In the past Lanzarote has been known for its packaged hotel offers – and fantastic weather all year round. However, it was not known for stylish boutique hotels with character.
Until Michelle and Xavier began Lanzarote Retreats in 2007. This family-run company pioneered chic and eco-friendly accommodation on Lanzarote in the north of the island.
Eco Finca de Arrieta is a mix of Mongolian yurts and stone cottages set on 30,000 square metres with both sea and mountain views. The entirety of Eco Finca de Arrieta is powered by the largest green energy system on the island.
From wind turbines to collecting your own freshly hatched eggs from the chickens at the Finca, this is the best of green boutique hotel accommodation.
The Best Place to Stay in Lanzarote – Eco Finca de Arrieta
Location
The Eco Finca de Arrieta is located in the north end of the island just 10 minutes walk from the charming town of Arrieta. Eco Finca de Arrieta can pick you up at Lanzarote Airport and will bring along a bottle of Cava for the 20km journey between Arrecife airport and the Eco Finca de Arrieta.
Accommodation Types – Yurt vs Volcanic Stones
There is a broad range of options at Eco Finca de Arrieta depending on your needs. First up is making the decision of whether to stay in a yurt or a volcanic stone cottage. There are a range of yurts available, all of which have been imported from Mongolia.
But don’t think about camping when you think of yurts. These are luxurious yurts that are stylishly decorated with comfortable interiors. The fabrics are plush, there is proper wood-style flooring and most importantly good beds with high thread count sheets.
The stone cottages are also stylish decorated in an eco-chic/Balinese style and offer all of the same amenities – essentially this comes down to whether or not you’re in a yurt kind of mood.
There are 17 rooms/yurts/cottages at the Eco Finca de Arrieta and each is. unique. The yurts begin at 4 metres which are perfect for a couple (and still spacious).
The yurts act as bedrooms with beds of course plus space to store bags, hang clothes, a table etc. The yurts are set in your own walled garden/terrace so each comes with quite a bit of outdoor space including an outdoor kitchen (the bathrooms are all outside the yurts as well).
As there is quite a bit of variation in the accommodation options here are the details on which one I stayed in plus those I was able to check out.
Eco Luxury Yurt
This is where we slept for our stay – I was determined to try the yurt option and loved it! Yes it is a yurt but there is no trade off vs staying in a more traditional structure. The yurts are quite airy and have a sky light plus good lighting inside.
Our walled garden/terrace was huge – as was the yurt. Our 8 metre yurt had a large king-sized bed, 2 single beds, a day bed plus a lot of space to walk around. It is possible to pull curtains between the single beds and main bed so this yurt would easily work with friends or family.
The yurt was beautifully decorated in rich reds with unique furniture like a wooden stepped cabinet and cute lamps. There is also a cupboard for hanging clothes plus bathrobes are provided.
The outdoor area is huge – we could have easily held a party for 40 or 50 people. We had a large garden area with an outdoor day bed and a hammoock, 2 sun loungers and an outdoor dining area.
The bathroom is also “outside” the yurt but it is a traditional structure. When you arrive at the Eco Finca de Arrieta you will be told that it takes about 40 seconds for the water to heat up for the shower.
During this time there is a plastic bucket to allow for the collection of the water. You are asked to use that to water the cactus garden which is a lovely idea. Guests are also invited to plant cactuses that they can visit on their next trip.
⇒ Another wonderful island in the Canaries is Gran Canaria – read about some of the best things to do in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria Excursions and Gran Canaria markets.
In addition to the shower, the bathroom had a wooden Balinese style tub. Importantly, the towels are a nice large size and good thickness. The toiletries are aloe vera from the island.
However, for me the highlight of our luxury yurt suite was the outdoor kitchen. It has a roof, a counter with stools, and a great ocean view. As it is on the east side of the island you will clearly see the sunrise every morning.
It is also the perfect spot for drinks at the end of the day. The kitchen comes fully stocked with a stovetop or Moka coffee machine, a good range of cooking utensils, kettle, glasses, and a proper stove with 5 gas areas and oven.
Eco Yurt Royale
I also went and explored the Eco Yurt Royale which was the next step up in size from the Eco Luxury Yurt. The yurt here is 10 metres and there is more outdoor space.
The layout is also different. As soon as you enter the walled area the yurt is immediately on the left with all of the outdoor living area to the right. In this sense it is laid out more like a home whereas with the Eco luxury yurt the yurt is in the middle.
You might enjoy reading some of my other articles on Spain: Famous landmarks in Spain, Ibiza Sunsets, Barcelona landmarks, Best Rioja Wineries, Most Beautiful Cities in Spain, Things to do in San Sebastian and What is Spain Known For?
