Gran Canaria is one of the seven main Canary Islands off the African coast that are part of Spain. With lush tropical interiors, lunar volcanic slopes and exotic beaches, there’s much to experience – with a wide choice of hotels to stay in. Here’s our pick of the best.
The Bohemia Suites and Spa Hotel is an adults-only luxury hotel close to the renowned Playa del Inglés beach in the south of the island. It’s a chic design hotel, and everything is brightly coloured, stylish and eye-catching. Spend your time here exploring the beautiful exotic gardens, indulging in pampering at the spa, swimming in the outdoor pool or enjoying a romantic dinner for two on the terrace.
The Parador Hotels are some of the best in Spain, and the Parador de Cruz de Tejeda, in a rural spot in the centre of the island, lies 9km (6mi) from the town of Tejeda, where you’ll find a couple of interesting museums, the Bentayga Archaeological Park and archaeological heritage sites. The hotel is on top of a mountain, so the views of the volcanic crater below are inspiring. The rooms are cosy yet spacious and grand, decked in natural colours and lots of wood. To top it all off, the hotel also has a spa and wellness area, gourmet restaurant, large terrace and outdoor pool.
This huge, family-friendly resort, in the small town of Puerto de Mogán, in the southwest, is close to the beach and an archaeological park. Enter the lobby and you’ll be greeted by an elegant wonderland of marble pillars, tropical plants, an astronomical clock and a glass atrium. The rest of the resort, created to look like a typical Canarian village, was designed by Emilio Ferrer. It boasts four restaurants, various swimming pools, a luxurious spa and tennis courts.
the Radisson Blu Resort Gran Canaria, in the coastal town of Arguineguín in the south, offers sea views, luxurious rooms, activities and restaurants, plus it’s close to the Maspalomas Dunes, part of the island’s Unesco Biosphere Reserve. Begin your day with breakfast on the terrace before hitting the tennis courts. The pool and beach offer a chance to cool down before lunch at La Canaria Restaurant. In the afternoon, you can go exploring or indulge yourself at the spa, with dinner waiting at the swish 222ºSW Bar & Grill.
The five-star Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia, on the south coast, sits next to the sand dunes in Maspalomas. It’s the only Leading Hotels of the World hotel on the island, and was designed by Alberto Pinto in a Spanish colonial style, with quality teak furniture and hand-painted tiles, giving the feeling that you’re staying in a grand private residence rather than a hotel. Amenities also include two swimming pools, two bars, a restaurant and a luxurious spa.
The Occidental Margaritas, in Maspalomas – one of the top areas on the south of the island – is not far from the Playa del Inglés. The four-star resort has lots to keep you occupied, including two outdoor pools, two restaurants, a kids’ club and even a nightclub. It’s still worth venturing out to discover the beaches, though, and the island’s lush volcanic interior is not to be missed.
Overlooking Maspalomas Beach, the Seaside Palm Beach offers a great location and funky 1970s retro design. Rooms are spacious and brightly coloured with vintage-style furniture and bold patterns. There are two restaurants, a wine bar, an African-inspired poolside bar and a flashy bar with live entertainment, but the highlights are the pool and tropical garden. Tucked away in the back of the garden, you’ll find a relaxing spa offering a wide selection of indulgent treatments and massages.
This beachfront base welcomes guests with gleaming marble floors, plush sofas and a gold-leaf display behind the front desk. There are four swimming pools – including one reserved for the RiuLand kids’ club – and a few hundred chic, air-conditioned rooms overlooking them. Some even come with their own pool in addition to the four main ones. Come dinner time you’ll have three restaurants to tempt you. The posh Promenade is finger-food heaven – think premium charcuterie, freshly fried Spanish omelettes and shot glasses of cooling gazpacho – while Krystal takes it up a notch with mains such as grilled duck breast in a red wine sauce with sautéed plantain. Meanwhile, Botánico is the go-to for casual snacks and Spanish classics.
If you want to be away from the busy resorts on the south coast, the Hotel Rural Maipez could be just the place. It’s located in the northwest of the island in a rural location, approximately 11km (7km) from the capital of Las Palmas. Surrounded by verdant green hills, it’s housed in a beautiful yellow stone building and offers countryside charm. With just 11 rooms and spectacular views, it’s a quiet and peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature. The rooms are spacious and romantic with wooden rafters, stone walls and wrought-iron beds. There’s also a lovely outdoor pool, a restaurant and a cosy lounge.
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