Written By: Geoff Millar, Owner, Ultimate All-Inclusive Travel Inc.
This month we will finish our coverage of the Iberostar resorts in Spain by looking at the Iberostar resorts on the Canary Islands Iberostar is one of the largest resort chains in the world with all-inclusive resorts throughout Europe, the U.S. South America, and Africa.
The Canary Islands are actually part of Spain and lie in the Atlantic Ocean off the West Coast of North Africa.
There are 7 resorts located on 3 of the Canary Islands. 5 of those are on the most recognized island location of Tenerife. The other 2 are located on the islands of lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
We will look at the 5 Iberostar Resorts located on the island of Tenerife first. This island is one of the top destinations for European travelers and becoming a top destination for U.S. travelers. It is the largest and most populated of the Canary Islands. It is known for its outstanding climate, 300 days of warm temperatures and sunshine, beautiful beaches, festivals, nightlife, resorts, and its volcano. The main resort area is the Costa Adeje on the Southwestern coast of the island. This are is the most upscale area and location of the best beaches, nightlife, dining, and tourist attractions such as the volcano, the whale watching, and shopping, and 7 golf courses in the area. Most of the upper scale resorts are located in this area. The Iberostar resorts are located in this area.
The first resort we will look at is the Iberostar Selection Sabila located in the Costa Adeje area. This is a very nice 4 star adult only optional all-inclusive resort. It is situated on a beautiful beach. This is an older resort that has been recently remodeled. It has an award winning minimalistic design. It is close to town and the sites of the area.
The rooms consist of Standard rooms, Partial Ocean View rooms, Ocean View Rooms, Prestige Partial Ocean View Rooms, and Prestige Ocean View Rooms. Prestige is the resorts concierge level.
As far as dining there are 2 main options a food market consisting of 7 different food stations and the second option is an International Buffet. As far as drinks there is a lobby bar, a pool bar, a coffee bar and a snack bar with drinks and snacks.
There are a number of activities at the resort such as water sports (an extra charge) the beach, a main pool, a full spa, shopping, off-site tours, and nightly entertainment. There is a golf course nearby.
This is a very nice 4 star adult only resort. The ideal client would be someone who wants to experience the beautiful climate and sites on the Canary Islands, something different than the typical beach locations. The Canary Islands are becoming a newer popular destination.
The next resort we will look at is the beautiful Iberostar Grand El Mirador. This is a 5 star adult only resort in a great location and on a great beach. This resort is designed in a very upscale way, almost like staying in a castle. This is one of the nicest resorts in the area. It sits close to the golf course and the downtown area. It is not an all-inclusive resort but has 3 great restaurants and is close to other dining options.
The accommodations consist of all Jr. Suites, Regular Jr. Suites, Ocean View Jr. Suite, Ocean View Superior Jr. Suite, Ocean View Suite with separate living area. At the top are the Prestige Ocean View Jr. Suite, their concierge category.
Dining is made up of 3 restaurants, a Gourmet restaurant, a Mediterranean restaurant, and an International Buffet. As far as bars, there are 2 of them, a pool bar and a snack bar with drinks and snacks. The resort is also close to outside dining options and outside restaurant reservations can be made through the resort.
As far as activities at the resort there is the beach the pool, the Spa, squash courts, golf with greens fee discounts, shopping, and off-site tours.
This resort is ideal for adults that want to experience the Canary Islands, its weather and sites in a very nice upscale resort. Remember that this is a great resort but is not all-inclusive.
The next resort on the list is the Iberostar Grand Salome, also located in Costa Adeje. This is another great 4 star Adult only boutique resort with an optional all-inclusive plan. Butler service is provided at this resort.
All accommodations at this resort are suites with bedrooms and living rooms. There are Ocean View Suites, Ocean View Suites with a beautiful terrace, and a Superior Ocean View Suite with a large Terrace. There is Butler service in all accommodations.