This is the perfect set up for families due to that improved visibility. Also, there is essentially an outdoor living room in addition to the kitchen – plus there is a rather decadent outdoor bath.
Eco Tower
I also investigated the very cute two storey Eco Tower which is a stone cottage. Each floor is a separate apartment. The top floor has an amazing view out over the ocean.
Both floors have their own small kitchen and apartment. Each is perfect for a couple and they are super cozy.
⇒ Check Prices and Availability for Eco Finca de Arrieta
Eating and Drinking at Eco Finca de Arrieta
Obviously a relaxing island holiday is all about eating and drinking – and there is outstanding food in Lanzarote as well as some great local wine.
After you book your visit to the Eco Finca de Arrieta you will receive an email with all of the food options for your stay.
It is possible to organise for breakfast to be brought to your yurt/cottage each day in a traditional bed and breakfast style – albeit with room service. When you arrive a small basket of essentials including coffee and tea will be in your kitchen.
It is also possible to pre-order a food package for the number of nights you will be staying. There are vegetarian and non vegetarian options. We ordered the vegetarian option for 3 nights and we got alot of food!
We received 4 croissants, lots of fresh fruit, yoghurts, eggs, a loaf of bread, lots of vegetables, chick peas, dips/spreads and 2 vegan cottage pies. We didn’t come close to finishing everything!
Each kitchen also has several bottles of local wine (red and white) which are managed on an honesty system.
There are also chickens on-site and guests can go and get fresh eggs each day – but there is a limited number so you’ll want to be quick.
There are also food-based events most nights at Eco finca de Arrieta such as paella and cava nights. All are reasonably priced.
The common area is home to an honesty shop that has everything from ice creams to more wine to aloe vera. Simply write down what you take on the sheet with your room name and you will be charged at the end of your trip.
Finally, the town of Arrieta is just minutes away by car and has a nice supermarket.
Common area
It is an easy walk down the cactus paths to the common area. There is wifi in the common area but not in the yurts or cottages. The common area also has a kitchen and sitting area.
The pool is also has been designed in Cesar Manrique style. There are sun loungers and big shaded day bed.
The office is also located in this area as is the activities desk. There is a whole range of activities which can be booked and all reasonably priced. Plus there is loads of outdoor equipment available for use.
Then there is an honesty shop. A whole mix of everything you might need during your trip. Take it and write it down. including food treats such as ice cream.
Close By
A soft sandy beach is just 300m away along a path (you will need to cross the main road). Located on the beach is one of my favourite restaurants from the trip Casa Playa (read more about this in my post on the 14 Things to do on Lanzarote you must not miss).
Just up from Casa Playa is a super cute Mojito bar in a VW with beach seating.
Another 2 or 3 minutes walk is the charming white-washed beachfront town of Arrieta. This little town has a great supermarket, a few cute shops and some restaurants.
We had a great meal at El Amanecer in Arrieta. Each kitchen contains a book with restaurant recommendations for Arrieta plus the other towns on Lanzarote.
Something Extra
Love the sound of the Eco Finca de Arrieta but looking for something right on the water? Lanzarote Retreats also have a gorgeous Eco Fisherman’s Cottage in Arrieta.
This super cute cottage is a one-bedroom located almost on the beach – it is a 20 meter walk from the back door. There are fantastic views from both levels as well as a courtyard with a bbq. There is also a kitchen and small living room plus bathroom of course.
How to Get to Lanzarote and How to get Around
Lanzarote is one of the Canary Islands and part of Spain. The Canary Islands are south west of Spain and north west of Africa, directly in front of the coast of Morocco.
Lanzarote is the most south easterly of the Canary Islands and covers just 800 square kilometres.
The island has fantastic connections to Europe’s main cities with direct flights to 19 of Europe’s 25 largest capitals. In particular it is easy to get from London to Lanzarote with direct flights out of Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton. The flight takes approximately four hours.
Nowhere is particularly far on Lanzarote due it its size. Whilst there is a bus system I would highly recommend hiring a car. It is easy to find your way around the island (and it is well signed).
The majority of roads are in good condition but some can be quite windy such as heading up to Haria.
Many of the packages at the Eco Finca de Arrieta include hybrid car hire as well as an airport pick up. Or these can be arranged separately if not included.
Who Paid for What in this Post?
Lanzarote Retreats covered the cost of my accommodation, airport transfers and car hire. I covered the costs of my flights, meals and everything else. As always, my views are my own.
This best place to stay in Lanzarote post includes affiliate links. That means if you click through and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. I wanted to make sure you were aware of this.
Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.