AluaVillage Fuerteventura

Situated in Esquinzo, AluaVillage Fuerteventura attracts mature French and German couples looking for a hotel that's within striking distance of the beach. Outside at the pool, guests didn't seem to mind the loud music playing from huge speakers, though the rest of the communal areas -- including the sports facilities -- were quiet during our visit. There is wheelchair access from the lobby to the pool, and another elevator to the bedrooms. It’s worth noting that there are a few steps and steep hills around the resort, which some guests might find difficult to navigate. Overall, while this is a reasonably pleasant place to soak up the sun for a few days.

Located in the Esqunizo hotel area near a small cluster of similar resorts, AluaVillage Fuerteventura has a quiet spot, with activities largely based inside the hotel itself. From the hotel, it’s a nine-minute walk to the nearest Mercadona supermarket, which is located in the middle of a large roundabout. It’s around a 15-minute walk to the beach, if you use the path beside the resort. The hotel is easily accessible from the main FV-2 motorway, and well located for guests to explore the island. North of the hotel, the town of Jandia is 10 minutes away by car, with plenty of shops and restaurants to explore. Solana Matorral, a 12-minute drive away, has quirky sights including the skeleton of a sperm whale. Farther south, the pretty village of Morro Jable is worth a visit for its quaint harbor and long sandy beach (a 13-minute drive away). From the hotel, Fuerteventura's airport is a 70-minute drive away.

Good-sized balconies or terraces get sunshine throughout the day, and have views of the ocean or gardens. Sun loungers can be rented for balconies (for a fee). Standard features include sofa beds, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and telephones, but Wi-Fi costs extra in rooms. Safes are available for a fee. Keep in mind that beds are twins in all rooms, which are pushed together to make doubles. There are eight Junior Suites with separate bedrooms and living rooms. En-suite bathrooms are roomy, with separate cubicle showers and bathtubs, plus hairdryers and basic toiletries.

This hotel has a wide range of features, including a large buffet restaurant, several pools, sports facilities, and a spa. The three interconnecting outdoor pools are a highlight, and have hot tubs (though the music can be loud). There's also a large indoor pool with a hot tub, sauna, and steam room. In the winter, guests often move the hotel's loungers inside to sit around this pool. An open fitness area overlooks the pool and has pleasant ocean views, plus a small selection of cardio and weight equipment. There are three massage cabins that have no ceilings, meaning they are open to noise from the pool below. Beauty treatments can be arranged for a fee, and in the corner of the mezzanine level there's a fish spa -- travelers will either find this tacky or a fun diversion. While the hotel has access to a beach, it's down a steep and rocky path that can take up to 15 minutes to navigate on foot.

A rooftop court is used for tennis, volleyball, basketball, and soccer. Down in the basement there's a small badminton court and squash court. Other sporting activities include archery, darts, and petanque. The game room is really just a small meeting room with tables, but the children’s club is more interesting, with a series of small wooden lodges featuring a PlayStation area, and an outdoor playground. There's also an area for teenagers.

The 350-seat restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner on an all-inclusive or half-board basis, and there’s a separate bar area. All-inclusive packages typically include local spirits and wines. There are themed dinners three times a week, including Italian, Asian, and Canarian. A poolside snack bar serves late breakfast and lunch, and features a couple of pool tables and a dart board. In the evening, guests spend time in the main bar that has an open terrace, as well as a theater area with traditional armchair seating. The 10-person entertainment team normally performs in French, and occasionally English.

A small market and medical services are available on-site. Wi-Fi is free in the lobby, but costs extra in rooms. Car rentals can be arranged on-site, and there's a resident photography service as well.