R2 Pajara Beach Hotel & Spa

At the entrance of Hotel R2 Pajara Beach, a huge, contemporary sculpture of undulating metallic waves sets the tone for what guests can expect inside. The lobby is set in an impressive, modern atrium encircled by multiple balconied floors, and flooded with natural light from one side comprising wholly of glass panels, illuminating swathes of marble tiling and polished steel rails. Set on a hillside, the property is built in tiers leading down toward the main grounds (which can make the elevator system confusing). The well-tended grounds are adorned with numerous palm trees and sub-tropical flora, and extensive sun terraces surround the hotel's main freeform pool, which also provides views over the sea (beyond a rocky cliff). European couples (largely French and Spanish) make up the bulk of the clientele, but the resort is also fairly popular with families. 

The hotel is set in a hillside at the south end of the popular tourist resort town of Costa Calma, on the southwest coast of Fuerteventura. While the town doesn't have much in the way of town center, there are a few shops, supermarkets, and a restaurants within walking distance. The hotel overlooks the sea, but the nearest sandy beach is actually a five- to 10-minute walk away (and is popular with naturists). The Oasis Park Fuerteventura and surf beach Playa de la Pared are both around 15 minutes by car, while the rugged beauty of the Jandía Natural Park is a  20- to 300minute drive. Fuerteventura Airport, however, is a fair distance away at around an hour by road.

The 355 rooms are basic and dated, with old tube TVs, marble tile floors, light wood furniture, and in some, busy fabric accents such as plaid bed skirts and curtains. Walls are often adorned in cheerful pink, blue, or green. Most rooms extend to furnished terraces or balconies, some with sea views. Amenities could be better, with little beyond mini-fridges (stocked with water) and the old TVs with only one English-speaking channel; in-room Wi-Fi is available but expensive and charged per device. There are no coffee or tea facilities. Bathrooms mostly impress, though, and are finished in marble; they have wall-mounted hairdryers and shower/tub combos (there are separate walk-in showers in Royal Suites). Family Rooms fitting four are available, and are made up of two Double Rooms connected by a private corridor. 

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are mostly served buffet-style in the hotel's main restaurant, and rates are typically all-inclusive. The choices can be short on variety and get repetitive. Alcoholic beverages certainly aren't in short supply; guests can even help themselves to cold bottles of wine, cava, and other drinks throughout their stay. 

The main pool is large and freeform with sea views, though the saltwater and can get cold. It is the high point of the property, with bridges, a gazebo, waterfall, islands adorned with palm trees, and a shallow kiddy pool area. There are plenty of loungers and umbrellas to be found, and reserving loungers with towels is not allowed. There is a deposit required to borrow beach towels, and a small fee to change them. 

The spa has a heated freshwater pool with jets, as well as a Finnish sauna and steam bath. Children are well catered for at the resort, thanks to the splash pool, kids' club, and games room.