"Visited late Oct/early Nov as a special holiday for my big birthday. Oh my goodness - it was FABULOUS. Hotel was superb. Completely surpassed all expectations. Often, photos are taken from a good angle and the real place never looks as good. In actual fact, Costa Canaria was just as good as the photos, if not better. I have never enjoyed a holiday as much as this one and will definitely be back. Lots of other guests return year on year, which is a good sign.
Hotel looks and smells beautiful from the moment you enter. Cleaned daily, staff working hard all the time. Little library and computer room at the side of reception hall. Reception staff were helpful and pleasant. Food was available even though we arrived late evening and it was past the official dinner time.
Room was lovely - spacious, well equipped, clean and tidy. Safe optional, extra charge. Air con included. Kettle and some tea/coffee and water provided in rooms. Paid extra for a sea view. We were on level 3 and it was a lovely view. A bit of noise at night - I think from a neighbouring hotel? - but usually finished around 11pm and I can sleep through most things anyway. Hired an iron, €20 refundable charge. Rooms cleaned daily. Bathroom good, toiletries provided. The only negative thing was the odd position of a towel rail immediately in front of the sink, made reaching the sink and getting in/out of the bath a bit awkward, but we managed.
We stayed half board. Food was fantastic. Such a variety! If you want to sit outside, queue up outside and the waiters will find you the next available table. Bit of a wait sometimes, just because there were more people than tables outside, but plenty of room inside. Sometimes at dinner a harpist or violinist would play in the background. Gentlemen have to wear long trousers in the evenings, no beach wear. People have complained about this on here, but we didn't mind - it's no big deal is it?! There are two sittings for dinner so it doesn't get too crowded, you'll be allocated either first or second when you check in. We were second, which was 7.30-9pm. Drinks such as water and tea/coffee were included on half board, which suited me perfectly. Could order and pay for other drinks if needed. Just check they charge you for the right amount - they charged for 2 glasses of wine when it was only my husband who ordered one (I don't drink wine). Easily rectified when we asked. Had such a big breakfast and dinner we didn't need lunch, so didn't use the pizza place and restaurant, but they looked popular. Water available from the bar throughout the day free on the half board tariff.
The sunbeds idea is GENIUS. Last thing you want on a relaxing holiday is a sunbed race. Having your tags at the start of the week and reserving your sunbed takes the stress out of it. Just make sure you choose wisely at the start and get a good spot. We chose the garden as it was quieter than round the pool (but the pool was much calmer than anywhere else I've been, as except for the occasional water aerobics, there was no loud music around the pool, which was lovely. Garden was noisy but that was from beautiful little parakeet type birds - it was nice noise! Palm trees towering overhead. Tropical plants. Wonderful view from the sunbed, so relaxing.
Lots of activities throughout the day and a good range of evening entertainment, all displayed on a timetable board near the restaurant.
The spa - wow! I can't believe how lucky guests are to have unlimited spa access. Please, Hotel managers, never change this. This was one of the main reasons I booked this hotel. The different water jets in the pool are great, good for getting muscles eased. Steam room, sauna, plunge pool, massage bed and my favourite - dead sea shallow salt pool, done in the style of being in a cave! Beach/pool towels available at spa, for a refundable charge (I forget how much).
Location - we chose San Agustin as it was quiet and low key, which we like. Easy access to busier places if wished. In San Agustin there's a little shopping centre - supermarket, pharmacy, clothing shops, beach/tourist shops. Nice promenade walk along the beach path to Playa del Ingles (about 45min).
Bus stop immediately outside hotel, as well as pharmacy and supermarket.
We tried to take the number 30 bus to Poema del Mar aquarium, but after 1 hour where 3 buses sailed past as they were full, I asked ChatGPT to help me with an alternative route and it found one for me - two buses instead. Got there, about an hour's journey or so, had a lovely time.
Also went to Palmitos Park on a different day - this was great too! Bus straight outside hotel again but going the other way. Can get quite busy as it also goes to the water park on the way. Also took a bus to Puerto de Mogan - very pretty village. Went on market day (Fri) - very busy, huge market (not fruit/veg, more clothing, designer-ish handbags, souvenirs. If you don't like it busy, go on a different day. Steep walk up to the viewpoint was worth it.
In conclusion, I absolutely adore this hotel. It's so relaxing. Nobody rushes around anywhere, no need to be frantic. I felt I could really unwind. I would happily go back several times a year if possible! I am going to aim to return once a year if I can. It was a pricier holiday for me, compared to the cheap and cheerful ones I normally go on, but oh my goodness it was SO worth it. I didn't feel worthy of that luxury! Adults only was also a huge bonus.
I love this hotel - it's my new happy place, and it made my birthday absolutely PERFECT.
Feel free to message me to ask any questions."