Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real

This upscale resort sits proudly on the beachfront, and during our visit, we saw guests spending hours on the pleasant shaded bar terrace, taking in the ocean views and tranquil atmosphere. In fact, despite being relatively large and popular with families and couples, it's still a fairly relaxed property, without the loud atmosphere found at some of the competing hotels in the region. The style is a bit more classic than one might want from a hotel that claims five-pearl status. but it's nothing offensive (even if in some spots it's starting to look a little dated). At every turn, there's heavy antique-style furniture and rich upholstered armchairs. With five swimming pools to choose from, there's something for everyone at this resort, a fact that helps keep any single area from feeling overrun by guests or kids. At the main pool, families and couples splash about in the sunshine, while the indoor pool and spa have a quieter vibe. In the evening, guests gather in the theater or lobby bar area for entertainment, which can include quiz nights, a mini-disco, and live music. 

Situated on a long sandy beach, this hotel is ideally located for a relaxing holiday. While most guests stay on-site for the duration of their visit, it's worth noting that there isn't a ton to see or do out here, as most of the hotel's neighbors are other resorts. Nearby Corralejo is the main town in northern Fuerteventura, and it's about a 10-minute drive to the center of town (it's too far to easily walk there for many guests). Otherwise, it's a 15-minute walk to the Hiperdino supermarket. As an alternative to the beach at the hotel, Flag Beach is a 10-minute drive from the property, while Corralejo National Park is a 15-minute drive away. It's definitely worth the trip to the park see the natural dunes alone. The pretty town of El Cotillo is around 30 minutes away by car, or just over an hour by bike. The airport will take about 50 minutes to reach by car.

This resort has five different room types - Standard Double Rooms, Junior Suites, Premium Suites, The Royal Suite, and rooms for guests with restricted mobility. Standard Doubles have Moroccan-inspired decor with Canarian touches here and there, though the look overall is pretty classic and even a touch dated. Themes vary, but expect details to include tiled floors, cornicing, and dark wooden furniture. All rooms have at least partially separate seating areas plus terraces or balconies with table-and-chair sets, though only some overlook the beach. In-room amenities include air-conditioning, pillow menus, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, older digital radios, free water, and safes. Turn-down service with small treats is also included. A selection of teas and coffees plus electric kettles are provided, as are minibars. Bathrooms have double sinks, and large bathtubs with power showers. Robes and slippers, white monogrammed towels, and a good selection of toiletries are provided. Suites have separate bedrooms and living rooms, plus large balconies with armchairs and loungers. Walk-in closets feature plenty of hanging space, and bathrooms in suites feature jetted tubs and large separate showers. Bvlgari toiletries are provided in higher-category rooms -- like the Bahia Suite -- as are extras like fruit and sparkling wine, so check ahead if you're looking for something especially romantic.

The features at this resort reflect its upscale status. There are three pools in the main courtyard, one indoor pool, and a jetted spa pool. The main pool area is set amid semi-tropical gardens and split into two large pools and a children’s pool. The vibe was fairly calm around all of them, despite a constant level of low-key activity. Indoors, there's a selection of souvenir shops and a classic piano bar with live music every night (it scores rave reviews from previous guests). However, the Coco Beach Lounge & Club -- which floats on a pier in the water -- was our favorite place to grab a cocktail. Isla de Lobos can be seen offshore on most days. The beach is pleasant and sandy, with some rocks, and loungers are free (though Balinese day beds incur a charge in the Coco Beach Chill Out zone). Keep in mind that there are fees for beach towels.

Six restaurants offer a huge choice of dining options, and meals are served on an all-inclusive or half board basis. Note that half-board rates typically only include access to the main restaurant. Expect a busy atmosphere at the main buffet restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner. All tastes are catered for here, with hot and cold options, and a huge dessert station that includes a chocolate fountain. A Japanese restaurant opens in the evening and has teppanyaki tables with show cooking, plus a sushi bar. The Mediterranean restaurant specializes in Spanish and Canarian cuisine, and is decorated with Roman columns and lit with soft candlelight. The intimate La Cupula restaurant serves nouvelle cuisine and has been the site of more than one marriage proposal. Coco Beach Lounge & Club serves a fusion of Mediterranean and international food for lunch. As a daytime alternative, a poolside restaurant also serves lunch. 

The Bahia Vital Spa has 17 treatment rooms, a large indoor swimming pool, small outdoor plunge pool, sauna, steam room, and hot tubs. This is a Natura Bisse spa, and decadent massages and facials can be booked in advance. There's also a hair salon with ocean views that's particularly popular with bridal parties. A gym features cardio machines, weights, and a separate room for yoga.

For entertainment, the theater puts on cabaret shows and also shows large soccer matches on occasion. A poolside function room on the first floor can be rented for weddings or divided into five sections for smaller meetings. Extra on-site facilities include a kids' club with arts-and-crafts activities and a playground. The latter is located at the end of a corridor to prevent noise in the communal areas. A game room with air hockey and billiards is a fine place for teens to crash as well. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and parking is free. Car rentals and a baby sitting services are available for a fee.