A top destination for winter warmth, the Canary Islands have long been a favourite with British travellers seeking some Spanish culture under an African sun. There are seven islands in total; Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro, of which the first three remain the most visited by mainstream tourists, closely followed by the windswept surfing paradise of Fuerteventura. Each has its own character and combined, they cater for everything from classic family beach holidays to peaceful spa retreats, romantic boutique escapes and lively short breaks for those who like to party till dawn. Find your perfect Canarian hotel, from our list.
Gran Canaria
Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia
Famous for serving as a playground for the rich and famous when they visit Gran Canaria, the Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia truly lives up to its epic name. This elegant establishment can be found nestled in a pretty palm grove on the edge of Maspalomas and treats guests to a full range of luxurious amenities to take advantage of. Although the ocean is just a five minute stroll away, guests are sure to want to spend plenty of time unwinding in the huge outdoor pool complex. The hotels’ upper-floor suites provide stunning vistas of the mountains above and sand dunes below, while the huge bathtubs are set with massage jets and colourful lights.
Bohemia Suites & Spa
Set right on the edge of the pristine white sand of the Playa del Inglés, this five star establishment treats guests to a taste of the finer things in life. As the name suggests, this establishment boasts several spacious suites for guests to choose from and one of the choicest options is the Sky Suite. In addition to providing guests with a huge freestanding tub in the bathroom as well as an Illy espresso machine, this decadent suite also comes complete with complimentary Audi A1 Sportback hire car. The balcony is also set with comfortable chairs that light up at night and couples are sure to want to take advantage of the decadent room service menu so that they can spend plenty of time here gazing out at the scenery.
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Gran Canaria Mogan
Everything about this grand hotel whispers exclusivity and there are plenty of unique touches for guests to enjoy. After entering the hotel on the 11th floor, guests take a lift down the cliff face to their room and the huge ocean facing outdoor swimming pool complex. The resort is also famous for is modern spa, which comes complete with a Finnish sauna, a traditional hammam and whirlpool tub, while there is a wide range of special treatments for guests to take advantage of. True luxury lovers will want to make sure that they book one of the two-bedroom Superior Suites, which feature 200 square metres of space including a terrace, a living room and a fully-equipped kitchen.
Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel
Located just a short stroll from Las Palmas Marina in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel provides a lush retreat as it is surrounded by picturesque gardens. Stunning views of the marina can be enjoyed from the infinity edged swimming pool as well as the rooftop pool and spacious terrace. Food lovers will be able to enjoy gourmet cuisine at Poemas, while 1890 La Bodeguita specialises in tapas. Guests who want the opportunity to sample traditional dishes in a stylish setting should also make sure that they indulge in a meal at the Camarote Grill, while the Alis Roof Top Bar is the perfect place to sit and sip a cool cocktail or two while watching the sun set.
Lopesan Villa del Conde
Set in the upmarket beach resort of Meloneras, Lopesan Villa del Conde is one of the most decadent hotels in the whole of Gran Canaria. The lobby has been modelled after the magnificent Parroquia de San Sebastián, which is one of the island’s oldest and most striking churches. The lagoon-style outdoor swimming pool boasts an infinity edge allowing guests to gaze out at the ocean, while stunning ocean views can also be enjoyed from the rooftop terrace and the spacious balconies that join the largest suites and guestrooms.
Hotel Riu Palace Meloneras
Set just 800 metres from the famous sand dunes of Maspalomas, staying at the Hotel Riu Palace Meloneras is sure to make guests feel like royalty. Everything here has been created on an extremely large and lavish scale and the enormous lobby greats guests with its huge glass columns and decadent flourishes. While families are sure to enjoy splashing around together in the five large swimming pools, the little ones are also treated to their very own Mini Club complete with a private paddling pool. Adults are also treated to a fitness room and sauna to unwind in, while there are excellent dining facilities on the site. While each of the 484 guestrooms are comfortable, the more luxurious options are the superior double rooms.
Tenerife
The Ritz Carlton, Abama
Created in the style of a pink Moorish fortress, this luxurious hotel can be seen for miles and is sure to impress guests before they even arrive. Set right on the edge of Abama beach, this is an enchanting place to unwind. The villas that can be found close to the beach offer guests plenty of luxury combined with pure privacy, while this resort features a sumptuous spa, several excellent eateries and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. People who want the chance to get back into the swing of things will also love the championship golf course that can be found right on the site.
Bahia Del Duque
As the first ever luxury hotel to have graced Tenerife, Bahia Del Duque has received its fair share of royalty and celebrities over the years. Set on the simply stunning Costa Adeje in the south of the island, guests are treated to an entire luxurious playground to unwind in. in addition to private beach access and all the usual luxurious touches, this enormous complex boasts no fewer than 21 excellent bars and restaurants. Exploring this 19th-century Spanish colonial village is an event in itself, while there are numerous rooms and suites to choose from. The crème de la crème are the suites in the Casas Ducales quarter, where guests are treated to a whole host of VIP perks.
Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia
This large and lavish resort has been attracting major celebrities from all over the world for many years and is the perfect place to rub shoulders with the rich and famous. Nature lovers are sure to be in their element here as in addition to being right on the edge of the sands of Maspalomas the enchanting lagoon and nature reserve of Charca is just a short stroll away. Guests should make sure that they select one of the spacious upper-floor suites so that they can take in the vistas of the dunes below from the serenity of their balcony.