Dining offers 1 restaurant at this resort and use of 5 other restaurants at the Iberostar Selection Anthelia next door. These offer a Gourmet Restaurant, a Seafood Restaurant, an Italian Restaurant, a local Canary Islands Restaurant, and an International Buffet Restaurant. As far as drinks there is a Pool Bar, and a Lobby bar.
This resort offers a number of fitness programs, yoga, Pilates, Aerobics. You can also play tennis, paddleball, or play golf at one of 7 courses in the area. Then there is always the beach or the 2 pools on the property. You are also close to shopping and off-site dining. There is a wonderful Spa and fitness center.
This resort is good for adults that want to experience the Canary Islands at a smaller all suite boutique style resort with exchange privileges at the Iberostar resort next door.
The next resort we are going to look at is the Iberostar Selection Anthelia. This resort is rated the top family resort in Tenerife. It is a beautiful family resort with an all-inclusive option. It caters to families and has a great kid’s club as well as 2 kid’s pools. It sits on one of the best beaches on the island. It is close to off-site activities such as, dining, shopping and sightseeing.
Accommodations consist of Garden View Rooms, Ocean View Rooms, Ocean Front Rooms, Ocean View Suites, two level Ocean View Suites, and two connecting rooms called Family Suites. All Rooms and Suites have excellent views. They all have King Beds or 2 Double beds.
Dining offers a number of choices. These choices are also shared with the resort next door, The adult only Iberostar Grand Salome. They are a Gourmet restaurant, Italian, Seafood, An International Buffet, and a Grill. As far as libations clients have 3 choices, a Pool bar, a Lobby Bar, and a pool Snack Bar with drinks and snacks.
Activities abound at this resort, especially for the children. There is the Iberostar kid’s camp or the Star Camp. The camp is broken into 3 different age levels 4-7, 8-12, and 13-17. There are a number of indoor and outdoor activities for all the ages as well as 2 children’s pools. For adults there is tennis, paddle board, nightly entertainment, golf nearby, the beach, and they also have a PADI dive center on the property. The resort is close to the tours and sights of the island.
This resort is great for families that want to experience the Canary Islands and stay at the top rated family resort on the island of Tenerife.
Next, we will look at the Iberostar Bouganvilla Playa. This is a very nice 4 star family resort. It does have the star prestige area for adults only. The resort sits between the beach and a marina but also close to the downtown area. This resort caters to both children and adults. It is more of a high rise hotel resort. It does have an optional all-inclusive plan.
Looking at accommodations they consist of Basic Rooms, Ocean View Rooms, Jr Suite with a sitting area and Ocean Views, Family Room with small sitting area, or family suite consisting of 2 connecting rooms. All rooms have balconies with great views. Rooms have a minibar but no room service.
Dining offers 2 buffets, one International buffet and one serving local dishes. Bars consist of a pool bar, a lounge bar, and a lobby bar. The resort is surrounded by off-site dining options and reservations can be made through the resort.There is no room service at the resort.
Activities consist of the Iberostar Kid’s Club the Star Camp with activities divided by age groups. There are a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for all age groups as well as a small water park. For adults there is a great Spa a new Fitness Center. There is always the pool and the beach. Shopping is close by and you can participate in daily tours to the highlights of the island.
This resort is great for families that want to experience the Canary Islands but are a little more budget conscious.
Now we are going to look at the Island of Fuerteventura. This is another smaller island in the Canary Island chain. This is a quieter island than the island of Tenerife. It has a couple of Iberostar resorts. The island is known as the oldest island in the Canary Island chain. It is home to sea turtles, it has a number of volcanos, and it is great island to relax and experience a great romantic vacation. Part of Planet of the Apes was filmed on the island. It has some of the best beaches in the island chain.
The first resort we will look at is the Iberostar Playa Gaviotas located in the Jandia Beaches area, one of the nicest beach areas on the island. This is a family resort with a separate Star Prestige adult only area. It has a wide variety of activities for everyone. This is an all-inclusive resort. It is located on the Southern end of the island. It sits in a more remote area so the resort is more for relaxing with everything you need at the resort.
