At one of the Canary Islands, rather southwest part of Lanzarote, between the hills and the ocean, there is an oasis spreading. Bunch of the white-blue low-rise buildings surrounded by extensive land. It has everything that has ever been created by both, the nature and the man, to make holiday desiring people feel relaxed. Tall palms, cactuses, exotic flowers and large swimming pools all around. All of that framed by the majestic mountains.

Hotel THB Tropical Island

This oasis is named Hotel THB Tropical Island and I’m glad to state it’s going to be our home for the coming week. We reached the island just before sunset. I could only see the fragments of everything Lanzarote has, and then it was all immersed in the dark. Few pieces of black rigid lava at the airport, view to the dramatic Atlantic, soil of incredible red and black colours, unusual flora. Enough to get even more excited for tomorrow.

Drama in The Sky

Waking up before sunrise, especially on holiday, is nothing but an error in program, in my case. However, I must use the opportunity, get up and go to our terrace to see the coming violet-red dawn behind the mysterious looking mountains.

It’s unusual for me to experience that early morning serenity.  Sun beds and floating wheels are untouched yet, waiting for vacationers and children that soon take them and would not let rest till the late evening. I make a coffee while I’m still watching that drama in the sky. Martin just got up too, a little stressed by finding me voluntarily leaving bed before nine. After he makes sure I didn’t get mad (not more than usually), he joins me for a while.

Crêpe Time

I’m telling myself I don’t have to try everything at the buffet breakfast on the first day. But who am I, to choose between croquettes, sausage and crêpe with fruits? Responsible looking chef, preparing them all, might remember. So, I don’t rebel and eat, eat, eat everything.

OUTFIT: dress – SheIn, belt – vintage, jewellery – BIJOU BRIGITTE, bag – MANGO

Adults Only

We leave all the lovely families and children playing around swimming pools behind, to properly start our holiday in the area with the promising name “Premium Zone – adults only”. Large swimming pool, bar, sun beds, double sun beds, beach umbrellas and privacy. I have the entire swimming pool just for myself. Only few other lucky individuals levitate around the pool and at the bar. So, this is how the celebrity life looks like? Gosh, I love it here!

Let’s explore! Not because I felt like lifting my butt from the sun bed. But I keep in mind, that I have a reputation of an adventurer and you know, you have only one reputation.

Ocean!

Ocean, ocean, ocean! How could I only survive that far from the sea waves for most of the year, far from that deep blue, white foam, salty smell and therapeutical sound? I’m stepping dangerously close to the edge of the cliff, just to feel that art piece, made by nature, more intense.

Only the idea of food can take me away from the coast. The local cuisine looks colourful and taste different. It’s delicious and the restaurant is picturesque. It’s the first place, designed by famous César Manrique, we visited at Lanzarote. It’s very creative and winsome. We desperately need to see more.

César Manrique

The House of César Manrique. This place is what dreams are made of. We walk around, gazing at the Joan Miró’s and Pablo Picasso’s paintings on the walls, views through panoramic windows and underground rooms, created inside of volcanic tubes. (FYI: I’ll make a separate post about this place .)

Slow Down

Another stop for the ocean view, just because we want to  get a closer look to every spot we are passing by.

Swimming under last rays of the sun is much closer to me, than being the first in the pool. I’m getting into my usual holiday mode – enjoying and exploring at a slow pace. Only few more meters in the blue water and then we get ready for the dinner.

Night is still ahead. Wine is mandatory, with all the seafood delicacies, steaks, vegetables…in an incredible buffet. If we could ever have the ability to move, we might take a little walk and finish the day with some good music and the “adults only” cocktails.

We were guests at Hotel THB Tropical Island. All views and opinions are my own.

© Creative direction and Editing: DANIELA RIFAI  Photos: DANIELA RIFAI & MARTIN JESNY