Brena Baja Homestays

Having booked and paid extra for a sea view room, we spent the first two nights in the wrong room where the front door was so worn out that we hesitated to enter. There was a tiny corner of sea visible from the balcony. We decided not to complain as we had come to La Palma to relax, and we unpacked everything. Later that evening we were surprised to be informed that we would given the ‘right’ room in a couple of days. It would have been better to tell us this on check-in so we didn’t have to repack all our things. The hotel compensated us, however, with a complimentary dinner including a drink and we appreciated this. The food was good with a salad buffet, two types of meat and various vegetables, and a dessert buffet. The service was polite and the atmosphere quiet and relaxing. Afterwards we enjoyed the entertainment in the bar with a good cocktail. The ‘right’ room had a magnificent sea view and a large balcony with two sun loungers and a table and chairs. The view, whether by day or by night, was fascinating with ships, yachts and occasional airplanes and the twinkling lights of Santa Cruz and the airport in the distance. We could also see the beautiful garden and the pool area. We had a large television in the living room and a small one in the bedroom. There were two French channels and one English news channel, which suited us, as well as other languages. The sofa, dining table and chairs were comfortable. The kitchen was clean and well equipped with electric hob, microwave and refrigerator and sufficient crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils. There was plenty of storage space and the wide beds were fine if a little spartan, with reading lamps and with blankets available for cooler nights. The safe was available at an extra charge. On the walls were paintings of some of the local flora. We requested a fan one hot evening which was brought to the room immediately. Cleaning was done nearly every day by cheerful staff. One of the cleaners did an exceptional job but I do not know her name, some of the others were less attentive. Sheets and towels were changed often. The pool area was very good with one large pool for serious swimmers, another round pool, and a children’s pool. There were plenty of sun loungers (the blue ones are newer and more comfortable than the green ones) and a lifeguard who kindly brought parasols if required. We had a lunch of fresh fish at the pool bar which was very tasty and pleasantly served. Just outside the hotel there is an interesting walk along a well-maintained path, past the old salt factory, the water spout (only at high tide), Cancajos resort and beach, banana fields, many beautiful plants and flowers growing wild, well-tended rockeries, Santa Cruz in front of you and to your left the mountains and the pre-Hispanic Vandama pyramid. We watched the moon rise and observed beautiful clouds lit from behind by the sun. During our stay I unwisely consumed an Asian takeaway meal and fell ill, missing our return