Tenerife's Hidden Gem: La Laguna Awaits!
Tenerife's Hidden Gem: La Laguna Awaits! – My Unfiltered Take
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on La Laguna Awaits!, a place that calls itself a "hidden gem" on Tenerife. And honestly? They're not wrong. This isn't some cookie-cutter resort; it's got a vibe, a pulse, and after a week there, I'm pretty sure it's imprinted on my very soul. So, let’s rip into this review, warts and all, because I like my travel advice like I like my coffee – strong, unfiltered, and with a healthy dose of skepticism.
First impressions are key, right? Well…
Accessibility: Good news, folks! La Laguna Awaits! seems to have put some thought into making things accessible. Though, I'm not going to lie, I'm not in a wheelchair, so I can't vouch for everything. But from what I could see, there's Facilities for disabled guests, and the Elevator is a lifesaver, especially after a day of exploring. And the CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property offer a good sense of security, which always a plus, and they give me a feeling.
Cleanliness and Safety - Because, you know, we're living in the age of a pandemic:
This is where La Laguna Awaits! really shines. I'm a bit of a germaphobe at the best of times, so I paid close attention. They've got Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer galore, and Staff trained in safety protocol. They even offer that option for Rooms sanitized between stays, the really big deal is this feels much safer to me! Also, Cashless payment service, brilliant!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Where the Magic Happens (and My Waistband Suffers)
Okay, let’s talk food. This is where La Laguna Awaits! really got me. They have Restaurants, obviously, multiple, a Coffee shop (essential), and a Poolside bar. And people, the Poolside bar is my happy place with its Happy hour. I spent a shameful amount of time there, nursing a cocktail and ignoring my responsibilities.
The Food: The breakfast buffet (Breakfast [buffet]) was decent, your standard European fare with a few surprises like… wait for it… Asian breakfast. Yeah, in the Canary Islands. It was…interesting. The A la carte in restaurant was where the real stars of the culinary show came out. I had the Salad in restaurant one night and the Soup in restaurant the next, and they were mind-blowingly delicious. My friend raved about the Desserts in restaurant. They also have Vegetarian restaurant and Asian cuisine in restaurant. Overall, the options were broad enough, I was never board with options
Room Service [24-hour]: Absolute lifesaver. Order a bottle of water, grab a snack (Snack bar).
The Drinks: The Bar is well-stocked, the bartenders are friendly, and the cocktails are STRONG. Need I say more?
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and Unwind (Because Vacation is Important):
This is where La Laguna Awaits! proves it's more than just a place to crash. They've got the whole shebang.
Pool with view and Swimming pool [outdoor]. Oh my god, that pool! I wanted to live there. The Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom and Foot bath are some really nice extras.
Body scrub & Body wrap. I'm a sucker for a good spa day, but I didn't end up trying here.
Fitness center, Gym/fitness. Didn't touch them, sorry, I was too busy with cocktails.
Massage. Oh, the massages! I got one of those and I'm still feeling great.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Make a Big Difference:
- Concierge: Super helpful with local recommendations (and avoiding the tourist traps).
- Daily housekeeping: My room was spotless every single day.
- Laundry service & Ironing service: Essential when you’re traveling and pretending to be fancy.
- Wi-Fi for special events
- Food delivery
Rooms: Where You'll Actually Spend Time (and Hopefully Sleep)
My room? Comfortable. Clean. Well-appointed. And with some really nice touches.
Wi-Fi [free] - A must-have these days.
Air conditioning: My savior in the Tenerife heat.
Extra long bed and Soundproof rooms are the kind of details I appreciate.
On-demand movies, just what the doctor ordered during my recovery time.
For the Kids – If You Happen to Have (or are) One:
- Family/child friendly.
- Babysitting service.
- Kids meal
- No complaints here.
Getting Around – Because You Can't Just Stay at the Pool Forever:
- Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]: Bonus! Finding free parking is a victory in itself.
- Airport transfer & Taxi service: Smooth and convenient.
The Imperfections? (Because No Place is Perfect)
Okay, here's the real tea.
