Our children, now hardened campers, think the beds in the Mongolian yurt are the height of luxury. This doesn't really feel like glamping, more like a boutique hotel under canvas. As well as providing many extras to make our stay under canvas feel luxurious including a grocery hamper on arrival, yoga classes and a paella evening by the pool, the owners are keen to tell us about all the best spots to visit on the island.
One morning we wake early and drive 40 minutes to La Famara beach on the other side of the island. This wide, windy beach with shallow waters, is perfect for learning to surf. Our full day family surf lesson is as fun as it is exhausting. Sito, our instructor, is full of smiles and very encouraging to us all and for a few hours we aren't solely responsible for our children, which feels great. We wonder if we could keep him for the rest of the trip.
On a cloudy day, we visit the awesome Cueva de los Verdes, a natural set of volcanic caves, created by lava. Our tour guide leads us through a labyrinth of caves, which end in a small auditorium that holds a magical secret and takes us all by surprise.
Nearby, Jameos del Agua sits at the end of a 7km long lava tube. Here, artist and architect César Manrique has designed a pool, series of gardens, exquisite cafes and a home for tiny albino crabs, which are unique to Lanzarote. Manrique’s artistic creations can be seen all over the island and much of the land’s clever synergy between development and ecology is thanks to him.
The eco attitude is alive and well at FInca de Arrieta where all the energy comes from solar panels. Any excess water is collected and reused and leftover food goes to the donkeys.
At the end of the holiday we feel energised and refreshed and have benefitted from a much needed hit of sun. We are already planning our next trip. When we next return we’ll be seeking out more Manrique works of art, and of course a visit to the volcano. We didn’t make it this time, but next time it’s top of the list.
www.katrinacampbell.com
THE LOWDOWN
Getting there: www.britishairways.com
Staying at: www.lanzaroteretreats.com
Eating at: Casa de la playa. More information here.
Surfing at: www.lanzasurf.com