Wonderful nature, lovely host, very cute cats and dogs, social atmosphere in the common areas

The double bed was rather small for two friends who are not a couple. The water for the shower wouldn’t turn warm, so I decided not to take a shower during my stay there.

The place is like from a fairytale, very distant, peaceful and nice. Good communication.

what an experience! you’re away from everything that’s not important. great people, both guests and staff and you’re surrounded by stunning views and organic food!

The location is brilliant! It is very remote but that is the unique selling point. You have to walk a bit but then you are in paradise.

Alcohol and smoking is not allowed. I can imagine this, but having a beer every now and then on your holiday, i like ;)

An unique home, deep in the heart of nature and so beautiful and full of life, energy and happiness. Alison and her family are super warm and friendly. I had a great time socializing and sharing stories with Alison's family and other travelers. Hiked during the day and took a swim in the pool after, a great place to relax and recharge, will definitely go back again:)

The location was just unique in the mountains. Allison is a friendly host, and the place attracts people who enjoys the quietness.

All good

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL view, hard to beat. Breakfast was serve yourself which was convenient and there were lots of different options. Bedroom was nice, simple, and relatively quiet which we liked. We loved all of the animals who lived there and the staff/other guests were all very kind. Overall a great, peaceful environment.

Of course there is good and bad to being a bit isolated in the mountains. The good is the view and tranquility, the bad is that is it impractical if you want to go out and do a lot on the island. The drive to the hostel is on a very narrow, 2-way, winding road (which was a bit scary on day 1 but we got used to it) and the hike up to the hostel itself is no joke. We did tons of hiking during our trip so this wasn’t a big deal to us, but this could definitely be a negative for some people. The flies in our room were a bit annoying and the shower had not much hot water, but no deal breakers.

The location is great right at the entrance to the natural park, feels magical.

Facilities are a bit oldish and the dishes/cutlery not that clean - this place could definitely do with a dishwasher. Quite a walk from the carpark which can be more challenging after dusk. No alcohol policy quite harsh, not a heavy drinker but don't like rules limiting my freedoms being imposed.

Lovely place in the nature, something really special and different. Good place to relax, do some hiking and just enjoy. Heartwarming and feels like you are part of the family.

Animals and nature all around, beautiful souls and great vibes.

Everything was special and original in Rivendell. The location, Alison, her animals, the pool, the artistic house and atmosphere, Koke and his musical skills, the garden... everything was the Best there ... we xish to come back soon

Nothing

This is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their life as it is truly remarkable and unforgettable. Alison provides a truly lovely experience for guests to feel welcome and at home. The dormitory beds are clean with mosquito nets to protect you from bugs whilst the open windows mean you wake to the fresh mountain air in a totally renewed state of mind. The view across the valley is spectacular. And many spots exist for quiet contemplation and meditation. The bathroom(s) are shared but of a good standard and the ambiance is that of respect for silence in the dorms after 10pm which is really a good practice of spiritual hygiene : You can also choose a private room if you wish. The cooking areas are shared but you will need to bring at least two to three days supplies of food with you as there are no shops nearby 😂 When arriving you will need to park in the barranco car park or be dropped by taxi (15 euros from los liannos) and if you have little to no luggage or a back pack only walk a very steep walk up the hill (1km approx) : the walk is not recommended if you have luggage. For 5 euros you can be collected by Jeep which is the only way to access the property in a vehicles: (ordinary cars and taxis can not go this route - which is along the gravel track and NOT the paved road up the mountain). This JEEP ride is recommended. There are a few steep steps to be climbed to the entrance of the house after alighting from the Jeep but if you can manage steps in general then that should be no problem. The pool looked wonderful with lilos provided to lie on the water in the sun : The cats and dogs are gorgeous little mascots and the aspiration to a community atmosphere is something that makes it very unique and different to most hostels and backpacking retreats. Very relaxing and calm and lots of time and space to do your own thing.

