Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia, Gran Canaria

This boutique hotel in Gran Canaria is built on an ancient palm grove and made up of rows of whitewashed, terracotta-roofed buildings that provide guests with an intimate villa vibe. It’s hard to imagine this serene spot is just a five-minute walk to lively Maspalomas beach, known for its two-mile stretch of golden-hued shoreline, gentle waves and epic dunes. See the swirling swathes of sand and mountains in the distance from your terrace or bougainvillea-draped balcony, then zoom in on what’s right in front of you: the tranquil saltwater pool (heated year-round) and lush tropical gardens. 

If you can tear yourself away from the beach and/or pool, then the spa and its rejuvenating rasul treatment – a traditional Arabian cleansing ritual that combines mud and steam – is sure to amaze. Take advantage of complimentary access to the sauna, steam bath and salt caves, before indulging in locally sourced Canarian and international dishes by Michelin-starred chef Wolfgang Grobauer. Highlights of the menu at his restaurant (which also happens to be listed in the Michelin guide) include bouillabaisse, ropa vieja (tender shredded beef stew in a tomato sauce with chickpeas and potatoes), persimmon carpaccio and Canary Island pork belly with clementine and chicory. Also don’t miss the barbecue buffet, held twice weekly, serving fresh seafood dishes, including lobster, and delectable meat dishes alfresco, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Add genuine, personalised service at every possible instance, and you have the perfect home away from home.

Seaside Palm Beach, Gran Canaria

With its striking retro-chic décor, it’s no surprise that Seaside Palm Beach became the first Design Hotel in Gran Canaria, making it part of a prestigious collection of independent hotels that are handpicked for their cutting-edge design.

Created by Casablanca-born icon Alberto Pinto, the bold and colourful interiors are inspired by 1970s Miami, while still paying homage to the Spanish island’s natural beauty, from deep ocean blues to bright sunset oranges. The happy hues pair perfectly with the hotel’s verdant gardens, where you can participate in yoga and tai chi sessions under swaying palms, or play a game of darts, ping pong or giant chess. There’s also a year-round kids’ club for those travelling with little ones.

Foodies are spoilt for choice at this hotel, where dining options span multiple cuisines. There’s international fare at the barbeque buffet three times a week, à la carte dishes in the main restaurant, with Italian, Mexican, Spanish and Asian themed nights, or the option to go all out at swanky Italian Il Giardino or La Bodega, serving tapas with a modern twist. Dine alfresco for breakfast on the hotel’s sun-dappled, flora-flanked terrace, set under gently swaying palm trees. Be sure to pull yourself away from the hotel comforts, too: the natural pond at Maspalomas sand dunes is only steps away and looks like a magical mirage.

Seaside Los Jameos, Lanzarote

Found in the cheerful town of Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote, this stylish hotel resembles a traditional Canarian village (think whitewashed walls with blue shutters and pops of pink bougainvillea) and is surrounded by beautiful, landscaped tropical gardens where you can find the main hotel pool. 

Not only is the design incredibly charming (the lobby alone has serious wow factor, with its indoor palms and imposing wooden staircase), but the resort also checks all our blissed-out beach-break boxes: golden-sand Los Pocillos beach is right on the doorstep, as well as an abundance of shops, cafés and restaurants, and the deluxe rooms are modern yet beautifully bucolic, with balconies overlooking the seashore. No judgement here if you don’t make it anywhere else…

The dining options are equally impressive. The buffet champions ingredients from local fishermen and producers, and the question isn’t what’s on offer, but rather what isn’t, with everything from the freshest seafood and meat-focused dishes to Spanish specialities, and breakfast-only to all-inclusive options. There are even live cooking demonstrations that add a sense of theatre to proceedings. Keep the party going with nightly entertainment at Belingo bar (there’s also a mini disco for youngsters) or, for something more relaxed, head to the piano bar where soft live music sets the scene for close catch-ups and classic cocktails. 

Seaside Sandy Beach, Gran Canaria

With its horseshoe-shaped arches and colourful tiles, this Moorish hotel in Gran Canaria’s vibrant Playa del Inglés area is hidden in a quiet cul-de-sac, meaning you can join locals at the nearby pearl-sand beach – one of the largest on the island, no less – take in the famous Maspalomas dunes, hit the boutiques and beachside bars, and return to a peaceful sunbed slumber by the hotel’s freshwater pool, all in the same afternoon. 

A great option for those travelling with little ones, family rooms have a double bedroom and separate living area, which can be converted into a second bedroom. There’s also a fridge and a microwave, plus a separate shower and bathtub. For an added touch of luxury, book yourself a spot on one of the private terraces on the tenth and 11th floors of the hotel, where you get access to a hot tub, sun-loungers, sparkling wine and fresh fruit, best enjoyed while taking in the sweeping views across the Atlantic. Need inspo for a great family excursion? Take advantage of the hotel’s full-day complimentary bike rental and explore the coastal paths. Reenergise at the international buffet, where you can expect themed nights, cooking stations to observe the foodie action and a terrace to dine on under the stars. Come morning, head to the on-site bakery for freshly baked breads and desserts. You are on holiday, after all, so cake for breakfast is fair game.