Lopesan Villa del Conde Resort & Thalasso

The Lopesan Villa del Conde is more than a sprawling resort -- it is an entire village. The property was designed to resemble a traditional Canarian town, with its cobblestone paths lined with buildings, gurgling fountains in sunny squares, and even manicured gardens. The lobby is probably the most stunning architectural feature here. It is housed in the village’s full-sized neoclassic church, with a beautiful façade and towers in white and chocolate brown, soaring stone columns, three naves, and rib vaulted ceilings. Deep purple upholstering, fuchsia flower prints, ochre surfaces, and gleaming marble floors make the space classic in style, and the stunning crystal chandelier hanging above the mezzanine level adds elegance. The apse space is taken up by a grand piano surrounded by plush seating and huge arched windows. Outside, manicured grounds dotted with palm trees give the property a serene vibe that takes away the feel of being in a huge resort.This is the smallest and most luxurious of the three Lopesan properties in Meloneras, and also the one farthest from the beach boardwalk -- though it's still accessible (a 10- to 15-minute walk) and the slightly quieter location is part of the draw for many. Families are still catered to here, but might be happier at the Lopesan Baobab. 

Lopesan Villa del Conde Resort & Thalasso is located in a quiet area in Meloneras home to a couple of other oceanfront resorts. The property overlooks the Atlantic, but the area closest to the hotel is rocky and not suitable for sunbathing. The main beach in Meloneras, and the beachfront restaurants along the boardwalk, are a 10- to 15-minute walk away, and long, sandy Maspalomas Beach is a five-minute drive away. There are many other dining and shopping options just west of the resort. The immediate vicinity is mostly quiet, but Playa del Inglés, known for its nightlife and sandy beaches, is a 10-minute drive away, and there are a number of pleasant stretches of sand within a 20-minute drive in either direction along the coast. Expo Melonera convention center is a three-minute walk away, and the airport can be reached in about 30 minutes by car.

The hotel has 561 rooms in several categories, including Standard and Deluxe units, and three types of suites. Decor is classic and elegant throughout with large mural paintings in ochre hues depicting rural scenes, a few colorful flower prints on curtains and couches, and wooden furniture in brown or white. All rooms have seating areas, some of which are separated from the sleeping quarters by a wall with a large arch resting on columns; others are in a separate room and have green walls and purple accents that add a more contemporary feel to the space. Junior Suites and Suites also have wooden floors. All units feature flat-screen TVs, minibars, toiletries, and air-conditioning, but there is a fee for renting in-room safes, and all guests but those staying in suites have to pay an extra charge for Wi-Fi. Balconies are furnished with at least two chairs and a table, and most rooms also have two loungers and a parasol. Bathrooms have double sinks, marble soaking tubs and separate showers, and either black or white floors.

The hotel is known for its high-end spa, featuring a serene vibe, indoor and outdoor areas, hydrotherapy pools (including a floatation pool for anti-stress treatments), massage cabins, and saunas. The resort’s five outdoor pools are always busy, but the favorite spot here is the infinity-edge pool, offering ocean views and a quieter vibe. (Note that the pool complex at Lopesan Costa Meloneras is larger, but that resort also has more rooms.)  On-site dining options are varied and good, including restaurants serving up Italian and modern gourmet cuisine, and a salad bar by the pool that also offers a short menu. Both breakfast and half-board rates are available. The hotel also offers several drinking spots, including an English-style pub with a pool table, and an elegant bar with a terrace overlooking the ocean. Those looking to stay active during their vacation can get a full workout at the well-equipped fitness center, join one of the many activities by the pool, or take a tennis class on-site. Although the vibe here is quieter and more adult-oriented than at the Lopesan Baobab Resort, the property also offers daily activities for children and a small playground. The Villa del Conde’s high-tech meeting rooms make it a popular pick among those planning corporate events. Free on-site parking and free shuttle service to two golf courses are also available.