B80: Gran Canaria Grand Entirely

14/6/2022

Our 2008, 2014 & 2016 Visits

Our hotel, ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria (taken from our room balcony Oct2008)

So my last few blogs have covered trips to Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote in the Canary Islands (Spain). They were all very enjoyable. However, the one place in the Canaries that I love and have returned to umpteen times is Meloneras on Gran Canaria. This week’s blog covers our 2008, 2014 and 2016 trips…..you can see from the photos whether we’ve aged!! Enjoy!

GRAN CANARIA
Anyone who has ever gone to Gran Canaria knows that the island promises warm to hot temperatures all year round. Even in spring, autumn and winter it rarely gets cold on the island and the temperatures in winter probably correspond most closely to the spring/summer weather in Dublin. So you can travel the island all year round and even the sea has pleasant temperatures in spring and autumn. Those who are interested in a beach and bathing holiday should be happy going there during the months from May to September. At this time, especially in the south, you can expect the fewest rainy days and a water temperature above 23 degrees. We actually went in Sept/Oct in 2008, 2014 and 2016 and it was lovely and warm with no rain.

If staying on the south side of the island, you should not miss the famous sand dunes of Maspalomas. But Maspalomas is not only worth seeing because of its dune landscape. Those who like shopping will find a true paradise along the promenade and the lighthouse in Meloneras. Here, one market stall after the other is lined up and there are also various boutiques and second-hand shops. Along the promenade you will also come across numerous works of art made of sand and you can enjoy the sound of the sea and the salty air. A constant point of reference, and also a certain landmark of the area, is the lighthouse, the so-called Faro de Maspalomas. Around it, you will find several restaurants and bars and after a long shopping tour I recommend to simply relax and enjoy a drink there.

Meloneras a really nice holiday resort located on the southern outskirts of Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles on the south coast of Gran Canaria. It is approximately 30 minutes from Las Palmas airport. Its tourism standards are up-market with mainly excellent accommodation and a more relaxed nightlife centred on its fine restaurants compared with other parts. There are several smart bungalow complexes scattered around the area but this modern resort is best known for its palatial style four and five star hotels many offering all-inclusive accommodation. Our chosen hotel, ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria, where we have always stayed, is one of those.

The Infinity Pool at ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria taken Sept/Oct 2014

CLUBHOTEL RIU GRAN CANARIA
The 24 Hour All Inclusive ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria opens all year round and is located in Meloneras/ Maspalomas, next to the sea and the promenade and just 800 m from the dunes, beach and the lighthouse. It offers comfortable rooms and excellent facilities with great leisure and relaxation activities, as well as international food and drink. We booked with Falcon holidays each time and are Riu Class members so got a few extras thrown in.

The Promenade from the hotel to the lighthouse and the shops that we loved to stroll every day - Sept/Oct 2008

The several times we have holidayed here, we have always enjoyed a relaxing holiday. The location is ideal because of its proximity to Playa del Ingles (6 km) and Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) (37 km) and invites you to explore the area. The hotel is large and has 639 comfortably furnished rooms with free WiFi and offers many amenities. You can relax in the spa or get in shape at the gym. 2 outdoor pools, 1 infinity pool, 1 children’s pool with slides and 1 baby pool provide plenty of swimming options. For the youngest guests, RiuLand kids’ club (4-7 & 8-12 yrs) and Riu4U activities (13-17 yrs) fill their days. For adults, daytime and evening entertainment, discotheque, RiuArt atelier, 2 volleyball courts and group fitness activities keep everyone happy.

Aqua aerobic in one of the pools - ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria - Sept/Oct 2016

For lovers of food (and who isn’t??), the hotel’s Las Dunas and El Patio restaurants offer the best buffets with show cooking stations. In addition, in this all-inclusive hotel you can savour exquisite Asian dishes at the restaurant Kaori and the best grill at Atlantico in the pool area. The themed buffets at the main restaurant, as well as a themed restaurant serving Canarian and barbecue dishes keep everyone fed; while 5 bars located in different areas of the hotel keep everyone watered!!

Morning Coffee (above) and Evening Dinner Dessert (below) at Atlantico, ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria - Sept/Oct 2014

We have been blessed to have stayed at different hotels around the world and the service at this hotel is simply the best I have ever encountered for a relaxing, stress-free holiday. The hotel was constantly being cleaned. Floors, balconies, every surface was spotless. There’s a great choice of buffet food although Kaori Asian restaurant is excellent and we always love the Atlantico for both leisurely breakfasts and sunset-filled evening meals!

