Real Lanzarote Guestbook

Terrie and Brendan We love the style of Casita Carmelo. Everything we might require in a house is to hand and it is such a lovely cool oasis to return to on a hot day (yes, we did have some hot days after a coolish start to the week!) We loved the pool and the tranquility of the terrace.

The north of Lanzarote has a huge variety of scenery and is surprisingly green and floriforous. We enjoyed several walks using «Walks« by David & Ross Brawn (Discovery Walking Guides). Some time was spent bird watching and we saw several species of Waders at the Salinas del Rio, Great Grey Shrikes and Hoopoes are abundant and we could hear the laughing Doves from the terrace. One evening we took a trip down the Caleta road and were lucky enough to spot 3 Honbara Bustards. A week on this lovely island is not nearly enough and we look forward to returning, Ann & Ian Steele

Dear Terrie and Brendan This northerly part of Lanzarote has surpassed our expectations, the people, the places and the dramatic views have been wonderful. This place is so tranquil and so delightful to come back to each day! And the bonus has been the inspiration of Cesar Manrique who has had a fantastic influence everywhere on the environment of this island! Long love the peacefulness and beauty of Haria & Casita Carmelo. We hope to come back soon, Richard and De

Dear Terrie and Brendan What can we say that has not already been said!? The place is magic, the welcome warm, far from the madding crowd but close to good food and wine. We could not ask for more and hope to see you all again in 2011. We have found both good walks and very friendly people, thank you for making our stay so special. Pat and John

To Brendan, Terrie and all future visitors to this lovely hideaway. Casita Carmelo is the most charming, most comfortable and coziest place to stay of all the casitas and apartments we have ever rented (and we have seen a lot of them!) Haria is a friendly village and Casita Carmelo is the ideal home base, far away from the large tourist centers, but close to all the interesting attractions of Lanzarote. Of all the beautiful walks which you can do on this island we would like to recommend the walk from Haria up to Los Helechos, continue to Ermita de las Nieves and then follow the track on the ridge all the way to Teguise. Return by taxi or bus! We surely hope to return! Bedank en vat zieus, Ceciel y Houd.

An unforgettable new year ,whisked away from snow and ice in London to the warm soft air of Lanzarote. We've had a wonderful week and wish we could have stayed longer. Thank you very much for being so welcoming, Robert and Neil

A pesar del mal tiempo que hemos tenido durante toda la semana (no hemos podido ni ba–arnos en la piscina), estamos seguros de que volveremos a Casita Carmelo algœn d’a. Hemos disfrutado de otra faceta de Lanzarote: el verla reverdecer despues de tanto lluviaÉ Brendan y Teresa, seguid siendo tan amables y setallistas como lo habeis sido con nosotros y mucha suerte con vuestro proximo nieto o nieta!! Para la casa, un 10 en todo. Ongi ibili eta muso handi bat hiroron partez! (Seguid bien y un beso de parte de los tres!) Andoni, Laura y Laia

From the Cooks. We have had a great time and have enjoyed great weather and the beautiful scenery of Haria. Casita Carmelo is charming and very easy to stay in. We found this was a very relaxing place, no noisy little ones or extraneous noises, just peace and quiet. We loved all of Cesar Manrique«s work, especially the Cactus Garden (great food) and his home. Thank you Brendan and Terrie for making the surroundings so gorgeous. We will definitely recommend this little peaceful oasis to all our friends!

Dear Terrie and Brendan. This was our first stay in Lanzarote and we totally enjoyed it! We were lucky to find this beautiful villa on a website and it exceeded our expectations. Thanks for being such wonderful hosts and making our holiday unforgettable. Best wishes, Ausra and Vidumartes. PS. Don«t be surprised if more Lithuaneans will knock at Casita Carmelo's door!

For both personal and professional reasons, this weekend was a turning point in our lives. We will certainly remember Casita Carmelo. Hidden away, romantic, blissfully quiet. No city noises, no complex noises and no (beautiful) children noises. We will see you again soon...Nico y Elena. Casita Carmelo has been the ideal setting for those memories. Thanks

We had a fantastic stay at Caleta del Sebo. Made the reservation through "The Real Lanzarote.Com" web site. Got a high standard flat with 2 bedrooms and a big commonroom. Morning sun at the terace. Silent place, 2-4 minutes to the seaside and restaurants. La Graciosa was magic, the beaches, the mountains and the colours. Thank you Brenda and Terrie for your good service! Two very pleaced norwegians.

