Avenida de la Mojarra s/n, Isla Canela, Spain | (888) 551-4925
Simple and elegant, waterfall-themed spa
Beach right outside hotel
Large outdoor pool and small children's pool
Medium-sized indoor pool
Large fitness center
Daily kids' club and daily/nightly entertainment for kids and adults
Assortment of on-site restaurants and bars
All-inclusive, half-board, and room-only options
Room service available
On-site meeting rooms and hall for special events
Lines at bars and restaurants can sometimes be a problem
Not near outside shops or restaurants
Charge for Wi-Fi after limited free usage
Cheap balcony furniture
The 300-room Iberostar Isla Canela is a huge, upper-mid-range, beachfront resort in Ayamonte, Spain, near the Portugal border. With
little in the way of restaurants or bars in the immediate area, most guests
choose an all-inclusive stay, with food and drinks covered for a flat fee.
Geared toward those seeking a respite over sightseeing, the hotel attracts
mostly families. It has large indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, a designated kids’
club, and a poolside entertainment team that runs activities, sports, and
performances for everyone. Rooms aren’t overly big, but they are bright and
clean. Note that the hotel closes from November until May.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Large, sometimes crowded, but well-designed in a Spanish style
The Iberostar Isla Canela relies on a
classic Spanish style, incorporating elements of the country's Islamic and Catholic
histories into the decor. Subtly highlighting the brand, the center of the lobby is star-themed, including a star-shaped fountain encircled by columns which in turn creates
a star-shaped skylight. The archways between columns are made up of small
curves, reminiscent of mosques. The walls are a sunny yellow cement surrounding
brown- and red-toned seating. Large and high-ceilinged, the lobby has plenty of
places to take recline and relax, offering anything from plush couches and
ottomans to high-backed chairs. Yet it remains fairly quiet indoors, with most
guests opting to lounge by the pool or at the beach.The sheer size of the
hotel highlights the need for crowd control -- something the Isla Canela struggles
with at times during the height of the season. The Ayamonte restaurant is spacious, with white, high-backed cushioned chairs that seem a little fancy for a
buffet, while the two-floor El Rocio Theater bar has seating with a sizable
stage.
Location
Beachside property that's not near restaurants or bars; ferries into Portugal available
The
beach-front Isla Canela is away from the commercial center of Ayamonte, in an area
with other hotels and private homes. There's one small supermarket about five minutes
away, but not much more. Buses to Ayamonte run from right outside the hotel for
a small fee, but reliability varies. There's also a ferry nearby that will take
you into Portugal, and the reception can facilitate booking daylong excursions
into southern Spain. The Seville Airport is about an hour and 45 minutes’ west by
car.****
Rooms
Moderately-sized in hues of white and brown with room for a reading chair
Standard rooms at the resort are clean and
crisply designed in white and brown. Not overly large but a moderate size typical
of chain hotels, each unit has room for a double bed with a white leather
headboard, a plush brown reading chair, and a small desk. Rooms also have flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, but Wi-Fi will cost extra. All spaces have
balconies, and the hotel's remote beachside location means it's unlikely
you'll get a bad view -- most spaces overlook the pool or the greenery around
the estuaries and beach. Bathrooms are moderate in size as well and
come stocked with toiletries. The suites at the Isla
Canela are quite lovely, with two floors, sizable living rooms, separate
bedrooms, and terraces with four-poster lounge beds.
Features
A waterfall-themed spa, a beautiful beach, and an entertainment team that aims to please
The waterfall- and shell-themed spa at the Isla
Canela offers massages and body wraps, and also has personal hot tubs in spa
rooms. For the more active guest, there’s a big, well-equipped fitness center
with a range of cardio and weight machines and free weights. The poolside entertainment
team also runs classes and activities throughout the day. While the outdoor
pool may be crowded, the smaller indoor pool offers a quieter atmosphere to
swim or float. The designated children's pool at the resort is small, but the
daily kids’ club playroom is large, and the program is multifaceted. A
billiards and foosball area flanks the pool bar, and there’s an on-site tennis
court too. The beach is close by and has lounge chairs and parasols.The Ayamonte buffet
restaurant is large and plentiful, serving a variety of international foods. A
seasonal a la carte restaurant offers additional options. The resort also has a
meeting space and can accommodate big groups, though the property's location
and general vacation vibe don't attract many business travelers.
