When the UK’s blanket of clouds and drizzle seem never-ending, book a Vueling flight to Tenerife and enjoy a sun-soaked escape in laidback paradise thanks to a stay at Hotel Landmar Playa la Arena, the spacious four-star property bringing a dose of luxury to the traditional all-inclusive experience
Let’s be honest, a winter in England (or any of the UK, for that matter) is not for the faint-hearted. The days are gloomy, the temperatures are chilly and you’ve got about as much chance of leaving the house without your big coat as receiving a heating bill that doesn’t require taking out a bank loan.
But one four-hour flight to Tenerife later, and the good life begins – especially when Hotel Landmar Playa la Arena, found in the quiet town of Playa la Arena is involved. Tucked away on the west coast just south of the resorts of Los Gigantes and Puerto Santiago, this resort town feels much calmer than the Vegas-esque lights and booming action of Los Cristianos. Surrounded by majestic cliffs, Playa la Arena offers winding roads, a bustling harbour, cafes galore and plenty of sunburned tourists from across Europe and beyond.
Ideal for a stay that is both affordable and elegant, Hotel Landmar Playa la Arena sits slightly above the main action, positioned close to its sister (and more family-friendly) property Landmar Costa Los Gigantes – whilst also boasting an address only 50 metres from the nearest volcanic beach with silky silver sand.
Stepping inside the entrance reveals a vast lobby that wouldn’t feel out of place in a concert hall, filled with classical furnishings and verdant foliage that sashays down from the different balconies to create a tropical-like atmosphere. Clean and open, the enormous space is immediately calming, with pristine white furniture dotted around to lounge upon whilst waiting for your next activity, meal or sun lounger appointment.
The Room
Decked out with crisp white bed linen with neutral colour schemes, all rooms at Hotel Landmar Playa la Arena come with the holiday essentials – satellite TV, air conditioning, bathtubs with showers, a hairdryer and much more.
If you prefer a little more exclusivity during an escape, book the Platinum Club package to enjoy a range of extra VIP benefits – including a higher standard of bedroom on the top floor, premium drinks whenever you’d like (hello Sangria sessions) and access to private areas available to top tier customers only. Those staying in a Platinum Club room also enjoy added perks in the form of (complimentary) minibars, bathrobes and even a special pillow for that dose of comfort.
Swipe your key and enjoy the secluded Platinum infinity pool section found towards the rear of the property, which boasts its very own sleek bar filled with tasty snacks, air conditioning and fridges filled to the brim with drink options. Park yourself on a sun lounger for long enough and you can enjoy extra complimentary treats handed out at regular intervals by staff, such as mini burger sliders and other nibbles. One thing’s for sure when it comes to Hotel Landmar Playa la Arena – you won’t go hungry.
The Dining
If you’re a fan of bang for your buck, the dining opportunities at Hotel Landmar Playa la Arena are bound to impress. Being all-inclusive means the buffets are endless when it comes to mealtimes at Lava Restaurante – with section after section of freshly-cooked meats, fish, grilled vegetables, salads, bread baskets, pasta and sweet treats galore served in an enormous room. As well as the classics, make sure to try the plethora of local delicacies too, such as wrinkled potatoes, creamy goats cheese and Red Mojo sauce.
To avoid repetition (after all, you might be dining in the same restaurant for morning, noon and night) the chefs mix up the menu regularly with small changes to the selection. Pick up a fork and savour wonderfully fresh flavours, seasonal ingredients and a distinct lack of processed products in every tray – think hearty, wholesome dishes that’ll have you heading up for second portions in no time.
Desserts are equally impressive, served in their own section of the room with a buffet laden down with sweet treats, ice cream and fruit platters as far as the eye (and stomach) can see.
It’s worth nothing that during peak times, the main Lava Restaurante can feel more like a feeding frenzy – so plan your meals a little earlier or later if possible and avoid the ravenous rush hour.
For those that prefer an a la carte experience, residents can also book the additional restaurants to enjoy a more intimate meal. Surrounded by pools, Arena Restaurant is ideal for date night, with candle lit tables, simple Mediterranean cuisine and a much quieter dining experience – whilst fans of tasting menus should indulge their appetites with a tasting menu of typical Spanish and Canarian food at Taberna de Pepe for a gourmet extravaganza.
Things To Try
1 Visit to La Gomera
The natural beauty awaiting you at La Gomera is well-worth the short ferry trip across from Los Cristianos. This small island, known to be a popular holiday destination for former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, is a calm and charming haven of truly stunning terrain and fascinating local history. Speak to the hotel’s concierge or head online to book a guided bus tour and enjoy a day filled with pitstops at local beauty spots, as well as lunch at an authentic restaurant. Plus, if you catch the team at the right time, they might even treat you to a performance of the island’s protected whistling language – originally used by islanders to hear each other across ravines up to 1km long. There’s a variety of other excursions to book too, ranging from stargazing in Teide National Park to a whale watching experience on a luxury boat. €89.00pp, book via landmarhotels.com
2 Hike up the nearby cliff trails
Pack your trainers – the steep but majestic cliffs surrounding La Playa Arena are well worth the climb, with rocky paths that can take you almost anywhere around the region (or at least, far enough to earn a second dessert at dinner time). The hotel team are only too happy to help guide you to the start point with annotated maps, so fire up your Strava and take on the trails.
3 Coastal Run
Playa La Arena’s nearby coastal promenade makes an excellent route for a morning run, jog or walk before the midday sun kicks in – and expect to see plenty of locals enjoying the picturesque scenery too. Plus, once you’re out of the hilly town, it’s virtually flat as a pancake, making the perfect leisurely terrain.
The Wordrobe Verdict
Spacious, scenic and surrounded by sustenance, Hotel Landmar Playa la Arena makes the ideal choice when it comes to an all-inclusive experience that can provide exclusivity and affordability in one. Drop your bags, pick up a plate and get ready to enjoy this four-star slice of Tenerife paradise until the final boarding call beckons once again.
Make it happen
How: Find out more and make a booking via landmarhotels.com
Wallet: Prices start from £81 per night in a standard room (all-inclusive)
Getting there: Vueling (vueling.com), part of IAG, is a leader in connections between the UK and Spain flying to Tenerife South from London Gatwick twice a week and return flights from London Gatwick priced from £105.
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