- Minor Hiccups: I had to call for extra towels once. And the Wi-Fi in my room did cut out for a bit, but they got it sorted quickly.
- Getting to My Room: The layout of the place is a little confusing, but hey, that just adds to the charm, right?
My Final Verdict and a Compelling Offer:
Look, if you're looking for a sterile, forgettable resort experience, this isn't it. La Laguna Awaits! is a place with character, charm, and a genuine warmth that's hard to find. It's a place where you can truly disconnect, relax, and rediscover yourself.
And now, for the deal you can't refuse: Book your stay at La Laguna Awaits! today and receive a complimentary bottle of local wine upon arrival, a free spa treatment, and a guaranteed upgrade to a room with a balcony overlooking the pool. That's right, a taste of paradise (and top-shelf vino!) all rolled into one unforgettable experience. Don't wait; your escape to Tenerife's hidden gem is waiting! Click here to book NOW!
Indonesian Paradise: Unbeatable Deals at Hotel Perdana!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious chaos that is my (attempted) Tenerife adventure, with a heavy focus on the historical heart of it all: La Laguna. Honestly, even saying "adventure" might be a bit much. Let's call it… a learning experience. Or, you know, a comedy.
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for the Perfect Tapas (and Avoiding Jet Lag!)
- Morning (or, What Time is It Even?): Landed at Tenerife North Airport (that's the one closer to La Laguna, thank the gods) feeling like a sleep-deprived zombie. First impression of the island? Sun. Glorious, slightly aggressive sun. Finding the rental car was an odyssey. Let's just say the GPS and I had a heated conversation. Finally wrestled the beast into submission and navigated my way to La Laguna. My Spanish? Mostly consisting of frantic gesturing and the word "cerveza."
- Afternoon (Afternoon? Is it?): Checked into my charming, if slightly dusty, Airbnb in the heart of La Laguna's historic center. The walls are thick. I wanted something affordable, not necessarily authentic, but hey, here we are. The host, a woman named Maria with a smile as warm as the volcanic rock, handed me the keys and a bunch of recommendations, which I immediately crammed into my bag, planning to read them later. Yeah, right.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The Tapas Trail (and the Existential Crisis of the Olive): This was the mission. To find the perfect tapas experience. Armed with zero pre-planning (my usual MO), I wandered the cobblestone streets, a lost lamb in a sea of Spaniards. First place? Empty. Too early, I guess. Second? Okay, a bit touristy. Third? Bingo! A tiny place called "Casa Pepe" with a line out the door. I squeezed in, feeling like I'd won the lottery. The bravas were divine. The croquetas? Perfection. The olives? Oh, the olives. They were huge. I mean, comically large olives. Was it the lighting? Was it my exhaustion? I swear, one of them was staring at me. The existential dread of the olive set in. Was this the moment I realized I was an imposter in this tapas paradise? I shook it off, ordered another glass of vino tinto, and decided that, yes, these olives were, in fact, delicious. I stumbled back to my Airbnb, utterly content and ready to face whatever tomorrow threw at me.
Day 2: History, Hiccups, and a Holy Cow Moment
- Morning: The Cathedral and the Curse of the Early Start: Okay, Maria, the kind host, had suggested visiting the Cathedral. And I'm all for historical explorations. So, I woke up, hopped quickly from bed (I thought), and headed to the cathedral. But! I didn't calculate the time zones, and of course, I was there when they were opening. Which meant the only thing I saw was the back entrance. I spent 2 hours, trying to find the main entrance. Frustrated, I went to Parque de la Constitución. It was nice. But I felt like a total failure.
- Afternoon: A Hidden Gem (or, Why I Love Tourist Information): Defeated, and needing a serious dose of information, I stumbled upon the Tourism Office. Bless whoever designed that place. The woman behind the counter, bless her heart, was a saint. She printed me out a map, circled a bunch of things to see, and even gave me a mini-history lesson on La Laguna's UNESCO status. Apparently, this place is important. Did I know that? Not particularly. But now I do! I explored the university, the museums (some were closed, naturally), and the charming backstreets. And felt less like I was wandering aimlessly.
