Sheraton Fuerteventura Beach, Golf & Spa Resort

Travelers can spot the Sheraton from afar, with its striking burnt orange building stretching along the beachfront. It’s a distinctive design that offers a nod to its Canarian heritage, but there’s a tropical vibe about it as well. Sub-tropical gardens surround the hotel, complete with rock gardens, waterfalls, and wooden bridges that arch over streams. In the atrium-style lobby, an ornate central staircase winds past tropical ferns, while the glass-domed spa has mosaic pillars rising out of the pool. The resort cleverly tailors its decor to its space: the main restaurant, serving Spanish cuisine, has a rustic feel, while the Pan-Asian restaurant has a garden theme, with Chinese lanterns and bamboo courtyard. Rooms are neat and restful spaces with just enough traditional character. While the atmosphere is relaxed -- with thoughtful touches including a glass of bubbly on arrival and plenty of spots to laze by the pools -- this is a busy resort. In fact, it’s popularity with families means there’s a frenetic energy emanating from the youngest guests during daylight hours. This doesn’t appear to bother the golfers that stay here, but couples seeking a tranquil escape likely won’t find it at the Sheraton.

The Sheraton fronts Caleta de Fuste’s family-friendly public sandy beach, with direct access to the beach and promenade. It’s just across the highway from the Fuerteventura Golf Club. This is a quiet area that's mostly filled with hotels. A small shopping center can be found a few minutes’ walk away  with a supermarket that’s handy for picking up snacks and cheaper drinks. Otherwise, it’s a five-minute taxi journey into central Caleta de Fuste, though you can also walk along the promenade into town in five- to 15 minutes depending on your destination. The airport is a 15-minute drive away, but note that the proximity to the airport -- and flight path -- means that aircraft noise is often audible.

Rooms are neat and traditional, with dark wood furniture, shuttered windows, and terra cotta or wooden floors. Splashes of earthy color are injected into the largely neutral color schemes via striped sofas, floral curtains, and tropical artwork. Some of the furniture is a little dated, like the wicker-panel pieces that we saw during our visit. Rooms start at a generous 530 square feet (49 square meters) and all can sleep four guests with the option of king-size or twin Sheraton Sweet Sleeper beds, plus a sofa or rollaway bed. Amenities include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, basic coffee machines (but no kettles), and minibars. Large bathrooms have bathtubs, separate walk-in showers, and double sinks -- even in the entry-level rooms. Keep in mind that the open-plan bathroom layout might not be to all guests’ tastes. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided. Premium Rooms feature larger terraces overlooking the gardens, while Deluxe Rooms have balconies -- some of which have sea views. Junior Suites are 750 square meters (70 square feet) with larger terraces or balconies that include wicker furniture. Most of the higher category suites have sea views. 

There’s enough on-site here that guests don’t need to leave the resort, which is one of the reasons it’s so popular with families. Keep in mind that it can feel busy all day long. The hotel fronts the public beach in Caleta de Fuste -- and it's a family-friendly stretch of sand with no strong currents. Of the four pools, three are heated. Previous guests have noted shortages of pool towels and a generally crowded atmosphere. Children are well catered for, with a separate heated kids’ pool, playground, and a quirky kids’ club (ages 4 to 12) that has a soft play area. Mini-golf is also available, but costs extra. Dining is fairly varied, with four restaurants and three bars. Los Arcos is the busy buffet-style main restaurant, serving up Spanish dishes. Buffet breakfasts take place here, and with tables set out on the outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens, it’s a relaxed way to start the day. The hotel offers half board and full board packages for the buffet restaurant, but many guests comment on the lack of evening atmosphere and reviews are mixed for the food quality. Prices can be quite high for food and drink throughout the resort. Three a la carte eateries include two stylish Mediterranean restaurants. For zestier dishes, Wok-n-Zen serves Pan-Asian cuisine. The bars offer a choice of environments; the piano bar sits in the atrium-style lobby, specializing in cocktails and afternoon tea, while Someplace Else is a fun Irish pub. Couples should note that the lively evening children’s entertainment can often be heard in the piano bar. A large Thalasso spa attracts locals as well as hotel guests, though you'll have to pay extra to access any of the facilities. There are 12 treatment rooms and a water circuit complete with vitality pool, Roman baths, ice room, and sauna. There’s also a small 24-hour fitness center. A free shuttle bus runs to the nearby 18-hole Fuerteventura Golf Club, where guests receive discounted green fees. The resort offers free Wi-Fi throughout and there’s plenty of free parking.