Radisson Blu Resort, Gran Canaria

Formerly the Dunas Gran Canaria, this luxury option in southern Gran Canaria draws well-heeled families and couples year-round. With only 189 rooms and no entertainment by the pool during the day, the five-pearl Radisson Blu has an atmosphere that is more tranquil than at comparable beach hotels nearby. It does sometimes get loud with kids splashing in the pool during peak season, but there are no boisterous group activities in or around the pool deck, which makes it a fairly relaxing spot for sunbathing. Decor is stylish and modern throughout the hotel's interior, with a sand color scheme that perfectly mirrors the seaside location, plus glass details and a few dark wood accents. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a large skylight make the small lobby a bright and appealing space, and the black, gray, and camel furniture add style. Built on a slope cascading towards the ocean, the hotel’s common spaces and rooms all offer panoramic views of the Atlantic.

The hotel is located in a quiet area a five-minute drive from central Arguineguin, a small beach town that's home to a number of bars and restaurants. The resort’s entrance is right off the main road that runs parallel to the coast all along southern Gran Canaria, but rooms are on the other side of the building and therefore do not pick up traffic noise. There’s a small manmade beach behind the hotel and another larger, sandier one a couple of minutes down the road on foot. Guests can walk to a number of other hotels and a couple of small bars, but there’s not a wide selection of restaurants or attractions that can be easily reached on foot. Las Palmas, a larger city on the northern side of the island, takes about 50 minutes to reach by car, while the Gran Canaria's famous sand dunes at Maspalomas are a 20-minute drive from the resort. The airport is a half-hour drive away.

The hotel has 189 stylish rooms ranging from Standard Rooms to Superior and Luxury Suites. The look throughout is fresh, modern, and beachy. There are sharp shades of deep navy blue contrasting sand tones, dark contemporary furniture, and polished light marble floors. There is a distinct, but classy, nautical theme, with subtle all-over sailboat wallpaper on accent walls and black-and-white maritime photography. All rooms have large furnished balconies or terraces overlooking the ocean and the pools, as well as free Wi-Fi, large flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and electric kettles with free tea and coffee. Rooms are spacious, with Standard Rooms starting at 35 square meters of space (377 square feet). Deluxe Rooms, a step above Standard Rooms, have an outdoor hot tub, and all suites (including Junior Suites) have separate living areas and full kitchens with dishwashers and Nespresso coffeemakers. The largest suites have three bedrooms and can sleep up to eight guests. Tan marble bathrooms are spacious and luxurious with glass walk-in showers, double sinks over beige countertops, and high-end toiletries. 

The Radisson Blu Resort Gran Canaria has a large free-form freshwater pool with lots of padded loungers and parasols plus ocean views. There is also a smaller heated saltwater pool adjacent to the main one, a snack bar serving up small bites and cocktails throughout the day, and a heated kids' pool. Though the deck can get loud with kids splashing around at times, there is no entertainment during the day, which allows for a relaxing break. The kids’ club offers activities daily for children between the ages of four and 12, as well as an outdoor space with a playground complete with slides, bridges, and a little hut. A wonderful free breakfast spread with pastries alongside hot and cold options is served every morning at the buffet restaurant, which also opens for dinner. Additionally, the hotel has a stylish a la carte restaurant with an outdoor lounge offering great ocean views. The spa has treatment rooms, a whirlpool, a sauna, a steam room, and a salon with hair and nail services, while the tiny fitness room features a wide array of up-to-date machines. Those planning to self cater can buy groceries and all the basics at the on-site supermarket, located on the second floor. The hotel also has six meeting rooms as well as tennis and beach volleyball courts, although they have to be rented for a fee at reception. Higher category rooms are entitled to extra perks like free airport transfers -- check ahead with the hotel. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and the hotel has a number of parking spaces (for a fee).