canaries

The Canary Island resorts pulling out all the stops

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Looking for a luxurious getaway to the Canary Islands? Aside from year-round sunshine, the Spanish archipelago off the coast of Africa promises otherworldly landscapes and sparkling seaside activities. You’ve got plenty of stunning options! Here are 2 top picks:

At the Alua Suites Fuerteventura, find yourself just moments from the fine golden sands of the Corralejo dunes and surrounded by luxe facilities. Dine in one of four lovely restaurants and delight in a choice of six chic bars – serving your favourite summer cocktails. Alongside an impressive total of eight sparkling pools, you’ll find a wellness centre, gym and dedicated kids’ club at your disposal. Lose yourself in this Mediterranean haven, perfect for sun-seekers and families alike.

Located in the sunny La Oliva region, Corralejo is a charming former fishing village, home to cobbled streets, a quaint harbour and traditional seafood restaurants. Explore the mesmerising landscapes and towering dunes of Dunas de Corralejo Nature Reserve, just three and a half miles from the resort. Stroll the Corralejo Pier or visit the traditional markets at El Campanario, which are a ten-minute walk away. The soft sands of Vistas Lobos beach sit a mere 250 metres away, too. Fuerteventura Airport is 26 miles from the resort.

Simple and comfy one- or two-bedroom suites embody a warm minimalistic style. Modern furnishings are complemented by an earthy colour palette or soft blues. All accommodation comes complete with luxury in-room amenities and a private fully furnished balcony or terrace. You’ll find all rooms looking out across the resort’s glorious greenery, brimming with native flora. Upgrade to a My Favourite Club suite for luxe add-ons including a smart TV, a stocked welcome minibar, pillow menu and complimentary plush bathrobes and slippers. You’ll also enjoy access to an exclusive restaurant, a special area in the main buffet restaurant, as well as the My Favourite Club lounge and two pools – one with complimentary hydromassage loungers.

Experience the epitome of relaxation at AluaSoul Costa Adeje. This serene adult-only oasis beckons you to unwind at the refreshing outdoor pool, lounge on the golden sandy beaches nearby and sink into a state of bliss at the spa’s sauna and indoor pool. Don’t miss the three restaurants – one of which cooks up Canarian cuisine with a side of sunset views and visit the two on-site bars for top-tier cocktail menus. To upgrade to the ultimate getaway, cocoon yourself in My Favourite Club accommodation, which offers the VIP treatment with an exclusive My Favourite Club lounge and Rooftop Terrace with swoon-worthy ocean views.

Pinned to the south-western coast of Tenerife, AluaSoul Costa Adeje sits in the heart of a buzzing seaside resort and spoils you with Atlantic Ocean views and close proximity to fascinating sights. The postcard-pretty marina, Puerto Colon, and its glimmering cobalt waters with bobbing boats and sprouting palm trees are only half a mile away, while the coveted golden sandy beaches of Playa de Torviscas and Playa de la Pinta are just 300 metres away. If lively vibes are calling, Playa de las Americas is only four miles away and hosts a myriad of bars, tapas restaurants and plenty more sandy-beach galore. Meanwhile, Tenerife South Airport is 11 miles away.

The hotel’s aesthetic is unapologetically chic. As you enter the rooms, you are met with creamy coloured walls, which complement a muted olive-toned feature wall and coffee-coloured curtains, plus modern pine furniture. Pristine white bedding also takes centre stage and stripey hessian-hued pillows decorate the beds in a quirky boho-esque style. Meanwhile, My Favourite Club rooms honour the Insta-worthy Tenerife sunsets with a fiery orange feature wall and a terrace with cobalt blue ocean views. My Favourite Club accommodation also spoils you with exclusive access to the My Favourite Club Lounge, a reserved dining section of Terra and exclusive access to the Rooftop Terrace with Balinese beds and more ocean views.

The coolest hotels in the Canaries

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by Isabella Noble

From Lanzarote’s art vibes to Tenerife’s food scene, the islands are all grown up, with even the most remote offering stylish places to stay

Alava Suites, Lanzarote

When I’m dreaming of a trip to the sunny Canaries it involves swims in glinting Atlantic pools, hikes into silent palm-filled valleys, a healthy dose of the local art scene, perhaps a splash of beach yoga and somewhere irresistibly chic to stay.

In recent years, Spain’s oft-maligned Canary Islands have quietly grown up and morphed into a stylish, creative, upmarket destination. Old mansions and fincas (country estates) are being reborn as seductive boutique hotels, while interesting apartments and villas led by energetic owners with a zest for celebrating the islands’ cultural heritage are popping up. Luxurious beachfront five-star hotels are having design-forward makeovers, and even hidden cave-houses are being transformed into boho-chic holiday homes.

AVANTI Lifestyle Hotel

On the foodie side of things Michelin stars continue to arrive, particularly in Tenerife, which is home to five of the archipelago’s nine Michelin-starred restaurants. You’ll taste this culinary boom in a raft of other wonderfully imaginative kitchens too, while traditional spots continue to highlight the islands’ fabulous fresh produce, just as they have done for years. Until recently Canarian wines were little known beyond their homeland, but they are now truly blossoming.

Ecohotel El Agua


When it comes to choosing which island to visit, it’s worth noting that different islands address different needs, and all have their own charms. Dynamic Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the grand dames, offering a wide range of activities. Fuerteventura pulls in beachy types with its silken sands, surf scene and strong gusts for wind and kitesurfing. Lanzarote is on the map for art and design lovers thanks to its wave of creative boutique hotels, as well as the venues, gardens and homes (open as tourist attractions) created by the 20th-century environmentalist and artist César Manrique. On all four larger islands, the north has a wilder, less touristy feel.

La Colonial Suites Apartamentos de Lujo

Then there are the three smaller and more remote Canaries — El Hierro, La Gomera and La Palma, linked to the bigger islands via ferry or tiny airports. All have their own beauty and make for glorious crowd-free escapes.

Whichever island you pick, rewarding hiking awaits, from misty laurel forests found on several of the islands, to the challenge of the 3,718m summit of Mount Teide on Tenerife. Or perhaps you fancy surfing, paddleboarding, diving, kitesurfing or whale-watching. Maybe pottering around the farmers’ markets is more your thing. Wherever you go there’ll be a plate of queso a la plancha (grilled local cheese) and a glass of volcanic wine waiting.

The main airports serving the Canary Islands from the UK are Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma and Tenerife North and South. Armas, Fred Olsen and Líneas Romero offer ferry routes between all the islands.