Lanzarote's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable Villas del Mar in Vina & Cabrera!
Lanzarote's Secret Paradise: Villa del Mar – A Review (and a Confession)
Okay, let's be honest. I'm not a travel blogger. I'm just a slightly sunburnt, slightly frazzled individual who just returned from Lanzarote, and I need to rave (and vent) about Villas del Mar in Vina & Cabrera. Seriously, it's been a week, and my mind is still on that… well, let's unpack it all, shall we?
Metadata/SEO Stuff (Gotta appease the Google Gods):
- Keywords: Lanzarote, Villas del Mar, Vina & Cabrera, Luxury Villas, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Swimming Pool, Accessible Restaurants, Best Hotels Lanzarote, Lanzarote Villas, Family Friendly, Couple's Getaway, Internet, Free Wi-Fi, All-Inclusive, Canary Islands Hotels.
- Meta Description: An honest and hilarious review of Villas del Mar in Lanzarote, featuring stunning villas, accessible amenities, delicious food, and a spa experience that nearly made me weep. Learn about wheelchair accessibility, Wi-Fi, dining, and more!
- Title: Lanzarote's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable Villas del Mar - A Real Review!
The Awkward Intro (Because, Me):
Look, I’m not usually one for luxury. I’m more of a "backpack and questionable hostel hygiene" kind of traveler. But fate – and a surprisingly good deal – landed me at Villas del Mar. And wow. Just…wow. Buckle up, because I’m about to get really honest.
Accessibility (The Good Stuff, and a Sprinkle of Reality):
First off, HUGE props for being genuinely accessible. Wheelchair accessible is a big deal, and they nailed it. Ramps everywhere, spacious rooms, and bathrooms that weren’t designed by sadists. They offer facilities for disabled guests, and seemed to be very accommodating. I didn’t need it, but seeing it done right warmed my cynical heart.
Now, the accessibility is one of those things that's important to me, the things to look for on vacation.
Internet & Connectivity (Because We're All Addicted, Let's Face It):
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Okay, I can breathe a sigh of relief. Internet access – wireless? Check. Internet access – LAN? Okay, good, for the tech geeks. The internet was reliable (which, let's be real, is vital), and the Wi-Fi in public areas was strong. No buffering during my nightly Netflix binges (don't judge!). They even had Wi-Fi for special events, which is a nice touch, I guess, if you're that person.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, you know, pandemics and stuff):
Okay, this is one area where Villas del Mar gets serious brownie points. They've clearly taken the whole "being safe and healthy" gig seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays – all the boxes ticked. They even had Hot water linen and laundry washing, and a Sterilizing equipment. I'm not normally a germaphobe, but everything felt reassuringly clean. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol – I noticed staff members consistently following these protocols. My room had a Room sanitization opt-out available, I didn't really want to skip or opt out of cleanliness. I felt very confident.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (My Personal Highlight Reel):
Okay, hold on to your hats. This is where things get good. The food at Villas del Mar was, in a word, exceptional.
- Restaurants: Several, all with delicious dishes.
- Breakfast [buffet]: A glorious spread. Think mountains of fresh fruit, pastries that melted in your mouth. Western breakfast? Of course. Asian breakfast? Yep! Breakfast in room? Absolutely.
- Lunch/Dinner: Both A la carte in restaurant and Buffet in restaurant options were available. The International cuisine in restaurant was particularly outstanding.
- Drinks: The Poolside bar was my happy place. Happy hour? You betcha. The Bar served up some seriously creative cocktails. Coffee/tea in restaurant were included. They also had a Coffee shop, just in case.
- Extra Touches: A Bottle of water was always provided, a lovely touch. Desserts in restaurant? Oh, the desserts. They were dangerous. And if your feeling lazy there's Room service [24-hour] at your disposal.
I had a moment at the vegetarian restaurant. As a non-vegetarian, I was skeptical. But their vegetarian dishes were exceptional, and I'd make the trip again, and again for it. The Spa & Relaxation (Where I Almost Had a Public Breakdown):
This is where the raves turn into a full-blown, tearful confession. The spa at Villas del Mar is…well, it's something else.
- The Full Monty: Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom.
- The Treatments: Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage (various types).
- The Atmosphere: Serene. Tranquil. Almost offensively relaxing.
I opted for a massage. And, well, let's just say I lost all composure. I am not a crier. I am a stoic adventurer of life. But that massage… pure bliss. I've had a lot of massages, but this was in a different league. The therapist was absolutely amazing. So skilled and helpful.
