Kamezi Boutique Villas

The Heredad Kamezi Villas are a small village of low-lying, whitewashed buildings set around a looping road punctuated by cacti and palm trees. The property primarily attracts large groups of families and friends, given that there's little outside of the kitchen-equipped villas. A squat, cylindrical building made of rough-hewn chunks of black, volcanic basalt houses reception, and features wood ceiling beams radiating outward from a pillar of that same rock, plus some brochures and books for borrow. There are a number of cats that call this quiet and laid-back property their home.

Although the villas are in a sleepy coastal location at the edge of the Lanzarote town of Playa Blanca, it is a 10-minute walk from the nearest beach, and a similar stroll to Faro Park, where there are several restaurants. The villas abut the oceanside promenade, which can take guests into the city center in roughly 60 minutes; by car, it's a quick 10-minute to the numerous shops, bars, and restaurants. Expect a half-hour drive to Lanzarote Airport, situated on the outskirts of Arrecife. Abundant free parking is available on-site.

Easily the crowning feature of the villas are their large, private gardens with dining sets, stone-built grills, and pools -- although guests have to pay to have them heated. The whitewashed, spacious villas have thick walls, punctuated by dramatic crags of bare basalt, and homey decor that varies by villa. Villas have between two and five bedrooms, living rooms and dining tables, and well-equipped kitchens with full-size fridges, microwave, stovetops, kettles, coffeemakers, and the usual cookware and crockery. They don't automatically come with ovens, but they can be rented. Well-maintained bathrooms have either showers with massage jets or jetted bathtubs, but some of the former can be tiny. 

Suites are larger, with master bedrooms that occupy their own floor and have a terrace facing out over the garden. They are also far more modern, with sleek gray bathrooms and rainfall showerheads, and minimalist kitchens that slate-gray countertops and walls replacing drab, beige tiles. Each villa is equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TVs, a safe, and private parking. Some villas have ocean views from their terrace.

When it comes to the Heredad Kamezi Villas, home comforts very much stay back at home. There is no restaurant on-site, but a minimart offers convenience for groceries and various sundries. Because each of the villas have their own private pools, there is not a large communal one. The villas and pools are cleaned on a regular basis, with housekeeping coming five times a week. There is free and reliable Wi-Fi throughout the complex. A small playground is available for kids, but there are no gym or spa facilities.