Elba Lucia Sport & Suite Hotel

For those familiar with the Elba chain of resorts, the Elba Lucia Sport & Suite Hotel will reflect a familiar Spanish-style look. Following a big marble lobby anchored by a circular front desk, pathways lead out to buildings in burnt orange and peach hues connected by archways and columns. Grounds are very quiet, with lots of courtyard gardens between rooms, and a few fountains provide a charming focal point. Most of the action revolves around this Elba's two pools (one for kids); a little island spiked with palm trees in the middle of the main pool softens the terra-cotta sundeck.

While the resort itself is tranquil, the location also keeps things a bit snoozy, as the area's town and beach are set a short drive, or lengthy walk, away. Despite it's removed location, plenty of families and couples seek out this Elba for a sunny getaway. Note, those looking for a sports-oriented resort might find this resort's features lacking and should consider the Oasis Papagayo Sport & Family.

For a beach getaway, the Elba Lucia Sport & Suite Hotel has a location that's less than ideal. It's set in a quiet spot, surrounded by other mid-sized resorts and vacation rentals, but the heart of town and the area's main beach (Caleta de Fuste) are a nine-minute drive or a long 40-minute walk away. That said, the waterfront is a 10-minute walk away, where guests can connect with a shoreline promenade that leads toward the beach, and several guests appreciate the pretty -- though lengthy -- stroll. A toy store, grocery store, and a gas station are a short three-minute drive away, and the main area of town contains a shopping center with restaurants, bars, and a pharmacy, among other businesses. Fuerteventura's airport is a nine-minute drive north.

Guest rooms at this Elba resort, split between Studio and Apartment units, are all rather unremarkable when it comes to their looks. White and blond-wood furniture give a basic, IKEA-esque backdrop, and crimson bed runners and mustard-colored drapes provide shots of color, though they don't mesh well with the slate-gray accent walls and olive-green trim. Still, every unit has a balcony or terrace outfitted with a plastic table-and-chairs set, and a few have sea views that are truly lovely. 

Unlike other Elba properties, apartments only come with one-bedroom layouts, so those looking for two-bedroom or family rooms should consider the Suite Hotel Elba Castillo San Jorge & Antigua. But all, including Studios, have kitchenettes with microwaves, burners, mini-fridges, and electric kettles, plus cookware and dishware. Flat-screen TVs, safes (for a fee), and Wi-Fi (for a fee) are also standard, but rooms lack air-conditioning.

Bathrooms throughout are also quite plain with white or beige tiles and bath/shower combos. Bidets are in most except for the rooms with accessible showers where they're removed to make room for railings. All also have hairdryers, though toiletries are kept to a minimum.

This Elba outpost does a solid job of providing the expected beach-resort features, though with varying degrees of success. For most guests, the resorts main pool and kiddy pool, are its highlight. It's surrounded by loungers, and a poolside bar keeps drinks and snacks coming. (Though the bar is on the sundeck, a few submerged stools in the water let guests sit with their drinks in the pool.) On the downside, guests have remarked that the pools' water can be quite chilly.

As a sports-oriented property, this Elba has multiple courts including tennis courts, badminton, and a multi-use court. The gym has a sauna and whirlpool plus a good range of cardio equipment and weights, but most it it looks like it dates back two decades. (Travelers looking for a better fitness-oriented property should consider Oasis Papagayo Sport & Family.)

The Elba offers a full range of dining packages, from self catering to all-inclusive. All meals are served in the resort's buffet restaurant with a rotating selection of dishes. However, the food gets very mixed reviews, and past guests have complained about flies buzzing around the buffet table. Aside from the poolside bar, the second-floor lobby bar serves up drinks, and flat-screen TVs along with air hockey and pool tables keeps guests occupied. Other entertainment includes animation for kids and adults such as karaoke, live music, or bingo. There's also a disco in the lower floor with dim, moody lighting and an '80s aesthetic with silhouettes of people dancing on the walls. Those looking to host their own get-together can make use of the resort's enormous meeting room that can fit 450 people.

Children can head to the kids' club for their own activities and toys. Cribs and high chairs are also available on request. Other little on-site conveniences include a mini market, car rental kiosk, and digital library with ebooks on loan. Wi-Fi is available for an additional fee, though some guests report it's spotty.