I Live in Paris, and This Winter Travel Destination Is My Best-Kept Secret
Monica Mendal is a Who What Wear editor in residence, a former fashion editor, a travel writer, and the author of So There's This Place…—a Substack newsletter where she shares curated guides, insider tips, and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
As a travel writer and former fashion editor based in Paris, I've traveled extensively throughout European countries like France, Italy, and Spain and have focused my travel reporting for outlets such as Vogue, Prior, and my own Substack So There's This Place… on being ahead of the curve. My stories highlight the under-the-radar destinations and charming boutique hotels that not everyone is heading to (yet), which brings me to one of my favorite lesser-known destinations.
When winter descends on Paris and the sun seems to set just hours after lunch, I can't resist escaping to a place where the sun still shines. A few years ago, I discovered the perfect antidote to Parisian winters: Lanzarote, a sun-soaked island in the Canary Islands that remains one of the warmest destinations in Europe during the winter.
Travelers flock to the island for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, scenic hiking trails, golden beaches, good surf, and mineral-rich local wines. What I found most surprising about Lanzarote is how unexpectedly dynamic it is. Beyond the natural beauty, the island pulses with art and culture thanks in large part to the visionary architect César Manrique, who left his mark through a series of stunning projects that seamlessly blend architecture with Lanzarote's volcanic landscape. His influence continues to shape the island's identity today.
You can explore his former studio and his home in Haría to see his bold, organic designs up close; admire sweeping coastal views from the Mirador del Río; wander the sculptural cacti at Jardín de Cactus; and lose yourself in the labyrinthine Lagomar Museum, which was built into volcanic rock. Even a meal at the fiery Restaurant El Diablo, which is perched over a volcanic vent, or a visit to the artisan ceramics at Eguzkine reveals the island's eclectic spirit. Add to that a collection of design-forward boutique hotels scattered across the island, and you've got a winter escape that'll give you way more than what you came for.
Below, I'm sharing my favorite boutique stays and the top seven attractions you can't miss when visiting Lanzarote this winter. Plus, see what I packed and actually wore there.
Favorite Stays in Lanzarote
Buenavista Lanzarote Country Suites
Lanzarote is dotted with charming boutique hotels that feel personal and full of character, which offers a refreshing contrast to the larger, tourist-heavy resorts in the southern part of the island. One standout is Buenavista Lanzarote Country Suites, a design ecolodge nestled in the volcanic landscape between Timanfaya National Park and La Geria. This intimate retreat features five minimalist suites with expansive windows that frame sweeping views of vineyards and volcanic terrain. The property is also a haven for art and nature enthusiasts, offering a serene escape with a focus on sustainability and local craftsmanship.
