The View Hotel Resort

From the exterior, Mirador de Lobos has the typical Spanish resort look with an abundance of earth tones in burnt orange and marigold yellow topped off with scalloped, terra-cotta tile. But the wall of greenery and the golden Buddha sculpture in reception signals a shift away from the louder resorts of the area and toward a Zen-like state. The property tends to draw two different kinds of travelers -- families in search of their own private slice of the Canary Islands to call home and golfers looking to play on the only course in northern Fuenteventura. The hotel’s layout tends to mimic a small neighborhood, down the the street lamps and gated fences surrounding every apartment unit, and that appeals a great deal to the former. Where as the nine-hole golf course and its greenery appeals to the latter. There’s no animation or loud entertainment, given an air of tranquility to the grounds, though children are very much welcome. 

Unlike other beachy resorts in the area, Mirador de Lobos is located toward the desert interior and bumps right up against a national park. The result is incredible views of the desert mountains in one direction and the oceanfront in another. But some guests may find it frustrating that the major sand-dune beaches are a 10-minute drive away and the heart of town is a nine-minute drive away (a free shuttle takes guests to both attractions every half hour). The airport is a 39-minute drive away.

Villas at the Mirador de Lobos Golf are self-contained units fenced off from each other with gates and hedges, offering plenty of privacy. Interiors are blanketed in marble and hardwood, and they're done up in the same rosy hues of beige, white, and soft orange seen throughout the resort. The highlight of each villa is the private pool, which is paired with a few loungers and a sun umbrella. Villas are spacious and well suited to families with vast living rooms and three bedrooms. (Duplex units have one bedroom and bathroom upstairs.) Each villa has a full kitchen including a fridge stocked with a few beverages, a washing machine, a dishwasher, and a coffeemaker, along with the usual dishes and cookware. Amenities include safes, two enormous flat-screen TVs, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries, and irons and ironing boards. Wi-Fi is free, but some guests complain that it can be spotty. The beds and bedding can also be disappointing; they don’t live up to the luxe surroundings and can be a bit stiff. Bathrooms are also a small step below upscale, with basic shower/tub combos or small shower stalls.

The resort’s star attraction is its golf course, a nine-hole green with a pond in the middle that serves as both a diversion and a pretty view for the guests. Golf gear can be borrowed for those that don’t travel with their own clubs, and lessons are on offer. But apart from golf, many different activities can be arranged from catamaran rentals and lessons to yoga, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Rental bikes are available as well. Because every unit has its own pool, Mirador de Lobos doesn’t have a communal pool. It does offer a bar/café area and a restaurant serving all meals. Breakfast, with a full buffet and a la carte options, is not included in room rates. There is no gym or business center, but Wi-Fi is available for free -- although some guests complain of a spotty connection. Families can request cribs or babysitting services. In-room massages can be requested as well. Parking is available for free by each villa, and a shuttle service can take guests to town or the beach every 30 minutes. Note that some guests have complained about the lengthy and confusing check-in/check-out process that requires extra time.