Dear Brendan and Terrie Hemos pasado unos d’as maravillosos en Casita Carmelo, Haria, Lanzarote. Esta isla es, sin dude, una isla lleve de contrastes, tranquilidad y silencio aqu’ en el norte. Casita Carmelo y su entorno, un lugar ideal para el tan ansiado descanso. El nuestra retina queda el recuerdo de: Timanfaya, playa del Volc‡n, la playa de las Conchas, îrsola, Teguise, el olor a Higuera, el Mirador del rio, los Hervideros, el mar, el olor a mar, la lava, el negro de las tierras,y nuestro cenas en el Marinero (Arrecife). Muchas gracias por nuestre cordialidad. Un beso muy grande, Juan y Toni

In this days SO MUCH and(after 4 days), 31st Agosto 2009, one of the lizards was been to live here!!! Yes, because the nature is fantastic but also the people. For example, in Haria there are so many particular and characteristic persons, they seem actors of the Almodovars movie And in fact we will certainly wait the new Almovodars movie, just for remember you and all Things of this special island. Thank you for your friendship and we hope to see each other next year. A kiss from Erika and un bacio y un abbreccio Grosoie y tutto, Federico

Queridos Brendan y Terrie Hemos pasado unos d’as maravillosos en Har’a, pero sobretodo en casita Susi. Y sin duda la que m‡s lo ha disfrutado ha sido Mariona. Estamos muy contentos de haber escogido Lanzarote para pasar nuestros vacaciones y much’simo m‡s de haber venido al norte, donde hay la tranquilidad que a nosotros nos gusta. No dudŽis de que cuando volvamos a Barcelona recomendaremos a nuestros amigos que quieran pasar unos d’as en esta isla que vengan a pasarlos aqu’ con vosotros. Un fuerte abrazo, much’simas gracias por vuestra hospitalidad y vuestras felicidades por haber creado este lugar tan especial y maravilloso. WE HOPE WE MEET AGAIN SOON!!!

Nos vamos encantados de Casita Susi, que con su piscina ha sido un verdadero oasis. Los desayunos eternos y las cenas a la luz de las velas no nos dejaron despegar. Tan a gusto est‡bamos que no vimos Timanfaya, ni la Graciosa, ni lo de CŽsar ManriqueÉDecidimos huir de los turistas. En fin, tendremos que volver. Buen dato el restaurante a la vuelta de la esquina ÒLa Puerta VerdeÓ. Muchas gracias Brendan y Terrie por su vuestra acogida y por los riqu’simos higos que fueron esenciales en nuestra dieta estival. A pesar de las nubes que se instalaron con nosotros, han sidos una autenticas vacaciones. Os recordaremos desde Par’s. ÁQue har’a sin Har’a! Besos Chechu y Miguel

We have spent good hollidays in Lanzarote island (walk around volcanoes, ento del littard, swim, great beaches, Arrieta, Famara, visit splendid places, Graciosa island, Haria town (White houses in an oasis), in Casita Carmelo (good design in the Manrique style). So thanks for all! Roger and Ruth

Queridos brendan y Terrie! Hace ya una semana que llegamos y la verdad que ha sido incre’ble. Nos vamos a Madrid, deseando volver algœn d’a, con un monton de recuerdos que desde hoy, se har‡n inolvidables. En estos ocho d’as que hemos estado, nos ha dado tiempo a conocer la islas por lo bonita que puede llegar a ser y especialmente nos quedamos con las playas de Papagayo, Timanfaya y Fuerteventura. ÒCasita SusiÓ ha sido tal y como lo imaginamos, fue precisamente esta casa lo que nos convenci— definitivamente para pasar nuestras vacaciones en Lanzarote y el poder estar aqu’ ha sido como un sue–o. Muchas gracias por vuestra hospitalidad y por la tranquilidad que nos habŽis aportado estos 8 d’as. Un beso muy fuerte.

Dear Terrie and Brendan. I dont speak English very well, but I try this, sorry for the mistakes. Thanks for your homability, all is really beautifoll and we enjoy the relax. Gracias por vuestra amabilidad, todo es realmente bonito y hemos disfrutada del descanso. Gracias por la vostra amabilitat, tot es realment bonic i hem gaudit del descans. See you Nos vemos Ens veiem

Terrie and Brendan. What can we say? What a truly amazing place you have here, Sue calls it her place of Paradise. Casita Carmelo lived up to my expectations as described on the internet. Truly amazing holiday, thank you both so much. God bless, Sue and Paul

We really enjoyed our stay on the island and in your lovely apartment. Its really a beautiful place with a good atmosphere. We loved the island. We sometimes are thinking about moving somewhere else and Lanzarote could be interesting, so maybe we will be neighbours in the future. So, thanks for your hospitality and we wish you all the best, love, Inga and Enno.