Looking back at the hotel building from the pool area at ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria - Sept/ Oct 2016

The pools are fab although we aren’t really pool people more just to chill on a sunbed.
The evening entertainment can be a bit repetitive especially if you stay for a fortnight like we did but even though it’s not always to our taste however we still had a fun time. We loved looking at the dancers and one year even “nicknamed” one guy Mr. Moulinex for the way he twisted his lady around the floor!

dancefloor clubhotel riu gran canaria 2014

The Dancefloor at ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria - Sept/ Oct 2014

If you ever have an issue with your room it’s sorted straight away. Riu has a fab app which you can report anything or check restaurant availability etc. The staff at this hotel deserve a huge applause for the most wonderful service they provide with such sincerity.

Enjoying a Mojito in one of the bars at ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria - Sept/ Oct 2014

PROMENADE, BEACH AREA & SHOPPING NEAR THE HOTEL
The start of Meloneras is marked at the northern end as I said by the Faro Lighthouse from where a busy promenade runs the length of the super sandy beach which is home to restaurants, bars and shops. Of course, for the serious sand lovers the resort of Meloneras is only a stone’s throw away from the dunes of Maspalomas, eight kilometres of mountain upon mountain of fine desert sand.
If what you are looking for is shopping, this is the place for you. Every day we took a walk along the prom down to Fund Grube kiosk, Varadero Shopping Centre and Boulevard Faro with several jewellers, perfumeries and boutiques such as Lacoste, Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, etc. We got some great bargains in the Douglas and Sabina perfume shops at Duty-Free prices!! I also picked up lovely black sandals at Hensi and a Michael Kors bag at Mint.

Mint at Melonaras

In this area there is also the C.C. Boulevard Oasis next to the Lopesan Baobab hotel and the Meloneras beach shopping centre, although in the latter there is little shopping, rather more catering.

There’s Italian and Chinese restaurants as well as many international eateries selling a wide range of gastronomic delights along the prom in Meloneras. Half way along the promenade is a shopping centre with a good mix of souvenir and designer style shops. At the southern end of Meloneras there is another small promenade of bars and restaurants and the beach runs off into that of a more rural nature, an ideal area for cliff walkers and great for fishing enthusiasts lazing on the rocks in the sun. In the evening the sunset is amazing, silver seas twinkling against a background of red sky.

On the Prom - Meloneras, Gran Canaria - Sept/ Oct 2016

THINGS TO DO IN MELONERAS APART FROM THE HOTEL

A must to visit if you are staying in or around Meloneras is the Casino featuring the Legends Cabaret Show. The show, as would suggest from the title, is themed around singing and dancing legends and is professionally performed. So, for that special night out, book in for the pre-show meal and then sit back, relax with the tipple of your choice and enjoy the show. When the last song has been sung you can pass through into the Casino and take your chance at the roulette wheel or on the blackjack table.

For golfers, the resort of Meloneras offers a new 18 hole golf course catering for all ages and standards with tuition available if required.

We especially loved the nearby outdoor Moonlight Cinema but sadly I think following Covid it has now closed permanently. We used to enjoy the magic of the big screen, under the magic of the stars, and where better than in the warmth of Gran Canaria. 2 films show each night, started at sunset. With luxury sofas, blankets and waitress service serving freshly prepared pizza, popcorn and nachos we were guaranteed a fantastic night

Moonlight Cinema as it was in the daytime

Excursions to many island attractions are available from Meloneras such as Jeep Safaris, Game Fishing, Island Tours, Camel Rides and Water Park attractions and for the adrenalin junkie you can even take a trip over the coastline in a four seater light aircraft for a birds eye view of the area. We booked an Gran Canaria Island Tour with Viator on our 2008 trip. We discovered many parts of Gran Canaria that tourists never venture to on this full-day tour around some of the island's inland attractions. We saw the island from the top of volcanos like Pico de las Nieves and Roque Nublo with a small group.

We enjoyed free time in the mountain village of Teror and beat the heat by getting around the island in an air-conditioned minivan. We enjoyed tasty samples of local products as we roamed the island. We passed by the old town of Vegueta enroute to Caldera de Bandama where we saw amazing views from top of the Mountain which is said to be around 11.000years old.
Around it we saw the famous golf course said to be the first built in Spain as well as some wineries. We then went to Pico de las Nieves, the highest peak in Gran Canaria, around 1960meters above sea level. Stunning views can be seen from there.