The beachfront hotels you need to book for your next holiday in the sun

Words: Siobhan Grogan

Make the most of the glorious year-round sunshine in the Canary Islands by choosing a beachfront hotel where the sand is steps away. Two properties in particular have prime ocean-facing locations, palm tree-lined pools and top-notch restaurants for the ultimate island getaway. Riu Palace Jandia overlooks the wide golden sand and turquoise waters of Playa Jandia on Fuerteventura, with its historic towns, volcanoes and water sports, while Riu Palace Oasis has direct access to Playa de Maspalomas on Gran Canaria for rolling dunes, scenic hiking trails and independent wineries. The only difficulty is knowing which one to book first.

Riu Palace Jandia

A ten-minute stroll from the pavement cafés, flower-filled streets and picturesque harbour of Morro Jable, Riu Palace Jandia in Fuerteventura has everything you need for a blissful beach escape. The dazzling white property curves around a vast pool that’s heated in winter and has a separate children’s area, a sun deck with sweeping sea views and a buzzing poolside snack bar serving tapas for an authentic taste of Canarian cuisine. 

Inside, the hotel is modern and airy with a stylish, open-plan lobby flooded with natural light. Rooms are decorated in modern neutral shades with blond wood, whitewashed walls and gentle pops of colour that reflect the natural landscape, from sea-blue artwork to burnt orange soft furnishings that echo the island’s striking volcanic rock. All have comfortable integrated living areas so you can really feel at home, plus a private balcony or terrace and a sea view. There’s also free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel so you can stay in touch even when you’re relaxing watching the waves. 

Days are spent lounging by the pool, working up a sweat in the gym or treating yourself to a massage in the wellness centre. Staff can also arrange all kinds of sporting activities locally, from riding to windsurfing, or help plan day trips to the Jandia Natural Park or the island’s former capital, Betancuria. Once night falls, head to the fusion restaurant for inventive à la carte dishes or expect to be wowed by the lavish buffet, which features a huge selection of freshly cooked local and international dishes. Don’t forget to pack your dancing shoes, as there are live music and shows most evenings. 

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Riu Palace Oasis

Directly on the beach at Maspalomas, Riu Palace Oasis has one of the best locations in Gran Canaria. The popular two-mile stretch of sand is right outside the hotel and has calm waters for paddling, a restaurant-lined promenade, a 19th-century lighthouse and access to the island’s protected Sahara-like dunes. The lively resort of Playa del Inglés is less than ten minutes’ drive away for water sports, bars and its twice-weekly market. Or visit the bustling marina at Puerto Rico for sunset cruises – you might even spot dolphins leaping acrobatically from the water…

It’s equally tempting to stay put and enjoy all the hotel has to offer. Surrounded by lush green tropical gardens shaded by more than a thousand palm trees, the hotel will thrill anyone who loves stylish, contemporary interiors. Bright spacious rooms have splashes of soothing blue, private balconies or terraces and the all-important free Wi-Fi. Outside, there are three lounger-lined pools to flop by with a bar on hand for a cooling cocktail. And children have their very own pool, which is heated in winter, a play area and the RiuLand Kids’ Club in summer months for having fun with new friends their own age. 

While the kids are occupied, there’s plenty to keep adults busy, if they can tear themselves away from the pools. There’s a fully equipped sunlit gym, Riu Fit exercise classes, a wellness centre with a steam room and whirlpool and a packed entertainment schedule including themed parties, DJ sets and live music. When hunger strikes, there are three bars serving snacks and three restaurants including a sumptuous buffet with live cooking stations and tasty Spanish specialities. 

Book your holiday

All British Airways Holidays packages are ATOL protected, include a generous checked baggage allowance and a 24-hour holiday helpline. Secure your holiday at Riu Palace Jandia or Riu Palace Oasis with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly.*

*Full balance due four weeks before for short-haul holidays. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply. See ba.com/deposits.