A short break to celebrate 20 years together! Casita Carmelo lived up to all our expectations. A beautiful and tranquil space, waking up to silence. Brendan and Terrie have picked a fantastic location in an unspoilt village. We have enjoyed lots of long walks enjoying breathtaking views and the unique flora of Lanzarote. The food has been fantastic, the fresh fish at «Amanacer« second-to-none. Brendan and Terrie are perfect hosts! Thanks to you both, best wishes, felicity and Nick

Para todos los que esteis buscando vacaciones en Lanzarote,y querais disfrutar de la isla al maximo,os recomendamos alojaros en esta casita.
Esta en un pueblo encantador,y el a lojamiento aqui esta muy bien,mucha tranquilidad,lejos de los grandes hoteles de las zonas turisticas,que a mi personalmente me agobian,ademas con un coche esta todo muy cerca,y la estancia es muy acogedora,tanto Terrie como Brendan nos recibieron muy calurosamente.
La isla es increible y merece mucho la pena conocerla.un saludo

15 July 2009

Fantastic Apartment
Great Location
Highly Recommended

We had a fantastic stay as Casita Carmelo

I made the reservation through "The Real Lanzarote.Com" web site and we were extremely pleased with our choice.

Our aim was to explore the real life of Lanzarote (having not been before) and it all started here.

The design of the apartment incorporated a lot of the buildings old features which gave it a very homely 'top notch feel'. The floor of the shower was made from Volcanic Rock and for me was a total WOW factor. The private terrace was great and we shared the pool with one other apartment.

Brendan & Terri had thought of everything to make our holiday complete and were always on hand for support.

The location of the apartment is quiet but in a prime location for visiting the main tourist attractions.

We enjoyed Jardin de Cactus, Jameos del Aqua and Mirador del Rio. The local restaurants only 5 mins walk away were good and the craft market in the square was different selling local made crafts - Pottery, Leather, Clothing, Jewellery and Local Produce .

We hadn't been to Lanzarote before and really didn't know what to expect but all in all we can honestly say we thoroughly enjoyed it and we will be returning to stay at Casita Carmella, it was like paradise.

Thank you once again Brendan.

Best regards Sue and Paul xxx

We were looking for a nice place to stay on Lanzarote, off the beaten track and in a "real" village rather than a tourist hotspot, and we found "Casita Susi" and "Casa Carmelo" in Haria. They are absolutely as nice and beautiful as they look on the pictures. The building is a refurbished old farmhouse and has kept (or even re-gained) the incredible charme of the historic structure. The flats are full of lovely details, with a personal touch, very cosy. It was the perfect retreat for a week of relax inside and outside the house (beautiful terrace and pool!) as well as sports and excursions all over the island. Brendan and Terrie are lovely hosts, kind, friendly and helpful, and with the right mix of easy conversation and discretion. Highly recommended!

Hola Brendan , mi familia y yo queríamos agradecer a ti y a tu familia el trato ofrecido hacia nosotros.

Todo estaba en orden y muy límpio, decir que nos encanto la piscina y que se lo recomendaré a unos amigos mios que este verano quieren visitar la isla, y qué mejor sitio que vuestros apartamentos.

Muchas gracias por buscarme el coche de alquiler y por facilitarnos la información para desplazarnos por la isla.

Bueno, una vez más gracias por todo.

Un saludo para todos.

Muchas Gracias.

Hasta pronto.

Martín Herrera (Barcelona).

Un lieu loin de tout, dans la Vallée des 1 000 palmiers recommandée dans le petit futé parmi les incontournables de Lanzarote... voilà où nous avons établi notre nid douillet. La casita Susi, entre la suite avec vue imprenable sur une adorable piscine et le "home sweet home"... bien loin du tourisme de masse, est un lieu d'artiste que n'aurait pas renié César Manrique, le Maître de l'île. Beaucoup de charme, de détail comme si les propriétaires Brendan et Terry y avaient vécu avant de vous y accueillir. Mais non, ils ont simplement aménagé ce petit nid avec tant d'amour que vous vous y sentez tout de suite chez vous. Au départ, nous pensions y passer 3-4 nuits car nous souhaitions déménager sur un lieu plus proche de la mer, mais en définitive... après avoir trouvé quelques plages de poche (dont une aux allures de lagon, à proximité d'Orzola) à 15 petites mns de route, ne nous sommes pas décidés à quitter ce lieu idyllique. Loin de tout disais-je ? Pour ce sentiment d'isolement et de sérénité mais, au fond si proche de mille lieux passionnants (tout d'abord pour les inconditionnels de Manrique : Mirador del Rio, Jameos del Agua et Cueva de los Verdes mais aussi de ces charmants villages de pêcheurs que sont Orzola et Arrieta. Et la Geria avec ses bons vins - stop immanquable à El Grifo - pas si loin). Avis aux amateurs de moments privilégiés!

