Retreat-Holidays
Lanzarote
Lanzarote is stunningly, starkly beautiful. UNESCO has designated the whole island a Biosphere Reserve in order to preserve it. Tourist development is confined to specific areas in the south of the island. This is great news for the unspoilt centre and northern parts of the island, but it does mean that the tourist zones are just that - touristy.
We have waited six years to mount this retreat-holiday in Lanzarote because there was only one hotel in Lanzarote, in the centre of the island, which we thought suitable for it and it is only now that we have been able to secure a booking for all of its 15 rooms. The hotel is a rare exception to the zoning law because its buildings have been standing for over 50 years.
Moreover, the hotel is in the midst of Lanzarote's vineyards - which bear no resemblance to any elsewhere!
A name you will hear again and again in Lanzarote is that of the local artist César Manrique, who had an enormous influence on people's awareness of the importance of the landscape. It is thanks to him that there is by law such harmony between the architecture and the natural surroundings.
Perhaps the most exciting visit to be made on the island is to the volcanic moonscape of Timanfaya, the Fire Mountain.
The desert landscape there forms an astonishing contrast with the glorious seaviews offered by the island.
Our retreat-holiday in Lanzarote will draw on the riches of the scenery to inspire us as we reflect on the theme The wilderness shall bloom!
