Paradisus by Melia Salinas Lanzarote

Incredible week-long stay at this hotel. Beds were amazingly comfortable, like no hotel bed I’ve ever experienced. The hotel is a concept hotel designed by famous Lanzarote artist Cesar Manrique and the wonderful Dalyne explained the history to us. The open-topped foyer is spectacular and when it’s sunny it’s bright in the hotel, when it rains it rains into the lush plants and waterfalls they have. The buffet was incredible and I’ve read reviews saying repetitive but I’d disagree. We had sushi nights, amazing seafood nights, local cuisine nights, roast meat nights… So much choice. Always fresh fruit, always lots of salad, meat, fish, veg. Vegetarians are happy, I’m dairy-free and there was plenty for me to enjoy. Fizz station at breakfast for anyone starting early! The staff could not be friendlier, the pool bar measures are very generous and all the brand names. Cocktails were delicious and quick. The pool is stunning (if cold, but I hear they are installing solar heating). Minutes from the pool is a beautiful beach and we took our coffee down there after breakfast every morning. Gorgeous. There are lots of activities on offer and all align with Manrique’s idea of embracing Lanzarote so yoga and meditation are on a palm-lined area by the beach where you can feel the sun and hear the sea. Pilates was on floating platforms on the pool. Lots of people engaged. For €15 per person you can privately enjoy the spa (jacuzzi, sauna, steam) for an hour with a beautiful view of the gardens. Lovely a la carte restaurants. We enjoyed Samira and it’s very very good food. Shops and longer stretches of beach are minutes walk. The hotel is a short distance from the airport. Every night there is live music and often everyone is up dancing - if you want to! This hotel was a total treat and poolside is calm and peaceful, no banging music. Couldn’t recommend it highly enough. We read good reviews and I’m happy to add to that. We were relaxed, happy, well-fed and well looked after :)

We always struggle to find a hotel that meets our expectations after staying at Ikos resorts across the summer. Last year we stayed in the reserve at Paradisus Gran Canaria so I will be comparing both resorts. The resort itself is cleverly designed in a traditional Lanzarote style with an open to the elements centerpiece surrounded by waterfalls and many different cactus plants. Staying in Reserve meant our own dedicated reception desk, separate pool/bar luncheon area and most importantly for me padded sunbeds. The non reserve beds looked awfully uncomfortable and for this reason alone I had to choose Reserve. We chose a Junior suite ocean view with whirlpool tub and spent many happy evenings having the full sun on our balcony sharing a glass of bubbles listening to the various entertainment coming from the beach bar. There are 3 speciality restaurants - La Graciosa ( Tapas at lunch and Canarian set menu of fish/meat/veggie) in the evening. Capella - Italian and Samira - Middle Eastern. These restaurants can only be booked when you check into your room - being in reserve the first three nights our concierge did this for us but you can also book via the app. Included in the reserve concept was a choice of two free organized trips with transport. We chose the El Grifo vineyard tour - the guide was most informative en route and even showed us local sights including a photo opportunity at Timanfayo. My only real gripe was the Reserve pool - this was much bigger than the Gran Canaria reserve pool but oh my it was bracing, I do love a dip but fairly sure I turned blue on entering! The Gran Canaria reserve pool was beautifully heated. At this point I must mention a very special member of staff named Jonathan who works in the reserve pool bar. His attention to detail and overall enthusiasm for his job shone through. He is an absolute credit to the Melia group. I would like to steal him to work at Ikos Resorts! All of the staff appeared happy and welcoming. Thank you for Chandrini in reserve for booking us in. Evenings were spent in the Ginger bar watching the entertainment and sipping cocktails / playing cards. I did notice that this was the only bar open in the evening unlike Gran Canaria which also had the Sports bar. This would have been more suited to those guests who didn’t particularly want to enjoy the evening entertainment and wanted to chat loudly through a candlelit piano performance. Food quality in the buffet is in front of The Gran Canaria resort with piping hot plates and food at the correct temperature. We had an issue with cold food in the buffet at Gran Canaria but could see they have made an effort here. We loved the Tapas lunch specials in La Graviousa, the reserve pool restaurant was delightful and we also ate lunch in the buffet. We tried all of the restaurants and had a fantastic meal at La Graciosa both opting for the meat option however on returning a few nights later the veggie option was quite poor .

Excellent hotel. We stayed in a reserve room and enjoyed the little extras, like the separate pool, lounge area and breakfast room. The food was excellent and we had no problems booking the restaurants on the app. Great location too. Our room was lovely and all the service we had was great.