Unusual accommodation in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Planet

Finca de Arrieta has a mix of stone-built cottages and yurts. The cottages are built with stone from our own 30,000 m² estate, and the yurts are non-permanent structures of wood and fabric, partly built with reclaimed timber. Every dwelling has low-voltage LED lighting and an A+ rated fridge and uses well water, and we fit water-saving half-flush toilets. Linen is changed once a week to save water.

The whole Finca is off the national grid. Our own solar panels supply electricity to all 21 dwellings through a 48-volt system, with a backup generator for when solar power can't meet demand. Guests can see what living off-grid is like for themselves. Hot water is heated by gas.

We also offer Holiday Extras, including our paella night at the Finca (subject to availability and numbers).

The beach and Arrieta village are a short walk away, so many guests don't need a car. If you do need one, we can arrange a Toyota hybrid.

Other environmental practices we follow include:

- Waste reduction: recycling bins are close by, and food scraps go to our chickens.
- Conserving water: our own well water fills the swimming pool, grey water is reused to irrigate our palm trees, and we ask guests to use water sparingly.
- Electricity: our main supply is our own solar panels, with a backup generator.
- Pool heating: the pool is solar-heated.
- Encouraging wildlife: we have planted native trees and shrubs to provide habitat for birds.
- Building materials: local stonemasons and tradespeople built and restored the Finca using stone from the estate.
- Restoration: the old farm well and water tanks have been restored and are back in use.
- Sharing what we do: we show guests, staff and local schools how our off-grid solar system works.
- Office practices: low-energy lighting, and paper is reused.

People

We promote rural tourism, local restaurants and activities such as local markets, fresh produce from Lanzarote's farmers and traditional Canarian shops.

Other ideas we support in our work:

- Local employment: we recruit locally and use local services and suppliers, such as builders, tradespeople and laundry, wherever possible.
- Local purchasing: we encourage guests to spend locally and buy local products, including fresh fish, bread deliveries and Lanzarote wine.
- Local information: we provide full details of local restaurants and farmers' markets.
- Excursions and culture: our on-site office offers local excursions and information on the island's cultural attractions and places of interest.
- Community: we sponsor the Haría football team and the Punta Mujeres bowling club, and have taken part in an animal charity project organised by the 9 Lives Foundation.