We chose to stay in the North of the island to get away from the main tourist area and high-rise hotels. This hotel had a nice, family-run, small feel to it - with reasonable facilities for a hotel of it's size. It's getting a little dated/worn in places, but was clean. Our room was a nice size and very comfortable. We had a balcony with a view of the garden - but the sea and hill views were rather obscured by the trees just outside the balcony. Ask for the top floor if you don't want people clumping around above you - as the floors were tiled with rugs, so not great at noise-cancelling, plus the sound-proofing to next-door rooms wasn't great. We stayed in November, and it was too cold to use the pool outside, but we used the indoor one a lot - and the jazuzzi was great for soothing the legs after a long steep walk. There's not much to do in the local vicinity, except walk. The local village/town has a very small supermarket but i didn't like the look of any of the cafe bars, so we ate in every night. The food was really nice, evening meals were freshly prepared and always piping hot, but i would have liked to have seen more local dishes. I'm vegetarian, and was well catered for - with the hotel making dishes that were not on the menu to give me some variety. I liked the half-board option - as you didn't have to have it all week, but could decide each day (by noon or 2pm I think) if you wanted to go half-board (set menu), eat out, or choose from their regular menu. The breakfast was buffet-style, with a range of cereals, toast you made yourself, a variety of eggs, plus meats/cheeses, juices, fresh-fruit, lovely bread rolls. The owners were very friendly - the husband was from the UK and the wife was Spanish. He gave us lots of ideas about places to go etc. The ony other improvement i'd make would be not to charge for the sauna.

This Hotel is ideally situated in the north of the island. About 600mtrs above sea level overlooking the small town of Barlovento and the Atlantic ocean. The room we had was a junior site, very spacious, with a pitched pine ceiling. This, and the 4 piece bathroom was very clean and the bed was very comfortable. There was under-floor heating, which was on when we were there. (November). It does rain in November, but we found that when it was cooler and raining up in the hills, just round the corner and lower down towards the coast it was in the 20s and fine and sunny. The food was good, with a choice from 2 menus for the evening meal, you could mix and match the courses, and these were chosen after breakfast for the evening meal. There is a packed lunch available. The Hotels amenities included a swimming pool, spa tub, gardens, sun loungers and various spa amenities. There was a table tennis table for enthusiasts. The proprietors and staff were very good. La Palma is a steep island, so fitness is needed for many walks, The roads are quite narrow and steep, but there was not a lot of traffic which made getting about quite safe. A drive up to the crater is a must.
This hotel doesn't seem to be in the big tour operators brochures, and we booked it through Travel Repubic. We flew on a First Choice (Thomsons) directly from Manchester.

The hotel was a gorgeous well run family business, really friendly staff, so knowledgable of the area. They're happy to share advice on the best places to visit. My favourite was the natural swimming pools at La Fajana. Stock up well on the ample buffet breakfast as you'll be out all day driving, hiking, sight seeing, there's so much to see, the island is incredible, with acres of pine forrests, jungle, plantations, fruit trees and bushes everywhere, caves, observatories right at the top, the most most stunning views from up there. We only had a short break, and with so much to see and do, we'll be going back. Would definately re-book in at La Romantica, the hotel we thought was spot on, our room was beautiful with balconies looking down over the village of Barlovento and out accross the forrests, amazing fragrant pine roof, you have robes in your room so you're well equipped to use the spa. Evening meal in the hotel was excellent, all fresh local produce. All in all, really enjoyable stay, wish we could have stayed a bit longer.

We had our honeymoon at La Palma Romantica and quickly realized we were in a remote paradise. La Romantica is thoughtfully laid out in beautiful surroundings. We were lucky to discover La Romantica and we cannot wait to return!

Douglas and his staff were friendly and professional. They got to know us by name. The food was delicious and varied. Breakfast was served until late in the morning and suited our needs well. Dinner was a wonderful treat for us each night. The restaurant is simple and elegant. We have fond memories of the wait staff who served us every night at our table. The service is far superior to any buffet, and always presented with a touch of class. If you go, definitely pay for half board. And ask about the bananas flambé!

La Palma Romantica is hard to reach without a car. You can take a bus to some of the towns and cities but it is time consuming and you will be limited in destination. We hired a car through the front desk at La Romantica for half our stay and we explored the island as much as possible. Next time we plan to get a car at the airport and keep it for all our time on La Palma.

Do not go to La Palma Romantica for a beach holiday. It is not close to the beach, and it is not intended for that kind of holiday. Go for the clean air and beautiful views of the sea. Go for the splendorous night sky. Go for serenity. Go for a very special experience.

And don't forget the bananas flambé!