Sol Fuerteventura Jandia By Melia

Situated between Solana Matorral and Morro Jable, the Sol Jandia Mar attracts mostly mature German couples and families, with some English, Scandinavian, and Spanish guests in high season. First impressions are more attractive than others hotels we’ve visited in the area, though that effect is limited to the lobby, which feels more modern than the rest of the property. Gardens are pleasantly landscaped with large established palm trees and tropical plants. However, interiors throughout the rest of the hotel are in need of an overhaul, as everything from furniture to colors and patterns used in the decor are dated. The resort’s main restaurant comes alive at breakfast time and is busy early in the morning as guests get a head start on the day. Most spend their time outside at the pool, enjoying the sunshine (and leading to inevitable competition for sun loungers). It’s worth noting that there are a few steps and steep hills around the resort, which some guests might find difficult to navigate. During our 2017 visit the Sol Jandia Mar was undergoing an ongoing complete renovation, so it’s worth checking ahead before booking. 

Located between the popular tourist towns of Solana Matorral and Morro Jable, near the main shopping and dining street, Sol Jandia Mar is within easy access of nearby attractions. The beach is just a five-minute walk down the road, and it’s a 13-minute walk to the Morro Jable lighthouse, which is also located beside a long sandy beach. The pretty village of Morro Jable is worth a visit for its quaint harbor, which is a 15-minute walk or seven-minute drive away. Other sights include the skeleton of a sperm whale, which is around 15 minutes away on foot, or a four-minute drive from the hotel. For those wishing to travel farther north, the popular Oasis Park Fuerteventura is a 23-minute drive away. Jandia Natural Park is about the same distance away by car. From the hotel, Fuerteventura's airport is around a 70-minute drive away. 

Rooms here all apartments, and are decorated in a traditional style that looks quite dated. In most apartments, patterned bed spreads are coordinated with similarly patterned sofa beds, and there’s a mix of heavy light and dark wood furniture. However, interiors on the whole are clean and tidy. All come in one-bedroom configurations, with separate living rooms. Standard features include kitchenettes with full-sized fridges, stovetops, basic cooking equipment, cutlery, plates, and glasses. All apartments also have free Wi-Fi, old-fashioned TVs, and telephones, but there’s no air-conditioning or fans. Safes are available for a fee. Sliding doors lead out to balconies or terraces that are furnished with tables and chairs, and have views of the ocean, pools, or gardens. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos, bidets, hairdryers, and basic toiletries. During our 2017 visit, the hotel was upgrading all apartments, replacing kitchenettes and adding features like modern televisions, rainfall showers, and fresh white linens. Check ahead on the status before booking.

This hotel has decent range of features for a two-pearl property, including a large buffet restaurant, swimming pools, and basic sports facilities. The outdoor pools are a highlight, with one main pool, and a good-sized children’s pool with a separate section for babies. One of the pools is heated in winter months. Keep in mind that chairs can be scarce in high season, and competition for them can be stiff. A poolside snack bar has shaded outdoor and indoor seating areas, and serves hot and cold options plus drinks. The main buffet restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner on an all-inclusive, half-board, or self-catering basis. There is plenty of indoor seating, and an outdoor shaded terrace. Breakfast includes a pastry station, cereals, fresh fruit, pancakes, and eggs cooked to order. Keep in mind that food gets repetitive, particularly for those on all-inclusive plans, and drinks can only be scored from one of two locations at any given time of day for all-inclusive guests.Sports facilities include two squash courts and a games room with pool table, but no fitness center. There’s a children’s club with a giant chess board, and small outdoor playground. Beauty treatments and massages can be booked for a fee at reception. It’s worth noting that the hotel has several steep steps and ramps that might not suit guests with limited mobility. In the evening, the main bar is a hub of activity, and has an open terrace. There's also a theater area for nightly stage shows including singing, magic, quiz nights, karaoke, and flamenco dancing. At the front of the hotel, there’s a small supermarket for daily provisions, and the resort has a laundry room with two washing machines. During our 2017 visit we spotted recycling bins dotted around the property, which is unusual for this region. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and is fast compared to other hotels we visited. A computer area is available as well. Car rentals can be arranged on-site, and there's plenty of free parking.