Luxury Holidays to the Canary Islands

Taste the high life on a luxury break to the sun-drenched Canary Islands

With average flight times of just over four hours, an enviable climate and a client list of VIP holidaymakers, it’s little wonder that the Canaries have become synonymous with luxury and the jet set lifestyle.

With their position, just off the coast of Africa, the islands have mild winters with average temperatures of around 20°C to average summer temperatures of around 25°C. The five main islands include Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife and La Palma as well as a few lesser-known small islands, all unique in character and charm.

Gran Canaria, the third largest island, is famous for its sand dunes, opulent resorts and beach life. In Tenerife expect sunshine all the way and a string of modern resorts dotted along luxurious black volcanic sand and gold beaches. Those wanting to escape may wish to choose low-key Fuerteventura for their luxury Canarian break. While Lanzarote represents a delicious mix, offering relaxation along its 99 stretches of black sand, chilled nightlife and several sophisticated restaurants serving up fresh, local cuisine over stunning ocean views.

Living the high life in the Canary Islands

In Gran Canaria, Maspalomas is dotted with first class restaurants and chic boutiques while its slightly more extroverted neighbour, Playa del Ingles, serves up neon-lit nightlife and glitzy shopping malls. Tenerife is a diverse island – Playa de Las Americas has a selection of clubs and bars for night owls while low-key Costa Adeje offers eclectic dining choices, boutique shopping and the nearby Mount Teide National Park to explore.

Fuerteventura, by contrast, is fringed by over 50 kilometres of black and platinum sands and offers well-equipped resorts, plenty of shopping options and numerous watersports. In Lanzarote, blue skies and delicious local cuisine tantalise luxury holiday seekers, while established resorts such as Puerto del Carmen strike a balance between authentic daytime charm and up-tempo nightlife.

Other luxury holidays to take a look at

If you’re longing for luxury but want to shop around, the Canary Islands are just the start. Consider the Caribbean where impossibly blue seas, swaying palms and poolside cocktails are just the start of indulgence. The up-and-coming Cape Verde Islands are fast becoming the buzzword in luxury travel and are well worth a look. Or perhaps Mexico’s Riviera Maya, with its delightful mix of traditional Mayan charm and chic All Inclusive resorts, may appeal.

However, if the Canary Islands have captured your imagination check out our travel guide to find out more hints and travel titbits to help plan your trip. Below is our top luxury hotel selection to get you started.

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Jardines De Nivaria

It’s 5* luxury all the way at the beachfront hotel Jardines De Nivaria. Spend days sunbathing beside the two swimming pools, head to the pool bar for a snack or drink or treat yourself to a spa treatment. The many dining options include a buffet restaurant and two a la carte restaurants offering international and Mediterranean cuisine. Active guests can have a game of tennis, table tennis or billiards or head to the fitness centre with sauna and Turkish Bath.

Royal Garden Villas

Opulent and well-situated, The Royal Garden Villas & Spa overlooks the Costa Adeje golf course and boasts spectacular sea views. This 5* resort is perfect for couples in search of high levels of service and excellent facilities. The pool provides a relaxing place to swim and unwind while pampering and rejuvenation can be found – for a small additional fee – at the indulgent spa. Use of the Turkish bath, hydro massage showers, whirlpool bath and ice fountain is complimentary. Guests can expect buffet breakfasts and a la carte dinners in the stylish Restaurant Jardin.

Sheraton Fuerteventura Beach Golf and Spa Resort

The 5* Sheraton Fuerteventura, located on a sandy beach, has three delightful on-site swimming pools and a pool bar on hand for refreshment during the day. Main meals are served at the Los Arcos buffet restaurant, while three speciality restaurants include Spanish and Asian fusion options. In the evenings expect a range of entertainment including occasional live music and shows, or head to the piano lobby bar to relax with a cocktail at the end of the day. The Hersperides Thalasso Spa, with indoor pool, massage, beauty treatments and a fitness centre, is ready for those in need of pampering.

La Isla Y El Mar

Modern, chic and with a distinctly boutique-hotel vibe, Las Isla Y El Mar is just 15 minutes from the beach and has two attractive outdoor pools, one with hydro-massage loungers and massage jets. The chill-out terrace has day beds and loungers for complete battery re-charging while the fitness centre is on hand for those who like to keep trim while away. The wellness centre provides a range of treatments for an additional fee.