TUI MAGIC LIFE Fuerteventura

This sprawling complex offers a good mix of adult-only and child-friendly options. Common areas could do with a refresh, the lobby in particular feels quite dated in comparison to the rest of the hotel. Nevertheless, comfortable armchairs are dotted around and there's plenty of space to relax inside should guests seek a reprieve from the sun. Guests are mostly European families who spread out around this massive resort that has sun loungers at every turn. The combination of child-friendly and adult-only areas means there is a lively or relaxed vibe depending on where you are in the resort, and there's a good mix of young and mature couples, largely thanks to the huge range of activities on offer here. This is a large complex, with several ramps and 14 elevators around the hotel, but some guests might find the size of the property to be overwhelming. 

Situated on the outskirts of Esqunizo, at the edge of Esquinzo beach, and off the main FV2 motorway, this hotel is well located to explore the south of the island. It’s an eight-minute drive to Solana Matorral, a small town with a lighthouse, whale skeleton, and plenty of shops and restaurants. Further south is Morro Jable; at a 13-minute drive away it offers a quaint setting for a day trip. The town of Jandia is 15 minutes away. Visitors looking to venture further afield might drive around an hour to the Punta Jandia lighthouse at the southern tip of the island, or head to Cofete Beach. It’s worth noting that part of the Cofete Beach road is a dirt track and might not be suitable for small cars. From the hotel, Fuerteventura airport is around a 70-minute drive away. 

Rooms are split into two different areas: one side of the complex caters to families and the other is adult-only. On the family side, double rooms have a garden, pool or sea view, and sofa beds that are ideal for children. Larger families have the option to book interconnecting rooms. Rooms are either ground-floor or upper-floor units, and the interiors are fresh and clean. Decor is the same in every room. Expect tiled floors, hardwood furniture, and a neutral color scheme enhanced with floral wall art. In-room amenities include bottled water on arrival, air-conditioning, safes, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges. Wi-Fi costs extra. There are 59-rooms on the adult-only side, including four suites, and decor is more contemporary with dark wooden furniture, terra-cotta tiles, and minimal soft furnishings. Instead of the sofa bed, there are two armchairs and a coffee table. Added in-room amenities include robes and slippers, a free bottle of wine, a filled mini-fridge, and a whirlpool bath. Bathrooms are otherwise traditional, with tiled floors and walls, shower/tub combos, marble vanities, fresh white towels, and hotel-branded toiletries. Balconies or patios include wicker seats and a small table; they have picturesque views.  

This 98,000 square meter property has a huge range of facilities including seven swimming pools, a gym, two tennis courts, and a wellness area. From the hotel there is direct access to Esqunizo beach via a flight of stairs, with plenty of sun loungers which can be rented for a fee. The large main pool is loud and lively during the day with the hotel's Magic radio station blaring and a busy pool bar with indoor and outdoor seating. During our visit there were long queues for the hot sandwich station, but a self-service drinks area with large fridges full of free bottled water, helped to ease congestion. Additional pool areas include a relaxed adult-only pool and a 25-meter swimming pool. The children’s pool is beside the kids' club where young guests are split into three groups: 3 to 6 years old, 7 to 12, and the teenage club. Parents with babies are welcome if accompanying their children, and there’s a small baby pool at the back of the children’s area.Food and drink is served on an all-inclusive basis, which includes local spirits. There are three themed restaurants and one main buffet restaurant from which to choose. The main restaurant has hot and cold buffet options, and includes a gluten-free corner, healthy area with non-fried food, a fish station, pasta corner, and a kids' corner. The resort’s themed restaurants are located around a pleasant courtyard, with an indoor bar in the center and an outdoor terrace where guests gather to enjoy sunset drinks.A Spanish restaurant is traditionally decorated with terra-cotta tiles and wine barrels, and serves a menu of tapas and local dishes several nights a week. During our visit the grill restaurant was closed for renovation, and the Italian restaurant will convert to an international restaurant, with dishes representing different nationalities. Inside the main hotel building the Wunderbar main bar serves cocktails until late. Guests gather in the theater for evening entertainment that includes quiz nights and cabaret shows. A modern purpose-built spinning center has three classes per day and the spacious gym has ocean-views and new weight machines. Free aerobic classes include boxing, Zumba, and trampolining. Personal training appointments can be booked for a fee. The wellness center includes a beauty salon with massage treatments that can be booked for a fee. Downstairs, there’s an adult-only naturist area, that includes a small pool, sauna, and steam room. During our visit in 2017 the hotel was renovating these facilities to include a larger pool and sunbathing area. A small shopping arcade includes a water-sports kiosk and supermarket/souvenir shop, where free towels can be borrowed for the pool and beach. There are two full-sized tennis courts on-site offering free tennis lessons and equipment, plus a beach volleyball court. A mountain bike shop offers free bike to borrow, and a detailed schedule of local tours catering to different fitness levels. There is also an archery area nearby. Guests have access to coin-operated laundry machines and a public computer area with free 20 minute slots. There is a private photographer who can be booked for a fee, a car rental desk, on-site meeting facilities, and a doctor on duty at varying times throughout the week.