Princess Yaiza Hotel, Canary Islands

The ultimate sunshine sanctuary

The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of North Western Africa, are rugged volcanic isles known for their black and white sandy beaches. There are seven main islands and Lanzarote is mostly known for its unobstructed views, island architecture and elegant accommodation.

The influence of the visionary artist and environmentalist César Manrique is unmistakable visible around the island. He influenced change to safeguard advertising hoardings scarring the island and the ban of high-rise buildings . His work was credited in 1993 when Lanzarote became the first island in the world to be designated a UNESCO biosphere.

Much to our delight, in the heart of Playa Blanca sits an enchanting luxury hotel resort Princess Yaiza.

Rooms

There are 385 spacious rooms and suites, decorated in natural tones and in contemporary Canarian fashion.

The rooms are very capacious, which make all the difference on a holiday, skilfully divided with bedroom and living space. All rooms have satellite TV, free Wi-fi, mini-bar, kettle, pillow and duvet menu, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, air-conditioning and terrace or balcony. Extra beds are sofabeds 1.7m long. Views are of the gardens, side sea view, pool view or full sea view. Turn down service every evening is welcomed and the suite is kitted out Rituals branded toiletries, slippers and beach flip flops.

If bigger is better, look no further than the Presidential Suite. It brings the added comfort of an outdoor jacuzzi and a large private terrace with sea views. An outdoor waterfall shower and four post relaxation sun-bed just complete the picture.

Food and drink

The dining is plentiful; five à la carte restaurants along with three buffet options.

The buffet options are available in International food (Yaiza); Italian (La Piazzetta) and Mexican (La Hacienda). These three open on varying nights.

The à la carte restaurants (reservations required) include Japanese ‘Kampai’, Italian `Don Giovanni’, Spanish ‘+ Tapas’, gourmet ‘Isla de Lobos’ and a poolside lunch restaurant ‘El Chiringuito’.

Isla de Lobes is the finest in range. Breakfast at Isla des Lobes is worth exploring too. A peaceful ambience with organic fresh produce fetches well-crafted breakfast options.

The Yaiza buffet offers consistent high quality and a delectable smorgasbord every night! It was a firm family favourite and the live cooking stations were excellent.

Spa

Thalassotherapy, from the Greek thalasso meaning ‘sea’ and therapia meaning ‘treatment’, uses the healing and beneficial properties of the sea and the marine environment for your health and wellbeing.

The beachfront Thalasso and Spa Centre is a haven of peace and wellbeing. With fifty cabins offering dry and wet treatments, sauna and aromatic Turkish steam bath and heated seawater pool for hydrotherapies it has an impressive range.

Signature bespoke treatments are the zenith of this spa. A treatment called Jamulula scores favourably with guests. It is an exclusive treatment with an invigorating jasmine flower exfoliation, a deep Polynesian massage and a detox body envelopment. It is a true star treatment and we were awe-struck!

Entertainment

With around the clock entertainment for adults and children, there is limited time for siesta.

There are two swimming pools, one seawater and one heatable freshwater, two Jacuzzis, plus a children’s pool. Sports include two floodlit tennis courts, volleyball, paddle court, table tennis, snooker, gym and a range of fitness classes.

Kikoland offers children’s entertainment for groups of three to five years, six to eight years and nine to twelve year. Kikoland is based is a separate building, close to the beach with three swimming pools.

The main highlights are the outdoor children’s playground (Kikoland) and baby jacuzzi pool (poolside). The Kiko Soft play was a brilliant addition to assortment of activities and over 3s are permissible without parental care but supervised by qualified Kiko staff.