La Malvasia, Arico Viejo, Tenerife - Explore & Book
"We spent ages looking for a stylish family option in Tenerife's sunny south - dodging the crass mega-resorts and the poky casas rurales - and by the time we unearthed this, all 3 of its pretty cottages were full. Of course they were. With their spacious interiors (each comfortably sleeps 4-6 in 3 bedrooms), their playful decor, their well equipped kitchens and large shared pool, it's just what the island has been crying out for.But that didn't stop us. After a lazy morning on Poris de Abona's empty beach with buckets and frisbees, we drove the 6km up to Arico Viejo and buzzed at La Malvasia's gate for a tantalising nosey round. A gravel track led through healthy vineyards of listan blanco (as they are known here) to the 150-year-old finca, where the busy-bee owner Martín Rodríguez de Azero y de Ponte awaited us. Expect inviting leather sofas and woodburners, clean pastel lines with a touch of old stone, the odd Oriental print or huge teak-framed mirror. Views roll down to the cobalt sea, and across cactus-specked farmland to the pretty hamlet of Arico Nuevo - home to a lovely little restaurant. Above you looms Mt. Teide, all pine forests and lunar rocks; below you a string of beaches. Highs If you want a reasonably stylish yet affordable holiday in a perma-sunny part of the world, with an uncrowded beach nearby, bingo!The pool and sundeck are glorious: we could imagine spending most of the day here with the kids, retreating to the covered chill-out area for drinks and shade timeBedrooms are good-sized, with comfy double or twin beds, ensuite bathrooms and plenty of wardrobe space, so you can really spread outWe loved the beach of Playa de Punta beyond Poris: flat sands, sheltered waters, and we had it to ourselves for 3 hoursIt's only half an hour from the airport, and there's no shortage of flights from all around Europe Lows Service is minimal: Martin doesn't live on site, and the caretaker (weekday mornings only) speaks little EnglishMaintenance is not the best in the world - some peeling paint or cracked plaster here and there - but this is the CanariesKitchens are rather spartan and supplies are minimal; buy basics like salt and tea towels from local shopsArico Viejo is not a pretty village, but Arico Nuevo (1km away) is a jewel; and both feel a world away from the purpose-built resorts just round the coastBe aware that you share the pool and grounds with the other guests (mostly families), and rooms aren't air conditioned" - Michael Cullen