Things to Do (Besides Melting into a Poolside Chair):
There's so much more to do than just lie around, but the lazy ones like me are always fond of a great hotel!
- Swimming Pools: Swimming pool [outdoor], and the Pool with view. (Note: I spent 90% of my time in the pool.)
- Fitness center and Gym/fitness. (Didn't make it, but they looked good.)
- Things to Do: I wasn't going to be the one to take part in these things, but the list was great!
- Ways to relax: Spa
The Room (My Temporary Palace):
My villa was… ridiculous. In the best possible way. Let me ramble on about my room.
- The Basics: The Air conditioning was a lifesaver. Alarm clock. Bathrobes (yes!). Bathroom phone (why?). Bathtub (glorious). Blackout curtains (essential).
- The Extras: Coffee/tea maker (duh). Free bottled water (always appreciated). Hair dryer (thank goodness). In-room safe box. Internet access – wireless. Ironing facilities (didn't use, but good to know). Mini bar (temptation central). Private bathroom. Refrigerator (for keeping the mini-bar stuff cool). Satellite/cable channels. Seating area. Separate shower/bathtub. Slippers. Smoke detector. Sofa. Soundproofing. Wake-up service. Wi-Fi [free]. Window that opens.
- The Details: I loved the Desk and the reading light. The Desk was perfect for working from. The Reading light.
It was bliss. Truly.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter):
- Conveniences: Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Room service [24-hour]. (Honestly, they thought of everything).
- Safety: CCTV in common areas, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Safety deposit boxes, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms. (Reassured me immensely).
- Business: Business facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings.
- Other: Air conditioning in public area.
For the Kids (If You’re Into That Sort of Thing):
Babysitting service. Family/child friendly. Kids meal.
Check-in/out (The Process):
Smooth. Effortless. Contactless check-in/out which was great.
Getting Around (Because You Might Eventually Leave the Villa):
Airport transfer. Car park [free of charge]. Car park [on-site]. Taxi service.
The Imperfections (Because I Promised Honesty):
Okay, no place is heaven on earth.
- The price tag (it's luxury, so not cheap).
- The occasional overly-attentive staff member (a minor quibble, honestly).
The Verdict (My Emotional Finale):
Look, Villas del Mar isn't just a hotel. It's an experience. It's a place where you can completely unwind, indulge
Ji Hotel Liaocheng: Luxury on Binhe Avenue Awaits!
Lanzarote: Villas del Mar, Wine, and the Utter Chaos of "Relaxation" (Day 1-5)
Alright, strap yourselves in, because this isn't your meticulously planned, Instagram-worthy travelogue. This is real life, Lanzarote-style. And let me tell you, after the flight, I’m already questioning my life choices.
Day 1: Arrival, Sunburn, and the Eternal Quest for Decent Coffee
Morning (and by morning, I mean 10:00 AM after a flight that felt like it lasted approximately 73 years): Arrived at Arrecife Airport. Managed to slightly humiliate myself trying to pronounce the car rental company's name (Goldcar, or as I called it, "Gold-CAR-astrophe" - ha ha, very funny, brain). The rental car? A tiny, dented little thing that I'm convinced is held together by sheer willpower and a collective belief in the power of duct tape. We're off to Villas del Mar! Thankfully, navigating out of the airport didn't involve any wrong turns and the drive was pretty straightforward.
Afternoon: Check-in, Panic, and the Sun Wins (Again). The villa? Stunning. Seriously, like, jaw-dropping views of the ocean. The pool? Sparkling. My immediate reaction? Pure, unadulterated joy. Followed by a sudden, intense panic about whether I packed enough sunscreen. Turns out, I did not. Within an hour of attempting to "relax" by the pool, I resembled a lobster. Lesson learned: The Lanzarote sun is a relentless, fiery beast.
Evening: Wandered into the "nearby" village for some groceries. Which, by the way, was a hike I wasn't prepared for. After a harrowing experience of feeling lost. Dinner was a hastily assembled affair of olives, chorizo (my saving grace), and some questionable cheese. Coffee? Still haven't found any that isn't instant. This is a serious crisis. I'm starting to have caffeine withdrawal symptoms. Pray for me.
Day 2: Wine Country, Wind, and the Existential Dread of Trying to Look "Cultured"
Morning: Today, we conquer the vineyards! (More like, try to navigate the winding roads and not get motion sickness.) The Lanzarote wine region is gorgeous. The volcanic landscape, the unique growing methods… blah blah blah. Okay, let's get real. I was mostly just focused on not spilling the wine I was trying to taste. The volcanic soil, though? Pretty damn cool.