- Evening: The Casa Lercaro and the Ghosts (Maybe): This is it. The big guns. Casa Lercaro is a historic house with a supposed ghost. I am not a ghost kind of person. But the stories… they're fascinating. I signed up for a visit at night. The building itself is beautiful, and the guide spoke in low tones, hinting at the tragic story behind the building. The tour was fine. The history was fine. BUT I didn't feel anything. Not a chill, not a whisper, not even a flicker of suspicion. I walked away, feeling like I had somehow failed at the ghost thing. Disappointed, I went back to my Airbnb and ate some snacks.
Day 3: Mountains, Markets, and the Aftermath of Olive Enlightenment
- Morning: Anaga Mountains and the Price of Adventure: I rented a car again and drove towards the Anaga Mountains. The roads, though, were treacherous, and hairpins were hair-raising. I began to wonder if I was cut out for this adventure. Did I make the wrong life choices? I eventually reached the top. The views were truly epic. Like, breathe-takingly, jaw-droppingly, photos-can't-do-this-justice epic. And then, the wind picked up. It was like an angry dragon was trying to blow me off the cliff. The hiking was rough, the air thin. I felt the burn in my calves and the triumphant feeling of doing something hard. Success!
- Afternoon: Mercado Municipal and the Art of Bargaining (Badly): Back in La Laguna, I hit the Mercado. The vibrant colors, the smells of fresh seafood, the endless rows of fruit. I bought an avocado, which was absolutely perfect. Then, I attempted to bargain for some local cheese. I was terrible. I just ended up overpaying and getting a charming smile from the seller. It was a worthwhile experience.
- Evening: Goodbye, La Laguna (and the Confession of the Olive): One last evening, one last tapas crawl, one last vino tinto. I went back to Casa Pepe (those olives… I still think about them). During the meal, I made a confession to a very amused local. "The olives! I was freaked out!" He just laughed and said, "Ah, those are the best ones." And now I know. Now, I understand the olive.
Final Thoughts (aka, More Rambling):
Tenerife, and especially La Laguna, is a mix of sunshine, history, and sheer, glorious "what have I gotten myself into?". It forces you to slow down, get a little lost, and maybe, just maybe, find something new. It's not perfect. There were struggles, frustrating moments, and a few minor embarrassments. But that's the beauty of it. La Laguna's charm, and the feeling of being a little bit out of your depth, and occasionally having a panic attack about the size of olives. It's a memory. And it's one that I will cherish. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find another olive. And maybe, just maybe, conquer the world. Or at least, find a decent coffee.
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Tenerife's Hidden Gem: La Laguna Awaits! (But Seriously, Is It?) - A Messy FAQ
Okay, so La Laguna... is it *really* a hidden gem? Or is it just, you know, a pretty town?
Ugh, *that* question. Right? Here’s the brutally honest truth: "hidden gem" is probably a bit overused. It's not like you're venturing into some mystical cave no one's ever heard of. It's *famous*! UNESCO World Heritage Site famous, even! But... and this is where the magic *might* lie... it's not necessarily overrun with the same level of tourists you find plastered all over Instagram on, say, the beaches. Depends on the day, though. Sometimes it's a delightful stroll; other times, you're battling the crowds in the narrow streets. I went during a local fiesta once... let's just say "hidden" was the last word on my mind. The energy was incredible, but good luck finding a single quiet corner. So, "hidden" is relative. It’s more like a “less-trodden-than-the-beaches-and-volcanoes” gem. And frankly, that's good enough for me.
What should I *actually* do in La Laguna? Besides, you know, wander around aimlessly (which, let's be honest, is my go-to travel strategy).
