Avanti Hotel Boutique (Adults Only)

A snappy blue-and-white color scheme is on display throughout the Avanti, from the striped awnings out front to the ceiling beams inside. The gleaming rooftop sundeck offers stunning views out over the oceans and the boats bobbing there, making the most of the waterfront location. As there’s no pool on the grounds, this rooftop acts as the hotel’s hub, with a few loungers, a whirlpool, and a bar giving extra reason to linger. Still, the location, right by a small beach and the main commercial strip, means guests are often out exploring.The Avanti has a trailblazing history as well, opened in the 1970s, it was the first hotel in the north of Fuenteventura. (A few photos of the original hotel are proudly displayed in the restaurant.) After a few decades, it fell into disrepair and closed before reopening as the area’s first boutique hotel. Renovations and upgrades continue, and during our visit plans were in the works to switch out old-fashioned room keys for keycards.

For travelers that want to be close to everything, the Avanti’s location can’t be beat. It’s just a block off the commercial main street in the center of town, which boasts loads of restaurants, bars, shops, nightclubs, and other diversions. A supermarket is a one-minute walk away as well.  It’s also right next to a little beach, and set along a small waterfront promenade. The petite beaches in town offer pockets of white sand, but the area's majestic sand-dune beaches (the Grandes Playas) are an 11-minute drive outside of town. The airport is a 42-minute drive away.

Rooms are divided across several categories from Small and Cozy to Junior Suites, but even the smallest category feels airy, and all share the same jaunty, nautical decor. Striped headboards and gauzy canopies channel the south of France. Well-stocked minibars, electric kettles for tea/coffee, safes, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and bathrobes and slippers come standard. Rooms also have loaner beach towels, beach bags, and sarongs -- a nice touch for beach-goers. Double-paned windows help to keep out the noise from the beach or main street. Some rooms include furnished terraces, though not all overlook the ocean. A single suite on the rooftop displays the best views and comes equipped with a full kitchenette including burners, a fridge, and dishware. One room has been renovated to accommodate those with mobility issues.

As a small-scale, historic property the Avanti is missing some features travelers would expect from an upscale hotel. Most notably, it's missing a pool. In its place, the hotel offers a big rooftop sundeck with plenty of loungers, a bar, and a little whirlpool. But those looking to swim will have to head to the beach, which thankfully is right outside. The hotel's restaurant has the same polished blue-and-white look as the rest of the property and provides sea views. It serves all meals, including a free breakfast. But be aware that the restaurant closes one day of the week. A small wine bar off to one side of the restaurant gives a cozy perch to sip a glass of vino while waiting for a table. While there’s no spa, in-room massages and beauty treatments like pedicures are available on request. The hotel can also arrange for excursions, catamaran rentals, guided tours, hiking trips, or personal shopping. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.