By Susanna Lo
Hotel Esmeralda
The Hotel Esmeralda Playa is a 303 room
beach-side hotel on Spain's Canary Island. The island is known for its black sand
beaches which gets its color from the island's high volcanic activity. The Esmeralda is at its best when your time is spent poolside or at their luxurious spa where every form of pampering can be obtained.
Wows and Woes
The Esmeralda has extremely affordable rates at less than $100 USD per night which is a steal for any place in Europe these days.
Although pleasant, The Esmeralda is not the ultimate in luxury, with rooms closer to a pension style than the opulence of a resort.
Insider Tips
The spa treatments at this hotel are out of this world and unique in design, not just your typical facial and massage. They use every thing from nature imaginable, from sea water treatments to beauty water treatments that re-firms the skins acidity levels.
Author's Most Memorable Moment
I spent just two days here to recover from a long, cold film shoot in Toronto before starting work in Paris. I decided all I wanted was the spa treatment to rehydrate me from Canada's biting winter. I got massaged and pampered with everything from chocolate oil to gold. I don't know if it actually did anything long lasting to my skin, but for the night, I felt like Lady Godiva.
Bottom Line
This is a nice place to getaway to that won't empty out your wallet.
About the Author:
Susanna Lo is an established writer/director/producer who has won awards in The Berlin and Montreal film festivals and is a member of PEN International. She's written for Paramount on Star Trek: Voyager and Seven Days. Susanna is a dedicated world traveler living in several countries in Europe, Asia and North America.
