SENTIDO Aequora Lanzarote Suites

Formerly the Lanzarote Suites Aequora and fully renovated in 2015, the Sentido Aequora Lanzarote is a sprawling resort made up of six blocks with 398 rooms, three restaurants, five pools, and sports facilities. The property is designed like a small city, with long rows of low white buildings flanking paths with small black-sand gardens. Each building is set around a large pool, each catering to a different type of guest. The adult-only pool is located away from the hustle and bustle of the kids’ water park and the activity pool, and the family pool features a kiddy section for toddlers and babies. The same is true for restaurants, which feature family-friendly and adult-only areas for a more relaxing experience. This separation between louder and quieter areas is, to many, one of the most appealing elements at the Sentido Aequora, which draws a mix of British, French, and German couples and families year-round. Although the lobby has kept some of the older elements of its former self (including the dated gray floors), the rest of the hotel has a fresh, contemporary feel inside and out. Interiors are simple but stylish, with clean lines, a red and white palette throughout, and large windows that make common spaces sunny and pleasant. Big decks offer lots of space to bask in the sun, while an active entertainment team keeps guests busy through the day, with sports, games, competitions, and evening shows. Guests are encouraged to participate in the daily activities, but those seeking some peace and quiet can always find a spot to relax. There aren’t any big, lush gardens to speak of on-site, but the white buildings set against black-sand gardens and palm trees give the property lots of local charm. Sentido Aequora Lanzarote is a great pick for families and couples alike, but those with a little extra cash to spare may also want to consider the Sol Lanzarote, which has a similar vibe and simple contemporary rooms fully renovated in late 2016. Las Costas is for those seeking a quieter atmosphere. It features stylish rooms (also fully refurbished in 2016), direct access to Los Pocillos Beach, and panoramic ocean views from most common areas -- but limited entertainment. Travelers on a tighter budget may want to compare rates at the nearby Hipotels La Geria, which is a little less upscale and lacks a spa, but has clean, sunny rooms and a big pool lined with palm trees.

Sentido Aequora Lanzarote is located on a quiet street in eastern Puerto del Carmen. The resort abuts other hotels on two sides, and the road and nature on the other two. A small door in the back of the property opens onto a quiet street leading to Los Pocillos, one of Puerto del Carmen’s nicest beaches. There is a small cluster of restaurants and bars just down the street from the hotel, but guests can find a wider array of dining, drinking, and shopping options in the city center, located a five-minute drive away. Puerto del Carmen’s lively promenade is about a half-hour stroll (or a five-minute drive) along the beach. Timanfaya National Park -- home to several stunning volcanoes, and one of Lanzarote’s top attractions -- is a 25-minute drive from the hotel. The airport can be reached in under 10 minutes by car. There is plenty of free outdoor parking on-site. 

The hotel has 398 rooms spread over six three-story buildings, some overlooking the grounds, and others offering views of the mountains. All were fully renovated in 2015 and feature stylish contemporary decor in a red and white color scheme that makes them feel fresh and modern. Laminate floors, white furniture with clean lines, and big photos of local nature scenes give rooms a simple but polished look. Rooms start at 345 square feet, so even the smallest room type offers plenty of space to move around, and large windows and open bathrooms add lots of visual space. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and Nespresso machines (though coffee is not refilled after the first night). Safes are available for a daily or weekly fee, and All-Inclusive Aequora Plus guests get free robes and slippers. Additionally, Junior Suites feature living areas complete with a flat-screen TV and a sofa bed for an extra guest, and suites have two bedrooms. A handful of units have kitchenettes with microwaves, cooktops, sinks, and fridges, but these rooms are only available on request. Most bathrooms have an open floor plan with separate cabins for the toilet and the rain shower. Frosted glass walls offer some privacy, but the lack of a real door may make some guests feel uncomfortable. All bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers, body lotion, shampoo, and shower gel. All-Inclusive Aequora Plus guests get nice extras, such as toothbrushes and shaving kits. Those looking to go to bed early or enjoy a quiet night on the balcony may want to request a room away from the main entertainment area. 

The hotel has a total of five freshwater pools, each with its own vibe and style, and all but one heatable in the colder months. The activity pool is the loudest and busiest of all five, with a full entertainment program that includes aqua gym, water polo, and other water sports and games. The family pool also has a lively atmosphere, and features a kiddy section for toddlers and babies, as well as plenty of loungers for dozens of guests. Children seem to love the splash park, which features a couple of small slides and several animal-shaped water features. Those seeking a quieter spot can head to the adult-only pool, complete with a few massage jets and a spacious deck with many loungers.Pool towels are available for a refundable deposit. 

The hotel has three main restaurants, including two buffets and one a la carte restaurant. Both Poseidon and Neptuno serve a quality buffet spread for all three main meals, and feature daily themed nights to add some more variety. Food at both restaurants generally gets good reviews, but some guests have complained that it is just lukewarm most of the time. While the Poseidon is busy and family-friendly -- complete with a separate small buffet for children -- the Neptuno has a slightly quieter atmosphere, as it is only for guests 13 and over. Mare Nostrum is the hotel’s only a la carte restaurant, which serves a variety of Spanish tapas and other Mediterranean specialties. All-inclusive guests can dine here free of charge once per stay, and All-Inclusive Aequora Plus guests are offered unlimited dinners. There is a fee for all other guests. The main pool bar features a fast food menu, a long drinks list, and plenty of snacks, including ice cream and chips. Late breakfast is also served here, but the selection is more limited than at the main restaurants.

The spa is small and basic but pleasant, with three massage cabins, a whirlpool, and candles throughout. There is no full hydrotherapy area, but two of the hotel’s outdoor pools have massage jets for different parts of the body, including the back, the neck, and the legs. Salon and body treatments are available for a fee, and coupes can get private massages in a double cabin. Along with a daily entertainment program for all ages, the hotel also offers a kids’ club with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities for children. Kids are divided into age groups to better cater to their needs and tastes, and teens are offered a more active program, including group sports and pool games. There is also a playground with slides and swings, and a game room with a few arcade machines that guests can use for a fee. The hotel also features a meeting room with audiovisual equipment, and free Wi-Fi throughout.