Checking In: Gran Hotel Bahia Real Atlantis Fuerteventura

Gran Hotel Bahia Real was described as the Canary Island’s best kept secret in a secluded paradise at the northern tip of the island of Fuerteventura. When I hear about returning guests 3 to 4 years in a row to this luxurious island resort, it’s easy to see why this hotel was named as one of Conde Nast’s Luxury Hotel winner of 2016.

Overview

Fuerteventura is currently going through a building phase and new hotels have moved in to the area surrounding the old town. However, Gran Hotel Bahia Real is currently top rated in only a few 5 star resorts in the area.

The Room – Gran Hotel Bahia Real

With the option to upgrade to a suite with unobstructed view of the sea and nearby Lanzarote island, I woke up to a breathtaking morning of sunshine and sea breeze.

The shower is separated between that of a wet room and cosy bathtub. Generous sized double sinks avoided any arguments of who is brushing our teeth first in the morning.

The bed wasn’t the most comfortable I have slept in as I usually like to sleep on a softer mattress. There is a pillow menu on request just in case you are picky like me.

There is no air conditioning in each room as the temperature was pleasantly hovering around 24 degrees celsius. However, I can’t imagine what it will be like in the summer time.

Food

If there was one thing that this hotel won me over, it would be the luxurious spread of breakfast offerings in the morning. Across the dining hall, there are fresh cooked egg omelettes, Spanish chorizo sausages, potato omelettes and cold spreads if that’s your thing. There is a large open plan cereal station complete with 5 types of yogurts paired with chia seeds and goji berries. Healthy peeps, they have you covered as well.

The evening buffet was equally impressive as a different cuisine theme are rotated each night to make things more interesting.

If you a foodie like me and would like to try some local flavours, I have listed some of my favourite secret spots in the area. Well, they are not secrets anymore!

Activities

Every morning, I would rise at 8am to join the yoga sessions on the beach led by the hotel health instructor. There is nothing like doing salutations and downward facing dogs as the sun rises in the east. It is just breathtaking!

Then, there is the lazy option of reading my favourite books by the pool/hotel beach. Or, put on my hiking shoes and walk along the coast of the island to the natural sand dunes and take part in kite surfing. It’s only 20 minutes by walk from the resort.

If you are keen on trying your luck at surfing in the world famous ferocious waves, then the island is your oyster. Just be careful of those sharp volcanic rocks near the beach!

Useful Information

Getting here: Gran Hotel Bahia Real is 45 minutes from the Fuerteventura airport by drive.

Favourite room: The Atlantic Suite with full view of the sea.

Beach: A European “Blue Flag” beach is only 20 minutes away by foot. Although, just a little warning, the soft powdery sand is also very popular with the local naturists (a.k.a sans all clothes)!

Any extras: Breakfast or half-board can be booked prior to arrival but are not included in the hotel price.

Best season to travel: All year around, the island is filled with sunshine. But if you fancy a swim in the sea, I recommend going during the summer season for tolerable water temperatures.