Afternoon: (Double Down!) The Bodega El Grifo stood out above the rest. We went, and the experience? Simply magical. The staff were knowledgable, friendly, witty and patient. The views - you can't beat this natural panorama. We ordered lunch, chatted, laughed. I felt, truly, relaxed and happy. I felt as if I could just be me and embrace my own silliness. They even told us about their art gallery, which was an incredible place to visit. I could have stayed there all day. I didn't want to leave.
Evening: Dinner at some highly-rated restaurant in the village, where I pretended to understand the extensive wine list. I think I accidentally ordered a bottle that was older than me. I am not a sommelier, okay? But the food was good, even if my attempts at looking sophisticated probably failed miserably. Back at the villa, I sat on the balcony, staring out at the stars and wondering if I'd ever find decent coffee.
Day 3: Beaches, the Atlantic's Fury, and the Unspoken Rules of Sandcastles
Morning: Beach day! Spent the morning battling the wind at Papagayo Beach. The water was beautiful, but the wind was practically attempting to launch me into orbit. Found a "perfect" spot to build a sandcastle, which lasted approximately 3 minutes before getting obliterated by a rogue wave. The unspoken rules of sandcastle building? Apparently, I have no clue.
Afternoon: Recovering from the beach with a nap (needed, after the sandcastle fiasco). Followed that up with a lazy afternoon by the pool.
Evening: Ventured out for some tapas in a "charming" fishing village. (Translation: Slightly overpriced, but the seafood was incredible. My tastebuds were very happy.) Attempted to decipher the local slang, which, let's just say, I'm still working on. After dinner, my companion and I were walking along, talking about the day, and as we rounded a corner, we were surrounded by several locals at the end of a market. They were all so happy and talkative. The atmosphere was incredible and that's all I needed.
Day 4: Exploring the Cueva de los Verdes, Finding Inner Peace (Maybe?), and Remembering to Breathe.
Morning: Explored the Cueva de los Verdes. The lava tubes are a marvel and I found myself feeling strangely serene. The acoustics were unbelievable, and I felt a sense of quiet wonder. Maybe this is what "inner peace" feels like? I could do with more moments like this in my life.
Afternoon: Driving around Lanzarote can be a bit of a challenge, to be honest. The roads are winding, and I have a tendency to get distracted by the scenery. Managed to survive the hairpin turns relatively unscathed.
Evening: Tried cooking dinner in the villa. Disaster. The smell of burnt garlic permeated the entire place. Ended up ordering pizza. Lesson learned: I am not a chef. But hey, at least the pizza was good. Enjoyed it, alone, under the stars, and listened to my own thoughts. Found a moment of peace.
Day 5: Departure preparation and Reflections on the coffee situation
Morning: Packing up is the worst part. I'm already dreading the return to real life, back to work, back to the daily grind. Decided to take a final stroll along the beach.
Afternoon: Enjoyed a final cup of that questionable instant coffee. The view from the villa is breathtaking, and I am sad to leave. Now, off to the airport!
Evening: I'm on the plane. I'm jetlagged. But you know what? Despite the sunburn, the culinary disasters, the constant struggle to find good coffee, and the minor car-related anxieties, it was an adventure. Lanzarote? It's got a hold on you. It's beautiful, rugged, chaotic, and…I kind of love it. And I'm definitely bringing a proper coffee machine next time.
Lanzarote's Secret Sanctuary: Unbelievable Villas del Mar - Seriously, Are They *That* Good?!
Okay, spill the beans. What's the big deal about Villas del Mar in Vina & Cabrera? They look… fancy. Is it just hype?
Alright, alright, settle down. Fancy? Yeah, kinda. But honestly, the "hype" is deserved. Look, I'm not gonna lie, I was *skeptical*. Luxury villas in Lanzarote? Sounds like a recipe for pretension and empty promises, right? Wrong. Villas del Mar is like… stepping into a dream. Seriously. Think: Infinity pools that seem to melt into the Atlantic, ridiculously spacious terraces perfect for sunset cocktails (mandatory, by the way), and interiors that make you want to redecorate your *entire* life. I mean, even the *towels* felt luxurious.
And it's not just the "stuff." It’s the feeling. It’s the complete and utter *freedom* you feel. You could wander around in your pajamas all day (which I might have done, ahem), nobody's judging. You're cocooned in this little bubble of paradise. You *need* this. Seriously. I swear I left a piece of my soul lingering amongst those volcanic rocks! And a pair of sunglasses. Damn it.
