Sentido H10 White Suites

Designed to resemble a traditional Canarian village, H10 Sentido White Suites feels smaller than it really is. Its 195 rooms are housed in a few dozen two-story structures set around the pools, and common spaces are compact and quiet, giving the property a boutique feel. Small whitewashed buildings and volcanic-sand gardens dotted with palm trees lend the White Suites lots of local charm, but some indoor common areas -- in particular, the lobby and one of the bars -- have a distinctive Moroccan decor style, with lots of pillows, lantern-style lamps, and leather poufs over rugs in red and ochre hues. Other spaces have a more generic, contemporary style, featuring white chairs that stand out against the dark laminate floors in the restaurant, and chocolate-brown wicker-style patio furniture outdoors.  

Although the adult-only policy is not strict here, the hotel is recommended for guests 16 and up, and we didn’t see any kids during our visit. There are some activities for guests during the day (such a Pilates, yoga, darts, and wine tastings), but the atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing, and there is no music or loud entertainment staff. Guests, most of whom are British and Spanish couples, gather around the pool in the morning, while nights have a slightly more upbeat vibe, with some live music and drinks flowing in the Arab tent-style bar. Travelers wanting somewhere with more entertainment options may prefer Hotel THE Volcan Lanzarote, while those seeking something more luxe may want to compare rates at neighboring Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort. Las Costas offers a similar experience (but no all-inclusive rates) closer to the airport.  

H10 Sentido White Suites is located on the corner of two quiet streets between the marina and Playa Blanca’s main shopping area. There is a well-stocked supermarket across the street, but most bars, restaurants and shops can be found along the promenade or along Avenida de Papagayo -- each located less than a five-minute walk away. Playa Dorada is the nearest beach -- also about five minutes on foot from the hotel -- and there is another one a little farther away, closer to the main drag. It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the area’s charming marina, where guests can find a wide array of cute restaurants, bars, shops, and seaside lounges with live music. The hotel is about a 20-minute drive from Timanfaya National Park, and about a half-hour from Lanzarote Airport. On-site parking is available for a fee. 

The hotel’s 195 suites are decorated in a simple, contemporary style, with beige tiled floors, white furniture with clean lines and dark accents, and abstract art on walls. Bed runners and bed skirts in neutral hues are a tad bland, but bold, striped wallpaper and funky mural-style headboards are a nice contrast that keep rooms from looking dull. Bedrooms have either two twin beds or a double, while separate living areas feature a single sofa bed for an additional guest. Big windows open to furnished balconies or terraces, which in Standard units overlook the gardens or the street, and in Superior Suites offer views of the pools.

Each suite is outfitted with an array of great amenities, including free Wi-Fi, Nespresso machines with free coffee pods (refilled every other day), LCD TVs, and iPod docks. Air-conditioning is available in all suites, and minibars are stocked with a range of drinks and snacks, as well as free bottled water. Robes, slippers, hairdryers, and all basic toiletries are provided as well, while electric kettles can be requested at the front desk, and safes rented for a daily or a weekly fee. Clean bathrooms have either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, but the frosted-glass doors may lack enough privacy for some.  

On top of nicer views, Superior Suites come with a few great extras, such as turndown service, free minibar items, free use of a poolside cabana (once per stay), and free on-site parking. Dream White Suites are the same as Superior units, but come with even more perks, including premium cava delivered to the cabana, free airport transfers, and a couples’ massage per stay. 

Sentido H10 White Suites has two pools, each surrounded by a number of loungers and umbrellas. The deck is spacious and pleasant, with only some background music in the area closest to the bar, and an elevated area with a handful of additional sunbeds and a whirlpool. Guest wanting some extra privacy and pampering can rent one of the two cabanas, which come with a bottle of sparkling wine and waiter service. The bar offers seating under a big sail shade, along with a drink menu and some snacks. There is some entertainment outdoors during the summer, but it’s mostly mellow, with activities such as Pilates, yoga, and archery. 

Housed in its own stand-alone building within the hotel grounds, the spa is relaxing and appealing, with dim lights, soothing earth tones throughout, and lots of wood accents. Guests get free access to a Turkish bath and sauna, and there are private and couples’ rooms for body treatments and salon services. The fitness center is tiny, but light and modern, equipped with three cardio machines, some free weights, yoga mats, and exercise balls. 

The hotel offers bed-and-breakfast, half-board, and all-inclusive rates, and food generally gets good reviews. The main restaurant serves up a varied buffet for breakfast and dinner in a stylish dining room with big windows overlooking the gardens. Late breakfast, hot and cold drinks, and snacks are available at the poolside bar, while the lobby bar has a good drink menu. Housed in an Arab-style tent outfitted with rugs, pillows, and poufs, Haima is the place to go for some evening fun, complete with DJ sessions, water pipes, and live music. (Drinks at the Haima are not covered by the all-inclusive package.)