Please note our writer visited Gran Canaria prior to the coronavirus pandemic
An insider’s guide to the top all-inclusive Gran Canaria hotels, including the best resorts for sumptuous spas, sea views, beach access, infinity pools, family holidays and kids’ activities.
Dunas Suites & Villas Resort, Maspalomas
This self-contained, family-friendly resort is sandwiched between a beach and golf course near the island’s southern tip. Three of its four main swimming pools are heated in winter and there is a trio of children’s pools. Staff really throw themselves into their roles, whether that be refereeing pool volleyball, preparing homemade sangria, or keeping children entertained at the miniclub. There’s a Kinesia wellness centre next to the reception and Suites & Villas guests are free to use the facilities of the adjoining four-star Dunas Maspalomas Resort.
Read the full review: Dunas Suites & Villas Resort
• The best family-friendly hotels in the Mediterranean
Seaside Sandy Beach, Playa del Inglés
Playa del Inglés, one of Gran Canaria’s sandiest beaches, is situated 200 metres below this four-star, all-inclusive, family-friendly hotel. From here you can explore the island’s coastline or interior on the Free Motion bikes available to rent from the hotel. There’s a Moorish influence on the architecture, which includes a faux minaret and horseshoe-shaped arches – step into the lobby and it’s like entering an Aladdin’s cave of treasures, with carved mirrors and fancy vases galore. A spa offers a circuit of steam room, sauna, and external hot tub plus interesting body treatments.
Read the full review: Seaside Sandy Beach
• The best family-friendly hotels in Gran Canaria
Hotel Riu Gran Canaria, Maspalomas
Meloneras in the sultry south of the island is the setting for this four-star all-inclusive hotel, and it’s located above Gran Canaria’s glitziest seafront. The bright, white, and light style employed by the architecture is minimalist by design, but aside from the basics, there’s a playful touch. An animation team offers regular get-and-keep-fit activities including pilates and water aerobics in the main pool, and there’s an adults-only infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The mini club has an aqua playland.
Read the full review: Hotel Riu Gran Canaria
From €87 (£76) pp/pn (riu.com)
• The best beach hotels in the Canary Islands
Occidental Margaritas, Playa del Inglés
Situated very much in Playa del Inglés the resort rather than on Playa del Inglés the beach, the four-star Occidental Margaritas nevertheless comes across as tucked away. It’s slow- rather than fast-lane Gran Canaria; a hotel to chill at rather than feel the heat in. The tropical fauna camouflages an almost anonymous exterior, while bright interiors provide colour the grey-and-white façade lacks. Outside, Balinese beds and hammocks offer the opportunity of a serious siesta. In summer a DJ spins classic reggae tracks next to the main pool. There’s also a spa, crazy golf course and a fitness studio with a high-energy boxing workout available.
Read the full review: Occidental Margaritas
• The best beach hotels in Spain
Sentido Gran Canaria Princess, Playa del Ingles
The pristine exterior of Sentido’s Gran Canaria Princess hotel, located in the resort of Playa del Inglés, practically glows under the sunlight. In the reception, orchids in giant vases and colourful leather sofas soften the impact of the minimalist design. The hotel’s grounds are the focal point: sun loungers surround the two popular pools, while outdoor Balinese beds, external massage tables and hot tubs at the spa offer pleasant spaces to relax in the sunshine (a sauna and steam room are located indoors). Guests can also avail themselves of a tennis court and fitness centre. Note that the all-inclusive option is only available in summer.
Read the full review: Sentido Gran Canaria Princess
• The best all-inclusive Canary Islands hotels
Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel, Mogán
This hotel is a popular choice with families, thanks to its position on the beach near Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria. The main facilities are water-based, with two outdoor swimming pools and an indoor thalassotherapy centre. There is also a spa with steam room and sauna, a fitness centre and kids’ club. There are 392 bedrooms, in which the traditional Canarian colour scheme of blue and yellow dominates, although there’s a keep-things-simple philosophy operating on the design front, with tiled floors grounding the odd flourish of gold, purple, and silver.
Read the full review: Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel
Rates above are guide prices per person per night, please note that all-inclusive packages can differ across hotels. Owing to the current coronavirus pandemic, these rates may change. Please check the hotel’s websites for further information on what’s included.