Are they *actually* in a good location? I don't want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere.
Right, location, location, location! And it's a winner. Vina & Cabrera is this… well, it's hard to accurately describe it. It’s close enough to the action (Puerto del Carmen is a quick drive for restaurants and nightlife), but secluded enough to feel like you've escaped. You're perched on the edge of the island, with those epic ocean views. The trade-off is you *probably* want a car. Public transport? Forget about it. Unless you fancy a long, scenic hike back up a volcanic hill... Trust me, *get a car*. I nearly had a meltdown trying to navigate the rental process because I didn't pre-book. Learn from my error!
Also, nearby is *Timanfaya National Park*, which is an absolute must-see. Just… don't go when it's super windy. I nearly lost my hat (and my cool!) trying to take a picture with those crazy volcanoes as a backdrop.
What about the villas themselves? Are they all the same? What if I have a specific need?
Okay, here's where it gets interesting. They’re *not* all carbon copies. There's variety! Different sizes, different layouts, different… "wow" factors. I mean, you've got villas with massive outdoor kitchens, perfect for grilling up fresh seafood (which you *absolutely should* do). Others have private Jacuzzis, and some even flaunt outdoor showers. I’m not sure if I actually *used* the outdoor shower, or just stared longingly at it for the entire trip. I mean, who *wouldn’t* want that?!
My advice? Browse the photos *thoroughly* and pick one that *screams* your name. Consider your needs - how many bedrooms do you need? What's your budget (because, let’s be honest, these aren't budget-friendly, but you get what you pay for)? Request what you need, like a crib or mobility assistance. Be upfront, and they'll do their best to accommodate you.
What about the service? Is it all just pretentious showmanship?
Here’s the kicker: the service is *excellent*, but not in a stuffy, over-the-top way. It’s actually… friendly. Helpful. And, crucially, not intrusive. They're there when you need them. Someone accidentally locked themselves out of their villa (a friend. *Totally* a friend!), and the staff sorted it out quickly and with a smile. Need restaurant recommendations? Done. Want a private chef to whip up a paella feast? Absolutely. They even arranged a grocery delivery for us before we arrived, which saved my sanity (I *hate* grocery shopping on vacation!).
They even left a welcome basket filled with local goodies. And, you know what? That makes a massive difference. It set the tone for the whole trip. It’s the little things, you see.
Okay, okay, you had me at infinity pool. But are there any downsides? Be honest!
Alright, alright, let's get real. Nothing's perfect. 1. **Price:** It's not cheap. Prepare to open your wallet wider than the Atlantic Ocean. But, as I've said, the quality matches the cost; and I consider the location and experience worth it if you're looking for luxury. 2. **The Wind:** Lanzarote is known for its wind. Sometimes, it's a gentle breeze. Other times… you'll feel like you're in a hurricane. Pack layers, and maybe a hat that *actually* stays on. And earplugs. Trust me. 3. **Getting There:** The roads around the villas are a bit… twisty. If you're prone to car sickness, stock up on ginger biscuits. 4. **I Didn't Want to Leave:** Seriously, the biggest downside is the moment you have to check out. That gut-wrenching feeling of having to return to reality. It hits you like a ton of volcanic rock. I’m still recovering, months later.
What sort of activities are there *near* the Villas del Mar? Besides, you know, staring at the ocean and sipping cocktails…
Alright, you can actually rouse yourself from poolside bliss! (I'm not sure I could). Aside from soaking up the sun and the general magnificence, it's near enough to drive to some cool spots:
- **Timanfaya National Park:** Do it! The volcanic landscape is incredible. Take a guided tour – it’s fascinating.
- **Playa de Papagayo:** Stunning beaches. Pack a picnic and spend the day. But beware, can be busy!
- **Cueva de los Verdes:** A series of lava tunnels. Cool and literally underground!
- **Wine Tasting:** Lanzarote wine is surprisingly good. There are vineyards all over the island. Go! Sample! Enjoy getting a tiny bit tipsy.
Would you go back? Honestly? Spill the beans.
Would I go back? Are you even *kidding* me?! Absolutely. In a heartbeat. I’m already mentally planning my return. The only thing stopping me is the whole “earning money” thing. But mark my words, I *will* be back. Even if I have to resort to selling… well, you don't need to know. Just, yeah. Villas del Mar? Life-changing. Go. Just… *go*. And don’t forgetDelightful Hotels
