Puerto del Carmen’s main drag. The spa, however, offers more options at La Isla y El Mar, and rates at Lani’s are higher. Families may prefer Villas Alondra & Alondra Suites, which offers multi-room villas with gardens and full kitchens. Those seeking a livelier resort experience may want to compare rates at Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort.  

La Isla y El Mar is located on a busy (and steep) street on the western edge of Puerto del Carmen. There are a couple of casual cafes and a supermarket within three blocks, but the neighborhood is mostly residential and there is little of general interest. Puerto del Carmen’s old city center, home to a number of restaurants and a cute marina, is just a 10-minute downhill walk away, but the walk back is steep and can be challenging. The nearest beach is a 15- to 20-minute walk away, as is the town’s main drag, lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. The Timanfaya National Park is home to several stunning volcanos and can be reached in about 20 minutes by car. The airport is a 10-minute drive away.

La Isla y El Mar has 81 large, upmarket suites, each with one or two bedrooms, a separate living area with a sofa bed, and a terrace furnished with loungers and a table with chairs. The interior design is sleek but not over-the-top, featuring a soothing gray palette punctuated with turquoise, green, or mauve accents, pale floors, and stylish, contemporary furniture with clean lines. The minimalist design incorporates cocoon-like club chairs in bright hues, big Chesterfield couches, and large wooden armoires that create trendy spaces and a relaxing atmosphere.Suites are equipped with an array of excellent amenities, including Nespresso machines with four coffee pods (additional capsules are available for a fee), LCD TVs, electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi. Minibars are stocked with the standard sodas, beer, and wine, plus a selection of top-of-the-line Iberian products, champagne, and a range of liquors. iPod docks are provided on request, and free safes are outfitted with power sockets.Polished bathrooms have volcanic rock walls and gray tiled floors, plus spacious walk-in rain showers, Citrus Durance toiletries (Bulgari in higher-level suites), professional-style hairdryers, and sleek, rectangular sinks. Most bathrooms have small indoor gardens with plants and rocks, while the rest are decorated with vinyl wallpaper with natural motifs. Many also receive natural light.Classic and Excellence Suites are both 538 square feet (50 square meters), but while the former offer views of the grounds, the latter are located on the top floor and have panoramic ocean views. Classic Pool Suites have the same size and amenities as Classic units, but offer direct access to the pool deck. Duplex Suites can sleep up to four guests and feature hot tubs on the terrace, while Premium units are designed with honeymooners in mind, housing small dining areas, king beds, and hot tubs.  

Food at La Isla y El Mar receives consistent praise for quality, taste, and variety. A free breakfast of made-to-order eggs, fresh fruit juices, pastries, and breads is served daily at the main restaurant, while an international menu with regional specialties is offered for dinner. The a la carte restaurant opens for lunch and dinner, and its eye-catching tropical decor style and great outdoor terrace with ocean views draw locals and visitors alike. Although it is generally busy for dinner, it is also a favorite for sunset and evening drinks. The hotel’s two pools are small but lovely, with water treated with salt instead of chlorine, big loungers with thick cushions, and direct access to a bar with panoramic ocean views. The main pool has a beach-style access, while the smaller one has several underwater loungers and jets and is heated in the colder months. Tucked away in a quiet part of the property, La Gruta de las Flores is the small spa. It features three treatment rooms, an outdoor hot tub, and two showers for chromotherapy and aromatherapy sessions. Packages are available for couples, and guests can choose to rent out the entire spa for a private wellness package as well. The adjacent gym is small but light, and is outfitted with quality Technogym equipment. 

Besides having been built using local materials, the property has a long list of sustainable practices that aims to minimize its footprint on the environment. Renewable energies are used whenever possible, as are LED lights and biodegradable cleaning products. The hotel also features its own laundry service that uses non-toxic soaps, and an extensive recycling program. Perhaps the most outstanding feature, however, is in the climate control system. All suites have an air-conditioning unit that is powered by geothermal energy, but each building is equipped with a 20-inch chamber between the inner wall and the facade that helps keep spaces fresh and insulated from the outside temperature, thus minimizing the need for air-conditioning and heating.