Lanzarote
Fed up of being cold and swathed in jumpers, we escaped the never ending UK winter and jumped on the plane to Lanazorte in search of some sun and warmth. With our sun cream, sandals and new Fujifilm HS50 camera packed we headed to the stunning Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel for a much needed break in the sun.
Designed in the striking white Colonial Canaries style, the Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort is an impressive, five-star luxury hotel, with traditional, picturesque balconies, working bell tower, exotic interior tropical garden, excellent facilities and first class service.
Located on the beautiful beachfront of Dorada Beach, in Playa Blanca and with spectacular views of the sea and neighbouring islands, Isla de Lobos and Fuerteventura, we had high expectations after reading reviews and seeing photos and were not disappointed.
On arrival we were given welcome cocktails and taken to our suite which was actually larger than some of the flats I rented as a student. All rooms and suites at the resort are huge, well equipped and even have a small kitchen area with a fridge in which we found a bottle of complementary cava.
Whilst couples looking for sheer luxury can enjoy the Presidential and Royal suites and adult only areas, for families there is an exclusive building (reached via an aquarium type tunnel) with its own restaurant and family pool area, snack bar and playroom that was just excellent and it didn’t matter how much noise was made.
Everyday kicked off with a session at the breakfast buffet which was amazing and set you up for the day ahead. From cereal and toast to fresh figs and champagne, eggs, cheeses and cold meats as well as continental breads, fresh juices and local fruits, this was a breakfast fit for a King.
During the day there were various snack bars and restaurants open as well as coffee shops and a cute ice cream parlor where we spent many sunny afternoons sitting back and relaxing in the shade.
Whilst my youngest son likes to stay close, our six year old made friends and spent his days at Kikoland, the hotel’s kid’s club. Offering sporting and play facilities for toddlers to teenagers, all supervised by highly trained staff in a safe, secure environment this was a brilliant facility. It had a café, amphitheatre for shows, musicals and themed parties, three pools, various playhouses for different ages as well as tennis, paddle and football courts and the hotel mascot Kiko would pop in to say hi every day as well as during the nightly mini-discos.
We spent our days beside the Princesa Yaiza’s six swimming pools that were surrounded by loungers and umbrellas to shade you from the heat of the Mediterranean sun. There were endless soft, fluffy towels by the pool which were needed as the water was a bit chilly but you could jump in one of the two hot tubs to warm up so all was not lost.
For a little R&R, the place to go was the outstanding Thalasso Centre and Spa which was a little piece of heaven. With a wide range of gorgeous therapeutic, beauty treatments from relaxing massages, romantic baths for two, anti-aging facials and seaweed wraps available from well trained staff, this was a holiday destination in its own right.
As the sun went down and the glad rags went on there were various shopping events, music and shows held in the picturesque outdoor Plaza Princesa Yaiza and a stunning choice of Spanish, Mexican, Italian, Japanese and international cuisine. The resort was close to local restaurants that served amazing great fresh fish and over at Café del Mar in Marina Rubicon there were fantastic cocktails to sip as the sunset.
With great service, loads to do and luxury on tap, The Princesa Yaiza is a brilliant hotel whatever your age and I am pretty sure we will back again if not this year, then next.
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