"I think I have understood the harmony of the universe and the perfection of creation throughout the universe of art."

César Manrique

The venue

La Fuentecilla is Ignacio Santamarina's Wildest Dream. He designed and built the family finca and adjoining apartments with his own hands eighteen years ago when he moved with his family from Madrid as part of his plan to live a more balanced lifestyle. You can tell how much he loves the place from the attention to detail in the building, furnishings and garden. When it was being built his neighbour César Manrique would call by to add his colourful opinion on how things should be done.

La Fuentecilla is set back up the valley about half a mile from the town not far from César Manrique's house in Haria. It is approached via a palm lined track bordered with dry stone walls built from local black volcanic rock. There are no signposts from the town until you reach the drive up to the house. The map gives you the general location but for first time visitors it is best to get to the main square (la plaza) in Haria and call Ignacio from there - 928 836011 - his office is in la plaza and he will guide you to La Fuentecilla.

There are three apartments one of which we use for our group sessions because the light from the skylights is fantastic and it is always cool and quiet. Adjacent to the apartments is the sea water pool (no stinging eyes here), the sauna and bar which doubles up as the massage suite. Bring your favourite CD's to chill out to. There is also five star kennel accommodation for the four legged friends that Ignacio breeds although only Pryscila Anderson Rotermaier the Yorkshire Terrier is allowed to wander round the grounds.

The gardens are full of exotic plants, cacti and succulents including the indigenous Lanzarote Rose. If you are patient you might see the cute lizards with blue spots like badly applied makeup - but they usually hear you before you see them and scamper off. Counting lizards is good for the soul. High score is five. The garden circuit makes an ideal prayer and meditation path and there are several places to sit and gaze over the Valley of 10,000 Palms towards Haria and the Atlantic beyond.