“We’re off to Lanzarote next week” I told my friend when she asked my plans for the coming weeks.
“Oh really?” she replies “I suppose it will be warm in November but isn’t it a bit…you know…Lanza-grotty”
“I haven’t been but the photos online look amazing. Have you been then?”
“No, No I haven’t but isn’t that what Monthy Python said?”“Ha, yes I base all of my holidays off the back of Life of Brian, ssssh and pass the wine.”
When the plane swept into Lanzarote it was clear we weren’t in England anymore, Toto. Nor any environment I have ever experienced before. The skyline was brimming with volcanoes, positively dozens of them, an amount so incredible that there was an audible gasp of awe from my fellow window seat passengers as the aircraft curved and swirled past them en route to the runway. And replacing the traditional gaudy holiday high rises were dotted little white buildings nestled in fanned out clusters. Thank you for visiting. Before we carry on I need to thank http://www.bencarlson.co.uk/ for their continued support and the support of their online community. Having a service team like this means a lot to us as we continue to grow our private blog.
A short 10 minute coach transfer popped us down at one of the newest hotel in Thomas Cook’s selection, the recently made over and modernised, SENTIDO Lanzarote Aequora Suites where we were greeted with champagne and deliciously refreshing cooling towels. We were swiftly checked in and shown to our room, a junior suite on the ground floor of Block 6. Our suite is entered from ground level but the balcony is raised meaning we overlook a pool (one of the 4 pools dotted across the complex) but aren’t disturbed by noise from the restaurant and bar which are adjacent to the pool.
A junior suite (which by the way has to be one of the cleanest hotel rooms I have ever seen) consists of a sitting room with television, mini bar and coffee making facilities, bathroom and bedroom (with a television and desk) which opens out onto a very good sized balcony complete with sun loungers and a table and chair set. The bathroom area is beautifully appointed and open plan to the rest of the room (although the separate shower and toilets are behind doors) which is the one thing I’m concerned about as a first impression – however having only been here a few hours I can’t really give a realistic review of how it will impact our visit yet. The bed is vast and really, really comfortable. No really, this bed is seriously comfortable. Firm but not brick like, plump but not over stuffed and lumpy. A Goldilocks bed, if you will. The sheets are crisp white and a pillow menu beckons for those who require something more specific.
I’m actually writing this post sitting cross legged on our (plump but firm) hotel room bed in the 25c late evening temperatures whilst a cool breeze blows across my milk bottle pale legs. It’s November, we have been here for about 5 hours and I can smell sun cream, coconut cocktails and a faint whiff of sea air. My shoulders have disengaged from their brushing-earlobe standard position, I have a glass of champagne beside me and a complimentary fruit and chocolate platter on my bedside table, my body feels relaxed. Winter sun mode: ENGAGED.
From our initial exploration, it is clear this hotel is vast with various different pools, a number of restaurants and bars and that’s before you even get to the night club, spa and theatre! Whilst it is a large complex it doesn’t feel sterile or impersonal, in actual fact our greeting upon arrival was charming and the receptionist we dealt with was incredibly friendly and caring and all further staff we encountered today have been beyond helpful.
Like the rest of the island, the hotel buildings are all white washed and stand no taller than 3 stories in height. Which is something famed artist Cesar Manrique worked with local governing bodies to implement, in order to keep Lanzarote as unspoiled as possible. It must have worked as the island was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993. Señor Manrique knew a thing or two because these white buildings keep things not only feeling cool but it gives everything a crisp, chic vibe and better yet the subtle uniformity allows you to drink in the tropical plants and gaze uninterrupted at the volcanic range from the front of the hotel.
Before dinner we slipped through the back gates and strolled two minutes to the beach. Los Pocillos is a a quieter area around 2km from the larger and busier resort of Puerto Del Carmen (around 4 Euros and 5 mins in a taxi). This small town has a beautiful, sweeping beach and a small cluster of bars and restaurants along with a few handy shops and bus stops for a cheap and cheerful way to explore the island.
The buffet restaurant is neatly divided into two areas (without feeling like a Gulf), one for adults only and the other for families but anyone can opt to eat in the latter, although you may be visited by cuddly characters from the Kids Club. We opted for the adult only section and settled in with a few glasses of cava before sampling the huge variety of food on offer. Often all-inclusive buffets can feel a bit thrown together and slap-dash but here we really enjoyed our first meal with the meat freshly cooked in front of us and other dishes replaced promptly.
We really look forward to trying out other meals at this restaurant along with sampling the À la carte restaurant Don Paco during our stay. I am also very happy to hear we are able to have a late breakfast at the Coral Snack Bar, meaning I won’t feel too bad about a couple of late nights and the resulting late wake ups because let’s face it no one wants to miss a hotel breakfast!
Before coming back to the suite we stopped by the Blue Bar which is a chill out bar situated next to the adult only pool – forming a kind of adult only enclave. This bar serves incredible cocktails in a cool and calm area complete with comfy seating, Bailnese beds and chilled music. Mr Thrifty opted for a refreshing Mint Julep and I plumped for a Planters Punch which was packed full of citrus fruits and not too shabby an amount of booze and quickly washed away any lingering thoughts of the rainy Manchester we left just this morning. Our drinks were expertly mixed by a friendly and fun bar tender and brought over to us as we chilled on the deep sofas in the evening warmth. After chatting with a few other guests we hit our tiredness wall and sloped off back here to the comfort of that incredible bed I mentioned earlier. I’m afraid my pillows are calling me, I must sleep.
This post was written on 9th November 2015 but my computer didn’t want to play ball when it came to uploading.
We visited Lanzarote free of charge as guests of Thomas Cook and SENTIDO Lanzarote Aequora Suites, all opinions are my own and I will be sharing more thoughts, in detail in an upcoming post along with vlogs.