Iberostar Grand El Mirador
Set around an enormous Arabesque pool, the Iberostar Grand El Mirador is sure to enchant visitors from the very first glimpse. Simply exploring this huge and extremely lavish resort is sure to make guests feel like royalty, while the service that they will receive is second to none. Dining in style on the edge of the pool complex is sure to be an unforgettable experience, while each of the suites comes with canopy beds. Large and lavish living rooms, and plenty of luxurious touches that make this the establishment of choice for pure extravagance.
Sheraton La Caleta Resort & Spa
With its collection of sandstone turrets, large sweeping staircases and huge columns, the Sheraton La Caleta Resort & Spa feels like a North African palace. The huge outdoor pool complex is surrounded by palm trees and sun loungers and invites pure relaxation. Many of the spacious rooms here treat guests to ocean views from their balconies, while there are plenty of modern touches to make guests feel right at home. Enjoying a leisurely breakfast beside the pool is the perfect way to start the day, while the Sheraton La Caleta Resort & Spa is famous for its excellent eateries such as the La Venta tapas restaurant and Kamakura Japanese.
Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort
This sophisticated five-star hotel complex can be found right next to the enchanting Dorada beach in Lanzarote’s leading resort of Playa Blanca. Guests here are treated to sweeping sea views that run out towards the neighbouring islands. Each of the guestrooms is expertly designed and very spacious, while the light and natural colours help to create the feeling of yet more space and light. Many rooms have their own small kitchens as well as ocean facing balconies. Among the first rate facilities that are just waiting to be enjoyed on the site itself are eight restaurants, a large spa and an enchanting outdoor swimming pool complex.
Lanzarote
Hotel Fariones
Fresh from a brand new contemporary refurb, this five-star hotel has three restaurants, a sleek ocean-view infinity pool area flanked by palms, a second rooftop-pool terrace, a nightclub and a cocktail bar. It’s found just a short walk from the lively Puerto del Carmen, on the edge of a sandy beach. Consistently rated as ‘excellent’ on TripAdvisor, Hotel Fariones’ 213 rooms all come with a balcony or terrace.
Lani’s Suites
Also in Puerto del Carmen, Lani’s Suites are just 10 minutes from the airport beside an exclusive private beach. It’s an adult-only resort, exuding glamour and sophistication. Guests can book massages at the spa, and enjoy a chic gastronomic experience in the glass-fronted sea view restaurant. 25 designer suites come with a welcome half bottle of cava, champagne flutes, a Bluetooth speaker and a Nespresso machine.
Meliá Salinas
The lagoon pool here was designed by famed Canarian architect Cesar Manrique, bordered by tropical gardens and two of the island’s loveliest golden beaches. A great choice for families, there’s a host of sports and activities for all ages, as well as a kids’ and adults’ entertainment programme. An all-day dining venue and Italian eatery are available at this stunning Costa Teguise property, alongside the nearby town centre options.
La Isla y El Mar
Reserved for adult travellers, La Isla y El Mar was the first hotel in the world to receive the Biosphere Responsible Tourism certificate, awarded by the Unesco Institute for Responsible Tourism. Alongside its 81 modern suites, is The African Secret, the hotel’s wellness centre, a buffet dining area and an on-trend a la carte restaurant. If you’re in need of some time in a cool, calm oasis, book a stay here.
Hotel THe Volcán Lanzarote
Close to the yachting paradise of Marina Rubicón, this resort has been styled on a traditional island village. 251 rooms are spread across 20 buildings, interspersed by four pools, three restaurants and a snack bar, as well as boutiques lounges and recreation areas. Additionally, guests can take advantage of extensive children’s facilities, or chill out in the adult-only zone, Club Volcán.
Fuerteventura
Sheraton Fuerteventura Beach, Golf & Spa Resort
Perched on the island’s east coast in Caleta De Fuste, the Sheraton Fuerteventura Beach Resort features a traditional Canarian style of architecture with wooden balconies. The hotel is made up of 266 bedrooms and suites, with four eateries (including a Spanish buffet, pan-Asian and Mediterranean restaurants), a tennis court, a fitness centre, multiple outdoor pools and the Hespérides Thalasso Spa with a thermal circuit. The Fuerteventura Golf Club is accessed via a free shuttle bus and offers discounted green fees to guests. Sheraton resort is super family-friendly with a Yambaland mini-club, a Maxi Club and a cinema and disco in the evenings.
Secrets Bahía Real Resort & Spa
This hotel and spa (read our review here) have been designed with adult travellers in mind. The town of Corralejo can be reached by foot in under 10 minutes. Its waterside terrace is adorned with crisp white day beds and sun loungers, plus there are two relaxing lagoon-like pools. The hotel has 245 rooms set across just three floors (with lifts to all), for a low rise aesthetic. Both dining and drinking can take place on the outdoor terraces, while indoors, La Cupula De Carles Gaig serves dishes designed by a Michelin starred chef. Currently undergoing its latest refurbishment, Secrets Bahía Real Resort & Spa re-opens in December 2021.
Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace
Right beside a quiet stretch of Jandia Beach, the Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace is modern, airy and low-rise with all-inclusive or part-board options. It’s an adult-only resort surrounded by landscaped gardens, with a pool bar, programmes of entertainment and a spa offering water journeys. Meals are served in the main buffet and an à la carte Japanese restaurant. Upgrade to one of the Star Prestige rooms if you’d like access to an exclusive area of the hotel.
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