Wandering aimlessly? My *spirit* animal! Okay, listen. You gotta ditch that strategy… eventually. La Laguna rewards a *little* bit of planning. First, Church-hopping is a thing. They're stunning. Seriously, the architecture is breathtaking, especially the cathedral (even if the inside photos are a bit...dated, if you ask me). Then, go to the Mercado Municipal – the market! Oh. My. God. The cheese. The chorizo. The *freshly squeezed* juices! Prepare for your wallet to weep tears of joy (and then more tears when you realize you can’t pack a whole freakin’ wheel of goat cheese). And the best part? Get lost. Actually get lost. Wander down those tiny little cobblestone streets. That’s where you'll find the true heart of the place. Find a cafe (many are *charming* - though some of the coffee is...iffy). And people-watch. It's golden. But the absolute BEST thing? I actually stumbled upon this incredible little bakery. Honestly, it was the best *pain au chocolat* of my life. This bakery was a total *accidental* discovery. I was avoiding a particularly aggressive street performer with a ukulele (I still have PTSD from that experience!) and, boom! Heaven in pastry form. Look for a bakery. Seriously, look for one.
Is it easy to get to La Laguna? I'm not the best navigator, and I get motion sickness if I even *think* about a windy road.
Okay, motion sickness buddy, I feel you. The good news is...it’s relatively easy! From most places in Tenerife, you can take a bus (guagua, they call it there, isn’t that cute?). It's cheap, and honestly, a great way to soak up the local vibe. Just check the schedule *before* you go. Because, let's be real, public transport anywhere can be a bit of a gamble. The roads *can* be winding, depending on where you're coming from. If you're seriously worried, take something for your nausea or consider hiring a taxi. I once tried to drive myself there... it involved a near-miss with a parked car, multiple U-turns, and a lot of swearing. Not my finest travel moment. Stick to the bus. Seriously. Save yourself the drama (and the potential car rental fees!).
How long should I spend in La Laguna? A day trip? A week? Am I even allowed to leave?
A day trip is totally doable, and you will definitely have time to see the main sights. But… and here's the catch… you won’t feel the true pace of the place. La Laguna is the type of place that seduces you slowly. A day is a teaser; A week? That's for serious romance. I'd say, aim for at least two days if you can. One day to hit the highlights and then another to just… *be*. To wander into random shops, have long lunches, and soak up the atmosphere. Honestly, I was tempted to move there after my last trip. The architecture, the food, the *vibe*... I found myself thinking about quitting my job, selling everything, and opening a tiny cafe serving only cheese and those magical *pain au chocolat*. (Again, that bakery. It changed me.) So, two days minimum. And be warned: you might not want to leave. Ever.
What's the food like? I'm fussy. And addicted to carbs.
Oh, the food. Okay, fussy carb-lover, you're in luck. Tenerife in general is a foodie paradise. La Laguna is no exception. Think tapas! Think fresh seafood (the grilled octopus is legendary). Think… yes, more carbs! Bread is a staple (thank goodness!) and it is *delicious*. The restaurants range from simple, family-run places to more upscale options. Don't be afraid to try the local specialties. And find a restaurant with a terrace. Because… views. The one thing I will say is, be prepared for a *lot* of potatoes. Seriously. You'll dream of potatoes. (Which, let's be honest, isn't a bad thing.) And if you're feeling adventurous, try the Mojo sauces! The green one is usually not too spicy. The red one? Approach with caution. I once underestimated the red one. Let's just say I needed *a lot* of water. And a nap. A long, sweaty nap.
Is it kid-friendly? Because, you know, tiny humans.
Hmm. Kid-friendly. It depends. I mean, there aren't dedicated kids' zones or theme parks, but neither is La Laguna a silent museum of ancient architecture. It's a *town*. Plenty of places will welcome children. Parks are around, the market will fascinate younger ones (the colours and aromas!). The narrow streets can be a bit of a challenge with a stroller, though. And, let us be fair, some of the cafes might not be the most childproof. The biggest factor? Your kids. If they’re happy to explore, wander, and not constantly demand screen time, fantastic. If you're travelling with a toddler who is prone to screaming fits in public (I've been there!), maybe pack a few extra snacks (and noise-canceling headphones for *you*). But generally? Yeah. Kid-friendly. Just maybe not *kid-centric*.
What's the best time to visit La Laguna? Avoid the crowds... and the rain... and that aggressive ukulele player...
