With the sun shining on my face and a cool breeze blowing through my hair, I experienced a rare moment of true relaxation, with only the soothing sounds of yoga interrupted by the crashing of the waves.
The teacher said a gentle “Namaste.” We nodded and quietly savored the moment.
I was enjoying a winter break in Lanzarote. Just a four-hour flight from London, the volcanic island promised a sun-drenched long weekend for my sister and I. As you can imagine, the 25 degree temperatures were a welcome jolt to the overcast 7 degree skies we’d left behind at home.
We checked into the Paradisus by Melia Salinas Hotel, an adults-only, five-star resort in Costa Teguise, and the plan was to spend quality time together, laughing over cocktails, going on long runs, taking some private yoga classes, and some other “time” to focus on ourselves.
The hotel was designed in the 1970s by Spanish architect Fernando Higueras to celebrate the island’s landscape, and the layout features volcanic-like surfaces, small waterfalls, palm trees, and stone bridges. In contrast, the hotel’s main attraction is the water gardens that you can walk to on your way to your room or the hotel’s Italian restaurant. Renowned local artist Cesar Manrique created one of the main water features, and you can also find several of his pieces scattered around the hotel.
Rooms with amazing views
If you want to feel ultra pampered, the hotel offers a VIP upgrade called Reserve. We went with this package and the service was impeccable. We were greeted at check-in by lovely smiling staff who handed us a hot towel and a glass of cava to freshen up. We were then shown to two exclusive areas that are only accessible to Reserve guests. Drinks and snacks are available at the Reserve Bar, and the Instagrammable pool has a serene atmosphere with Bali beds. It has an authentic Nobu vibe.
When we were shown to our room, we were amazed at how spacious it was. The view from the balcony was breathtaking. The hotel is located on the beachfront, so all 282 rooms and suites have an ocean view. Our balcony overlooked the ocean and part of the resort. It was perfect for enjoying our morning coffee as the sun rose and relaxing in the sun for a few hours.
We stayed in one of the hotel’s Reserve Oceanfront Penthouse Suites and were greeted with marble floors, a rain shower, a dreamy minibar, and the biggest king-size bed I’ve ever slept in. There was also a coffee machine, sound system, and a private sitting area with even more amazing ocean views.
More than just a buffet
If you’re worried about limited options or going to the same restaurant twice, fear not: in addition to the buffet-style restaurant where you can dine for breakfast and lunch (with plenty of choices), there are three other restaurants you can make reservations at.
Their specialty restaurant, La Graciosa, was our favorite, serving authentic cuisine created by one of the Canary Islands’ most renowned chefs, Germán Ortega, and we indulged in a tasting menu of fresh Spanish ingredients, with wines accompanying each course.
If Spanish food isn’t your thing, book a table at Samira, which serves Middle Eastern dishes and even better wines, or head to the hotel’s Italian restaurant, Capella, for pizza, pasta and, of course, a few glasses of limoncello.
Ok, but what about fitness?
It’s not every day you get the chance to work out on the beach, so when our PT Clara asked if we wanted to do a HIIT session overlooking the ocean, we jumped at the chance. On our first morning, Clara led us through a sweat session in the on-site Correst Gym, setting us up for the day.
Is Paradisus Salinas Lanzarote the right hotel for you? Book now
Most of the resort’s fitness facilities are outdoors, with aqua aerobics by the main pool, three tennis courts next to the main pool, and spinning bikes overlooking the beach. There’s also a walkway that leads down to the beachfront (although it can get a bit windy). We did a 10km run on the walkway (to the right of the hotel) which took us past a variety of cafes, bars and tourist attractions.
Now, back to the most relaxing part of my vacation: my private yoga session. After Vinyasa, Sun Salutations and finally Breathwork, I felt like all my stress just melted away. It was definitely one of the best moments of my stay.
This summer, the hotel will also be hosting guided masterclasses on longevity and self-love by Sadhana Works and the Chopra Foundation.
How can I relax?
If you’re looking to relax, the hotel has plenty of places to sink into a good book or soak up some sun. There are plenty of sun loungers by the two pools, and attentive waiters are on hand to serve cocktails and snacks throughout the day. If you’d prefer to avoid the sun, you can unwind on one of the egg chairs or sofas in the lounge, which we often did, with a glass of wine in hand.
There’s a small spa on the first floor of the hotel and, if my sister’s massage is any guide (quote: “it’s like my back is healed”), you come away feeling reborn. The massage was absolutely amazing and I was drifting in and out of sleep as the sweet-smelling oils worked the tension out of my feet, shoulders and back.
The spa isn’t huge, so don’t expect to spend the whole day lounging in the sauna or steam room, but it’s worth a visit if you’re in desperate need of a fresh manicure or pedicure or 60 minutes of “me” time.
What else can you do in Lanzarote?
If you don’t feel like staying in the hotel for an entire weekend, there’s plenty to do outside the hotel. To the north of the hotel is Jameos del Agua, a natural volcano with salt lakes and restaurants. Beaches such as Playa de las Cucharas are perfect when the sun is out all day, and picturesque villages such as San Bartolome are great for exploring.
If you want to discover what Lanzarote has to offer when it comes to local wine, the volcanic wine region will help you find out. The island also has a number of museums and art galleries to explore at your leisure, including the International Museum of Contemporary Art.
Final thoughts
If the idea of an all-inclusive resort always makes you shiver, this hotel will change your mind. From the friendly greeting to the food and drink options, this all-inclusive hotel will have you talking to your friends (and posting to your Instagram stories) for years to come. Whether you’re looking for a sleep-inducing massage, lounging on a sun lounger by the pool, or a yoga class in the sun, you’ll find it all here.
What would be the best way to spend a long weekend there?
Rates at Paradisus Salinas Lanzarote start from £330 per night for an all-inclusive premium room. Book now
BA flies from London to Lanzarote. Book now or search for flights across the UK on SKYSCANNER.
Black Lane Taxi airport transfers can be booked through their website.
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