Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa - perfect Relaxation on the Island of Lanzarote
An adults-only luxury hotel next to the Atlantic Ocean - a fantastic hideaway on a unique island
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Off to Lanzarote
Since my time as a tour guide and hotel buyer, I have remained loyal to the Canary Islands. I had not been to Lanzarote for a few years, so it was time for a visit again. With the Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa, I found ideal accommodation away from the tourist centres on Costa Teguise and in Puerto del Carmen. This "Adults-only" hotel is characterized above all by its wonderfully quiet location directly on the Atlantic, with a view of the small island of Lobos as well as the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura with its spectacular dune landscape near Corralejo.
With the rental car, I am quickly at the hotel within 20 minutes from Arrecife airport. Despite its size (335 rooms and suites), the Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa is somewhat airy than bulky. In the spacious hall, next to the reception, there is a large bar and various seating areas with a lot of fresh design.
The charming receptionist explains the complex on several floors and increases my anticipation of a few relaxing days in this all-inclusive luxury resort.
Enjoying the PREFERRED CLUB
Through a very well-kept garden with palm trees and many cacti on dark lava stones, typical for Lanzarote, I go to my "Preferred Club" suite, which offers access to an exclusive lounge, a unique concierge service, and other amenities. A long pool for preferred guests is directly behind my private terrace with chic outdoor furniture. I can step from the deck into the pool right after getting up, so to speak, and swim a few lengths. My suite, with a living and sleeping area separated by a sliding door, impresses with its modern design without chichi - just the way I like it. Nespresso machines are now standard in 5-star hotels. Drinks from the minibar are free of charge. There is even a jacuzzi in the chic bathroom - it's a great place to stay!
Gastro Delights
Preferred guests have six (!) restaurants at their disposal for dinner. I choose the Portofino, which specialises in Italian cuisine and does not disappoint with its chic ambiance. There is a small buffet and an à la carte breakfast in the morning, which I enjoy on the terrace with a pool and sea view. Another option to start the day is the World Café with its extensive buffet and terrace, where a friendly waiter always greets me with "hola joven" ("Hello young man"). That makes my day! If you are into Japanese food, the Gohan Sushi Bar will be the place to go.
I also try "The Lounge" with its airy terrace surrounded by pools (only open for lunch) and the Oceana Seafood Restaurant, which is only separated from the sea by a small path. Excellent cuisine, service, and a view to die for - holiday delights at their best!
Charming Puerto Calero
As beautiful as the complex is and as much as the pools invite you to laze around - Lanzarote is just crying out to be discovered. A short walk along the promenade by the sea leads to Puerto Calero, a chic marina built in 1986. The fashion mile offers some luxury boutiques of well-known designers. I buy cream in a shop selling aloe products and learn that the largest aloe plantation in the Canary Islands is in the north of the island. Of course, I treat myself to a café solo and a smoothie in one of the many cafés.
Lanzarote - much more than beaches
Lanzarote has many pretty white villages. One is the multi-award-winning Yaiza, about 20 minutes by car from Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa. Yaiza is an ideal starting point for excursions to the 50 square kilometre Timanfaya National Park with its impressive lunar landscape and several volcanoes (the last eruptions occurred in the 18th century). The famous "Fire Mountains" (Montañas de Fuego) are also located here. If you don't want to make the trip by rental car, booking with the concierge at Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa is best.
The island has many more attractions, which I will report on in an article about Lanzarote shortly.
A word about the beaches
The Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa is located directly at the sea but has no beach worth mentioning. With its long sandy beach, Puerto del Carmen is only a good 6 km away. Much more impressive, however, is Playa Papagayo, which you can reach by rental car in about 20 minutes (tip: photo stop in the village of Femès with a beautiful viewpoint called "Mirador"). Papagayo Beach is one of the most beautiful in the Canary Islands. Light, fine sand between bizarre rocks and, again, this incomparable view of Lobos and Fuerteventura. The water temperature is enjoyable these June days; I don't want to leave the sea.
La vida es chula - life is wonderful! Until midday, the beach was not very crowded - so it's best to go to Playa Papagayo in the morning. Tip: Make sure you climb the hill to enjoy the view over all the bays. Great photos are guaranteed! Very important: Take provisions, water, and sun protection (preferably a cap as well). The beach has almost no infrastructure and can get quite hot during the day.
Time to spa
After the excursions, it's time to relax at the chic Secrets Spa by Natura Bissé. With the blue illumination, I treat myself to a beautiful, strong jet of water on my battered back. I enjoy the last rays of sunshine on a lounger in the pretty garden with a fountain. Finally, there is pomegranate juice and - popcorn! Is this stuff healthy because it's served in a spa? At least it tastes good.
I usually end my evenings with a short walk along the promenade by the sea. Benches invite you to linger and enjoy the view of the sea and neighbouring islands. A pretty black cat jumps onto my lap and lets me know that it wants to be cuddled. A reassuring purr is the thanks I get for my attention. It is almost as quiet as a mouse, almost meditative. What a fantastic atmosphere!
Of course, there is never a dull moment at Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa. During the day, spinning and water aerobics are on the programme. In the evening, there is live entertainment in the piano bar.
My conclusion: The Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa is ideal for those looking for a quiet top hotel in a prime location. Guests in the "Preferred Club" are especially pampered and also culinary.
Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa (Part of World of Hyatt)
Tel +34 828080800
info.seclz@secretsresorts.com
A few words about Lanzarote...
The northernmost Canary Island is the closest to the African mainland. It impresses with bizarre landscapes, pretty villages, and magnificent beaches. Sustainability has been practised here for several decades, thanks to the marvelous artist and visionary Cesar Manrique, who saved "his" island from major building sins. Art and nature form a perfect symbiosis on Lanzarote.
Lanzarote is in season all year round. Easter, Christmas, and July and August are absolutely high seasons. The temperatures are between 20.5 and 29 degrees Celsius all year round. The warmest time is from July to September when the thermometer can sometimes climb to over 30 degrees.
The modern airport is 8 km from the capital Arrecife. The flight time from Central Europe is a good four hours. Flights are offered by Easyjet, Ryanair, TUIFly, and Edelweiss, among others.
The road network is generally good, so a rental car is recommended. I booked mine via Check24 at Topcar and paid 150 EUR weekly, including comprehensive insurance. You hardly need more than one and a half hours for any stretch on the island.
The photos of myself were taken by Cristina Gónzalez and Christian Arias, two very talented local photographers I can highly recommend. Please have a look at their Instagram page.
"My stay at the Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa was an invitation of the hotel. However, this did not influence my evaluation in any way."
Here you will find a detailed article about the highlights of Lanzarote, this incomparably impressive island.