Hola familia Finucane, tras haber pasado unos maravillosos días en la fantástica isla de Lanzarote, mi familia y yo queremos agradecerles la amabilidad y el trato que han tenido con nosotros.

Esto ha sido posible gracias a vosotros que en todo momento han estado muy atentos y muy serviciales con nosotros, por ello quiero decir que estamos muy contentos de haber elegido vuestro apartamento para pasar nuestras vacaciones y que todo estaba perfectamente.

Espero tener vacaciones lo antes posible y volver a vernos pronto.

Un saludo y un fuerte abrazo.

Juan Pedro (Madrid)

A friend and I booked both Apatrments Carmelo and Casita Suzi during Easter 2009. Our arrival was at night and to see the pool lit up so beautifully confirmed our to us that we had made the right choice. The North of the island is very different to the tourist bound south so from here you can get the best of both worlds by hiring a car and exploring the island. Terry and Brendan were excellent hosts looking after our every need from advising us places to visit and which restaurnts to eat in. I would not hesitate to recommend this wonderful place to anyone wanting somewhere to relax and unwind. I will certainly be back!

We stayed in Casita Carmelo for a week in April. Casita Carmelo is stylish and rustic and has taken inspiration from the works of Cesar Manrique. Your friendly knowledgable hosts Brendan, Terrie, and Theo are on hand to advise all you need to know to enhance your stay. Haria is beautiful and peacefull with great views and friendly locals. The location is great as you are close to some of the major attractions Jameos del Agua, Catus Garden, Cueva los Verdes, and Mirador del Rio all within 15 mins drive.
Our favourite restaurants were Amanceer (Arrieta), El Lago (Punta Mujeres), and Meson la Frontera (Haria)fantastic views. Chingra beach (Arrieta)does nice tapas with views of the ocean.
This is the perfect place to chill out, relax, enjoy a great island, it's many sights and restaurants. Casita Carmelo Brendan, Terrie, Theo, Haria, and the north of the island has everthing you need for a first class holiday.

Many thanks Brendan, Terrie, and Theo. We hope to return.

In these times of financial melt-down there can be few better places to re-charge the batteries and believe it will all come right in the end. PARADISE Re-visited is what Brendan and Terry offer with their beautiful appartements. We stayed in 'Casita Carmelo' a jewel appartement just a few minutes from the picture postcard village of Haria. Private terrace for alfresco dining and sunbathing, lovely shared pool and a sunken bedroom to die for. Weather lazing and chilling-out, or super little art trips and volacanoe walking it's all there! Terry and Brendan and their son Theo are the most perfect, gracious hosts always descreet but also always there for a chat and a 'sundowner' if you feel like knowing special little places to visit or great local restaurants off the tourist track. We can't recommend it too highly IT'S FABULOUS & BRILLIANT!!!!!!! will be going back for more very soon!

Well, what can I say that hasn't already been said here. March 2009 was our second visit. We stayed in Carmelo last year, but since it was booked up this year, stayed in Suzi, where we found similar comfort and style.

There's something about this part of Lanzarote that is completely relaxing, and staying in surroundings such as one finds at Carmelo and Suzi simply adds to that. Brendan, Terrie and Theo are quite exceptionally helpful and a fund of knowledge - ideal hosts in an ideal property, a combination I suspect is fairly rare. We'll certainly be back, hopefully next spring for another chill-out session.

Wir haben zwei erholsame Wochen in der Casa Carmelo verbracht. Das Haus ist sehr gemütlich und geschmackvoll eingerichtet; alles - besonders die Küche - ist auf hohem Niveau. Es macht Freude nach einem Ausflugstag wieder in dieses hübsche Ferienziel zurück zu kommen.