Accommodations are made up of Standard Rooms, Ocean View Rooms, 2 connecting rooms family Suites, Prestige ocean view rooms and Star Prestige Adult only rooms. All rooms come with a balcony or patio, WIFI, and a minibar. There is no room service available.
There is 1 main buffet restaurant, a Tapas restaurant, and a snack bar with drinks and snacks. There are also 5 regular bars, a pool bar, Lobby bar, lounge bar, a bowling bar, and the Prestige Club bar.
Activities are made up of a kid’s club, The Star Club with activities for kid s of all ages. For the adults there is Tennis, Squash, Spa, Fitness Center, 2 pools and the beautiful beach. There is a golf course close by at an additional charge.
This 3.5 star family resort is great for those that want some restful family time at a reasonable cost. Experience the Canary Islands and enjoy the year round fantastic weather.
The last resort we will look at on this island is the Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace. This resort sits on the same beach as the Iberostar Playa Gaviotas. This resort is a level higher than the other Iberostar Resort on this island. This is a true all-inclusive resort. This resort is rated the number one resort on the island. The resort like the other Iberostar Resort in the same area is very nice but it is a little quieter than most Iberostar resorts. It does have a large German following.
The accommodations range from Standard rooms, Ocean View Rooms, Pool access Rooms, Prestige Rooms, and Suites. All rooms have free WIFI, a minibar. There is no room service at this resort.
Dining at the resort consist of an International Buffet, and a Teppanyaki restaurant. As far as drinks, there are 3 bars, the pool bar, the show bar, and the lounge bar.
Activities consist of a fitness center, the beach, yoga, aerobics, games, and there is a golf course close by. Relaxation is the name of the game at this resort. There are some off-site tours that can be taken.
This resort is a good fit for those that want to experience the Canary Islands in a more relaxed atmosphere. The largest issue at this resort is the limited dining options.
We are now going to move to the last island for our look at the last Iberostar Resort in the Canary Islands. The island is the smallest of the Canary Islands. It is Lanzarote, the island that looks like the moon. This island was one that was studied by the astronauts before they went to the moon. It has also been featured in a number of movies. It has 25 separate volcanos. The last time there was an eruption was in the early 1800s. It is one of the most visited islands because of its unique landscape. The island has a population of around 100,000 people. The island is a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
The resort is the Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park Resort. This is a great family resort with an optional all-inclusive plan right on the ocean. In 2018 it was designated as one of the top gastronomic resorts in Spain. This resort sits on the ocean, but the coast is very rocky, so it has a very small beach protected by a breakwater. It is a large resort with 3 wings.
Accommodations at the resort consist of a Standard room, Ocean View rooms, Ocean View Family room, Ocean View Family Suite, Star Prestige Ocean View Rooms, Star Prestige Ocean View Jr. Suite. All rooms come with balconies or patios, Free WIFI, and minibar. There is no room service at this resort.
Dining consists of 2 restaurants and a food truck. The first is an International Buffet, the second is a restaurant that serves traditional Canary Island food. Then there is a food truck serving hot dogs and other snacks. As far as bars there are a Pool Bar, a Theater Bar, a Sports Bar, and the Prestige Bar. There is no room service at this resort.
Activities vary and include the Star Club kid’s club with activities designed for each age group. A wonderful Spa, Tennis, Paddle Boarding, Snorkeling, Wind Surfing, and a fitness area. There are a variety of off-site activities centered around the volcanos and the landscape. Shopping is nearby.
This resort is great for those clients that want to experience this unique island in a large 4 star resort with an all-inclusive plan.
They do have another apartment resort where you can rent villa style apartments.
We have sent clients to the Canary Islands and they have come back raving about their experience. As we said in the beginning this is a very popular vacation destination for the European community and it is becoming more popular every day with U.S. travelers. The most popular area and the area frequented by most travelers is the island of Tenerife. It is very easy to get to and offers a full Canary Island experience.
Next month we will wrap up our look at the Iberostar Resort with a peek at the remaining resorts throughout Europe with places like Italy and Greece.
Until then safe travels and good selling.