A fabulous way to escape Jingle Bells and reset your Compass for 2027
Read on if you are tempted to get away this Christmas, or in the colder,darker winter months. Jay, our walking woman writer has been there and shares her thoughts, and the thoughts of others .
In case your geography is as hazy as mine, La Gomera is one of Spain’s Canary islands -lying just off the coast of Morocco, about an hour away via ferry from Tenerife.
It’s become a firm favourite of WalkingWomen guests for many different reasons:
1. Hotel Jardin Tecina
Is beautiful! Rooms are individually set within the 17 acres of botanical gardens . Each room has a garden or sea view (or both!). The lush climate produces flowering trees and shrubs all year round. Having it’s own horticulturist, the hotel offers fascinating botanical tours. There’s also an ‘eco-finca’, growing organic fruit and veg to supply the hotel kitchen in a sustainable way.
There are five swimming pools, one with heated sea-water for added mineral benefits.
The spa, tennis courts, fitness centre and ping pong all make for a relaxing end after a day’s walking. Or if you wish to spend the day at the hotel, there are walks down to the sea at Tapahuga Beach and the local village.
Breakfast is a feast taken on the terrace over-looking the sea and the evening buffet in the restaurant caters for all tastes and needs – you have an incredible choice.
There are also other restaurants in the hotel and you can opt to visit one of the others. Rene, our local guide, also takes you to a local nearby restaurant so you can experience something different too.
2. Walking and Hiking ( What’s in a name?)
La Gomera is a walker’s paradise where walking is a pleasure for the senses. Across this fringed circle of an island, there are more than 600 kilometres of trails. La Gomera boasts one of the oldest eco-systems in Europe, with dramatic mountains, precipitous valleys and tranquil forests. Our wonderful guide René curates walks through Garajonay National Park to give you a real flavour of the island – it’s flora and fauna, history, geology and terrain, including a meditative walk through misty cloud forests.
The people of La Gomera maintain traditional ways of life including ‘Silbo Gomera’ or “Whistled Speech” which children learn in school to preserve the tradition of communicating from the top of one deep ravine to neighbours on another.
3. And….the right place at the right time….
For many of our guests escaping Christmas is a very attractive proposition! It’s not guaranteed, but the climate is usually warm and dry in December and January – with an average air temperature of 19’ and sea temperature 21’ it makes a lovely change for many of our guests coming from northern climes . Women find themselves in the sympathetic company of other women who, for whatever reason , feel the need to break away from the usual festive routines. And then there’s whale and dolphin watching! We like to take a rest day and as this is an island surrounded by the wide, open ocean we offer a boat trip. Always with the hope of seeing the beautiful sight of whales,dolphins playing in the waves. It is a magical experience to see ( not guaranteed of course ! But are walking women have been lucky)
4. Unexpected outcomes….
Many of our guests choose La Gomera for some winter sun or to swerve Christmas when they are at a pivotal point in their life. Transition and change are life’s constant companion and many women appreciate the opportunity to take some time to walk in sunshine, talk in a safe space, regroup and redirect their thoughts a little. As with all walking, the landscape becomes part of the story and La Gomera offers a rich tapestry from which to weave a new story.
What three of our WalkingWomen guests have told us:
What a wonderful local guide in Rene ..
“I particularly enjoyed hiking in and around the varied, dramatic and uncrowded landscapes that La Gomera had to offer. This included volcanic cliffs, ancient misty laurel forests, lush terraced valleys and volcanic sand beaches. The hotel was very comfortable with a wide variety of extra facilities and events. I can’t wait to return for the Xmas getaway break and more of René’s excellent guiding” Gaynor
The Journey to arrive here ….
“There’s something about boarding a boat to a small island that sets the scene for adventure and creates the potential for new beginnings. Arriving at the port together as strangers, we very quickly became travelling companions as we crossed over to the island. La Gomera at Christmas was the complete escape that I needed. Lot’s of interesting, funny and wise women to chat to, new friendships formed and lots of fun without tinsel”. Jay
Great for swimming – both pools and the local beach…
“For me La Gomera was the ‘great escape from jingle bells’ . The hotel was luxurious, and at breakfast and dinner we were offered a wide selection of fresh, delicious food. The accommodation was beautiful, comfortable and very quiet. I really appreciated all the opportunities for swimming- the various pools and the sea.” Christina
If you would like to join us we have have holidays over Christmas and in February and March La Gomera holidays