We had a glorious holiday on Lanzarote and we found Casita Carmelo the perfect place for a chill out break. Brendan and Terri are gracious and generous hosts. We were made to feel very welcome and it felt very much like home. The apartment is quiet and peaceful and situated in the most beautiful village on the island. We would happily recommend reallanzarote.com to everyone that is looking for somewhere special to stay. We had a great time - thanks to you both.

I have just returned from a fabulous week at Carmelo with my husband and 3 year old daughter. Having spent every holiday in the south during my childhood I have long wrestled with the idea of returning to Lanzarote but never dared because I knew the south has been spoilt. Having seen this website and pestered Brendan with questions we decided that a trip to the north would be a safe bet. So glad we did, we had a fabulous time.

Brendan and Terrie were the perfect hosts, friendly yet discreet and were more than helpful when we realised we had left our driving licence at home! I have no hestitation in recommending reallanarote.com to all discrening holiday makers who want that extra special touch.

We spent the most lovely holidays with our boy at Casita Carmelo. It felt like honeymoon. Haria is one of the most beautiful villages on the planet and the surroundings invite you for wonderful excursions. No need to go to the sea every day. The house is cosy and in an unstylish way very stylish. After visiting all the amazing Cesar Manrique buildings on the island you will be proud to have your own one - that's how it feels. Last not least Terry and Brendan, the friendly hosts, are doing a great job. They won't mind to tell you their secrets about the islands, where to go, where to eat etc.. We will come back!

What a fabulous place you have in Haria, Brendan and Terrie! We have truly enjoyed every minute of the holidays spent in the glorious surrounds of Casas Carmelo and Susi and were always made to feel welcome,relaxed and happy. The apartments are fabulous with stunning terrace and pool and equipped with everything that we needed and the situation is beautiful! We will happily recommend reallanzarote.com to everyone that is looking for something special in the Canaries. Thank you, once again

We have stayed in Casita Carmelo four times now and plan to return. Each time Brendan and Terri have added to the facilities, improving what we thought was perfection! Not only is the all important location superb, and if you ever thought Lanzarote was a barren waste - think again, but Brendan and Terri are the perfect hosts, supplying a balance of friendliness and privacy that adds a special something to the whole experience. In these troubled times you need to spend you hard earned money wisely and find a holiday that will be uplifting and relaxing. We've been looking at various options and can't find anything to rival what we found in Lanzarote - nuff said.

We had a fabulous time in Lanzarote last August. After many busy months of work without a break we escaped to the island for some much needed rest and relaxation. The weather, cuisine and ease of travel was just perfect ...and the generous hospitality of the Finucane Family gave us much to look forward to each evening...but what surprised us most was the varied work by Caesar Manrico - a true master! We will most definitely return sooner rather than later - and will be sure to stay in Apartment Carmelo. There is no better place!

Can't say enough great things about Brendan! Not only did he find us the perfect apartment in Arrieta at busy Christmastime, he went above and beyond what we could ever hope for and has redefined incredible service. I can't wait to go back to this friendly, gorgeous, fascinating island. Anyone visiting Islas Canarias should do it real-lanzarote style! Brendan, Christmas dinner at El Puerte Verde in Haria was one of the highlights of our trip, thanks for the tip. Hope to come back soon!

A great break away from the whirls of living in this busy world of ours. Following Brendans advice we chose to stay in Haria, at the Casa la Crucita (forgive my spelling..). The perfect place for those seeking peace, quiet, comfort, friendliness and within a short distance of the best restaurant on the island!! Thanks Brendan, Haria and its people are beautiful.

We spent Christmas in Lanzarotte and stayed, courtesy of Brendan, in Arrieta - a great location, not least for its good choice of places to eat and shop for basics. It also proved to be a great base for going round the island, yet also having some peace and quiet. The fact that I brought a nasty dose of the flu with me from the UK, and that I still had a great time, is testament to how lovely the place is and how helpful Brendan is as a host. Highly recommended!

My wife and I had a fabulous holiday with www.real-lanzarote.com the ´baby´of Brendan and Terrie, your hosts. After agonising whether to go to a southern resort or try the beauty of north of Lanzarote we settled on Casita Carmelo in Haria, the prettiest village in Lanzarote. And was that a good choice! The Casita is exquisite, tasteful, cosy, private and what a comfy bed! Adjoining the generous sun terrace was the beautiful private pool, a constant joy whether swimming in it or drinking a glass of fine Lanzarote wine alongside it. Brendan and Terrie are fabulous hosts, attentive, considerate with lots of tips to enhance your stay. The holiday of a lifetime. We´ll be back.........soon! Thanks