Rating8.2
Rating8.4Adults Only
Rating8.0Adults OnlyGood
Based on 1.3k reviews
Adults-Only Serenity
Guests consistently praise the tranquil, child-free environment of Esencia, highlighting it as a perfect retreat for relaxation and quiet.
Exceptional Pools
The extensive number of pools, particularly the clean and heated options within Esencia, are a significant draw and receive high commendation.
Comfortable Accommodations
Rooms are frequently lauded for their spaciousness, comfort, and cleanliness, often accompanied by beautiful views and nice balconies.
Impeccable Cleanliness
The resort maintains very high standards of cleanliness across all areas, contributing significantly to guest satisfaction.
Friendly and Helpful Staff
The service provided by the staff is generally rated very positively, with many guests commending their professionalism and friendliness.
All-Inclusive Drink Limitations
A common point of frustration is the restricted nature of the all-inclusive drink package, with many popular beverages incurring additional charges.
Varied Dining Quality
While some guests enjoy the food, others find it repetitive or lacking in creativity, occasionally leading to mixed reviews on dining.
Isolated Location & Hilly Terrain
The resort's peaceful, remote setting is appreciated, but also noted as requiring a car for island exploration and posing mobility challenges due to its hilly layout.
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Traveller Rating 4.4/5
Based on 513 reviews, 65% Excellent
TripAdvisor
La Palma is the right Canary Island if you want volcanic landscapes, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve territory, and serious star-gazing (it hosts the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory). It's the wrong choice if you want developed resort infrastructure, beach hopping, or proximity to multiple airports. Esencia de La Palma sits at the southern tip in Fuencaliente — a quiet area more known for volcanic terrain than sandy beaches — and doubles down on the island's low-key character.
The Esencia section was renovated in 2021, which shows in the room quality. Guests in the Esencia section get exclusive access to private pools, the Origen restaurant (buffet format with live cooking stations), and the Coral Bar. The broader La Palma Princess complex — with three additional restaurants, a piano bar, and disco bar — is also accessible. The renovated rooms, spacious balconies, and ocean views from the volcanic hillside setting are consistently praised.
The topography is the main logistical challenge. The resort is built into a hilly landscape without lifts in the accommodation blocks. Guests with mobility concerns should specifically flag this at booking and request ground-floor rooms. The terrain makes walking around the property more demanding than at flat coastal resorts.
Drink inclusions are limited — many spirits and wines incur additional charges even on the all-inclusive plan. The princess app is required to book the Origen restaurant, which has limited daily capacity. A rental car is effectively mandatory if you want to explore La Palma, as the resort's location in Fuencaliente has minimal within-walking-distance options.