insideKENT Magazine Issue 25 - April 2014 | Page 118

TRAVEL

LUXURY IN

Lanzarote

Not content to rely on the traditional Canarian reputation of great weather and good beaches,
there is a silent revolution in the luxury hotel sector; there is a new breed of five-star luxury with a
nod to Canarian gastronomy, fresh local produce, comfortable suites and excellent service, and
leading the way is the Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort. BY SAMANTHA G
With no excuse needed to head away from our
complete washout of a winter, it’s reassuring to
know that a little under four hours away is the
perfect winter – and summer – sun destination
of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. Distinctly
Spanish, but located just off the coast of Africa,
the islands enjoy year-round warm weather, offer
great beaches and easy travel options, as well
as the added bonus of there being no time
difference to the UK.
After landing (albeit from directly over the sea) at
the well-appointed Arrecife Airport, we collected
our hire car and made the short drive to the lowkey resort of Playa Blanca at the south of the
island, before arriving at the large whitewashed
grandeur that is the Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel
Resort.
The marble entrance at the Princesa Yaiza opened
into a fresh open-plan lobby, where we were
warmly welcomed, swiftly checked in and clearly
informed about the abundance of restaurants
and facilities available throughout the resort. Here,
the public relations team are on hand for
everything from extra toiletries to dinner and spa
reservations, and even off-site excursions.
The hotel offers 385 rooms and suites, each well
equipped and positioned around a glorious
outdoor pool complex and beautiful gardens.
Located to the right is the beachfront, offering
sea views, glimpses of Fuerteventura and Isla de
Lobos in the distance and direct access to the
sandy Playa Dorada Beach.

Rooms range from double superior and standard,
family-friendly and accessible suites and rooms,
to the Royal Suite, which offers amongst other
luxuries a dedicated holiday assistant, a pillow
menu and a host of daily favours, such as fruit,
Champagne and chocolates.
Our colonial-style suite provided us with a large
modern bedroom with plenty of storage space,
a safety deposit box, air con, a well-conceived
modern bathroom with walk-in shower, sunken
bath, twin sinks, a well-lit mirror, Rituals goodi es
and a comfort box offering everything from spare
toothbrushes to razors.
The walk through to the lounge had a fantastic
hidden ‘mini kitchen’, with fridge, mini bar, kettle,
and even a microwave. Meanwhile, the lounge
area itself boasted comfortable sofas, a table
and a great balcony that captured the afternoon
sun and offered views over the two outdoor pools
(one of which is heated in the winter months),
Jacuzzi, smaller children’s plunge pools, and the
sea beyond.
The resort is clearly popular with older couples,
as well as those with young families who can
take advantage of the baby food provided, plus
the large indoor play areas, dedicated children’s
pools and large Kikoland complex at the side of
the resort.
The hotel prides itself not just on the awards it
has received over the last four years – including
commendations for its Social Responsibility and
Sustainability, as well as awards from most major

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tour operators and the Condé Nast Gold List
Certificate – but more importantly, on its levels
of repeat custom from its primarily British and
German client base.
Rooms are generally offered on a bed and
breakfast basis, or as in our case, the popular
half board option that allows guests access to
not just one, but three buffet restaurants for
breakfast and evening meals. In fact, it is the
plethora of restaurants that sets the Yaiza apart
from its competitors – there are eight in total, as
well as a host of bars.
The resort's buffet breakfast offers a good variety
of continental and American favourites, each
available daily in the three buffet restaurants from
7.30am. From mid-morning, the La Papaya Fruit
Bar offers a wonderful selection of juices,
smoothies and cocktails right next to the
swimming pools, while the poolside snack bar,
El Chiringuito, offers light lunch options including
club sandwiches and burgers on a pretty terrace.
However, dinner is when the resort's gastronomic
focus comes into its own, with each of the three
standard buffet restaurants themed to allow
guests to sample various delights during their
stay. The welcome in each was always fantastic,
nothing was too much trouble and the
professional staff were genuine and humorous
throughout our stay.
The International Yaiza Restaurant is an elegant
and calm affair, offering a wide variety of
Mediterranean dishes, freshly cooked meats and