Evening meal selection would be wonderful. Cookery workshops.

It is a paradise in the middle of the nature. The atmosphere is relaxed, peaceful and we felt really welcomed. Alison is nice, inspiring and has a beautiful aura. We stayed in the tent in the old swimming pool and it was the best choice: it is really spacious, you have your privacy and you can watch the stars from the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in. There are several kitchens all well equipped, big bathroom and a dry toilet. The view on the barranco is just amazing from every corner of the property. If you like you can buy fresh fruits and eggs from the finca, relax on a hammock in the garden and swim in the beautiful water deposit transformed in a eco - swimming pool.

The way to get to the house is steep and a bit hard. Carry a light backpack with you.

Very relaxed atmosphere, awesome location with lots of plants growing everywhere and loads of spots to relax. The dorm is very cozy with nice beds with mosquitonets to make it even more cozy. A nice library to choose a book from to read in a hammock. Friendly people and super sweet cats and dogs to keep you company if you want. Its also a good place to stay for a longer period, because it really feels like a retreat. We were there for 2 nights and allready felt super relaxed when we left.

For some people the location could be annoying, because of the 15min walk to the car park, but it's also a good thing, because you feel remote and it's really quiet at night. The 8-bed-dorm had one bathroom with one toilet inside which was a little bit annoying, but it's okay.

amazing location right in the middle of a national park. welcoming and peaceful!

Awesome place to stay to be in the nature and connect with animals You feel like home

When the hostal is fully booked you have to be prepared for a lot of movement but you can put earplugs to sleep :)

Alison is a very lovely person. The nature is beautiful there!!!

If you go there be aware that you need to hike 1,5h to get out of valley or take a Taxi. It is perfect for people who just want to stay at one place. It might be difficult if you want to see the whole island without having a car. The price for a room a like in a hotel - what you get is a hostel. I loved the vibe but it felt wrong to pay so much.

Unique location on the side of a valley, see attached photo. Very welcoming host Alison.

According to information by booking.com, I booked a double room with private kitchen incl. dining table. Nevertheless, it turned out to be tiny room just with bed and two nightstands. No seats, even no place for clothes in the room. Shared kitchen. On my arrival, Alison showed me another similar room and as it`s small accommodation I`m rather sure they do not have rooms with private kitchen (my fault that I did not ask). No safe access in rare case of water in the (usually dry) riverbed. Night before my arrival there was a rain and in morning, there was water in the river. Alison sent me the message: “… we can come in and out walking and passing over a high bridge. Are you ok with heights”. Fortunately, by my arrival in the afternoon, there was less water in the river and I was able to cross it without getting much wet. For case of high water, Alison suggested to cross the river along high narrow technical bridge with no railings, which I consider unsafe; see photo.

Great location if you want to get away from crowded places. It takes a 15 min walk from a car park to the house (or ask owner for a lift, but we preferred to walk) surrounded by mountains what we loved! No street lights, no homes. Just us, nature and the moon. A place where you can relax and find a peace, calm your soul, be closer to La Palma nature. Recommend more than ever if you are not afraid to different approach.

The Rivendell Centro de Arte y Retiro is a peculiar place. It appears a bit messy and weird at the beginning, with dogs going anywhere, an unknown number of cats and hens, and a surprising Tolkien themed decoration. But then you discover how friendly and welcoming Alison and Olga are: They make everything to make you feel at home, and this is effectively how you feel very quickly. The location is amazing, lost on a slope of the Caldera de Taburiente, at the entrance of the national park. Having breakfast on the terrace with a view on the valley was one of the most enjoyable moments during my stay on La Palma island. At night, you just hear the sound of nature and the view on the sky is stunning (no artificial light nearby). Finally, the friendly atmosphere helps to meet very interesting people. I highly recommend and will definitely come back when I return to Canary Islands.

Very special site deep in a secluded valley. Host very helpful. Charming house.

Questionable cleanliness, small basic room. Difficult access because of very secluded site.