The former dropout and hippie island of La Gomera has now turned into a coveted winter destination for individual travellers fed up with the cold. The scenic beauty of this seemingly tropical island with its unique laurel forest is especially suitable for hikers and those seeking silence – the nightlife is limited to the collectively experienced sunset in front of the Casa Maria in La Playa and the legendary enraptured moon parties at the Castillo del Mar. Even the Bhagwan Farm presents itself now rather modern and relaxed, and between El Faro and the port of Vueltas in Valle Gran Rey so many hotels were emerging, that visitors from the ’80s seem not to recognize the valley anymore.

However, the gorgeous Valle Hermigua with the charming Hotel Rural Ibo Alfaro is fairly untouched. The former mansion from the year 1850 is managed by the German Ina Stomberg, who lovingly furnished it with Spanish antiques and turned it into a gem amidst green nature. Hikes and walks can be undertaken straight from the house; so that according to Ina, “the best air on the island” can be enjoyed to the fullest. The view from the hotel is fantastic and the Garajonay National Park with its rain forest is just a few miles away, making it a dream accommodation for guests who like it special, individual and very personal and wish to get to know the other side of the island of Gomera.

From Valle Hermigua it is just a 20 minutes drive to the capital city of San Sebastian de La Gomera, where the ferries from Tenerife are berthing, with which most visitors come to the island (a real advantage for all like me, who after about an hour’s drive over serpentines into Valle Gran Rey get really sick – may the view on the sea be ever so magnificent). The “capital” isn’t really attractive, apart from one exception: the Parador de la Gomera, one of the most beautiful historic mansion hotels in entire Spain. Situated high above the harbour, it is offering a fantastic view, during good weather even as far as to the opposite Teide on Tenerife. A terrific garden with swimming pool, an excellent restaurant and nobly furnished rooms offer pure luxury – also great for a few days after the rustic finca vacation.