A luxury European island spa tour with guaranteed sunshine
During spring and early summer there are only a few places in Europe where you can truly catch some rays and enjoy an early sun break. Very few destinations are able to guarantee consistent good weather; however, the Canary Islands are blessed with glorious sunshine almost throughout the entire year.
Throughout April and May temperatures will certainly reach the late 20s on most days, peak even higher as summer ensues and also maintain their presence to a certain extent through the Christmas period.
Aside from the lure of long sunny days and warm evenings, Gran Canaria Wellness has an impressive collection of spas on one of the islands that will certainly appeal to the luxury traveler looking for an indulgent getaway.
Nestled in the remote hills of Gran Canaria lies the Sheraton Gran Canaria Salobre Golf Resort 5*. The property is an oasis located in otherwise arid but dramatic surroundings. The luscious greens of the two 18 hole golf courses contrast with the baron hilltops that frame the panorama, with a glimpse of the sea in the distance from some areas of the property adding a further idyllic variation to the landscape.
Aside from hosting the island’s best golf courses, this hotel also includes a Gran Canaria Wellness spa that has breathtaking design. The outdoor pool area is almost Grecian in its presentation and includes a spectacular infinity pool. The spa has all of the very best amenities, including a sauna, steam room, underwater loungers with jets located within the infinity pool and beautiful white sun beds that provide views of the whole resort. Pasito Blanco, the island’s upmarket yacht club where the rich and famous stop when on the way to the Caribbean, is also only a few minutes away. This is well worth a day visit as the yacht club has a jetty for swimming in the crystal clear waters and also boasts a sophisticated restaurant.
While the Sheraton Gran Canaria Salobre Golf Resort 5* will undoubtedly provide you with the perfect base for a mini break or longer, spa lovers can discover a number of other discreet havens should you wish to spend some time away from this property.
First on the list should be The Leading Hotels of the World property, Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia. This 5* hotel is tucked behind the protected sand dunes of Maspalmos, which is one of the most upmarket areas of the island. The spa uses Natura Bissé products, which are excellent and relatively rare, even at many of the best hotel destinations. Their sister hotel is only a stone’s throw away and provides beach views and innovative treatments for both the mind and body, as well as delicious tapas by the pool.
If you want to try something a little different, the salt baths at the Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso & Hotel will leave your skin feeling incredibly nourished. The large swimming pool spans an indoor and outdoor area and has different pressure jets at certain points that help massage your muscles.
Another part of the island to explore is Amadores and before reaching the soft-sanded beach that is the highlight of this cove settlement, it is worth visiting the botanical garden spa at Hotel Cordial Mogan Playa. This tranquil Gran Canaria Wellness centre is similar to an Asian spa and includes a delightful garden relaxation area, as well as an indoor pool and several treatment rooms. The full body massage is very relaxing and even when the hotel is at full capacity, the atmosphere is remarkably quiet in the spa.
However, for those wanting to enjoy the seaside benefits of sunny island life, Amadores is worth a full day trip. The beach has golden sand and the bay is well-protected from the strong waves that roll further out at sea.
The Amadores Beach Club offers a luxury beach experience, with Mumm Champagne delivered to your lounger at the press of a button. Here, you can dive into the sea or choose to enjoy one of their fresh water pools. For a stunning panoramic view of the coastline, you will need to venture up the hill to the Gloria Palace Royal where you can also enjoy a range of beauty treatments.
It is also possible to spend a couple of hours out at sea by catching a boat from the bay just around the cliff from Amadores beach. Seeing the dolphins darting through the waves and playfully jumping is a sight not to be missed. If you are lucky, you may also follow a turtle or hammerhead shark – as we did!
This is an island that offers a number of soothing destinations and peaceful experiences. You will certainly leave the Gran Canaria Wellness hotspots with your mind and body feeling revitalized.
Watch highlights from our spa tour on Sloaney TV…