Review: Seaside Palm Beach Gran Canaria

Adam Lowe

The glorious Seaside Palm Beach, though poised right on the cusp of the famous Maspalomas dunes, is tucked away in a private oasis of palm trees. There, with a nature reserve on one side and the five-mile white sand beach unfurling on the other, the hotel offers a slice of luxurious but accessible peace on the popular tourist island.

palm beach gran can - beach

The accommodation

Part of the prestigious worldwide Design Hotels™ organisation, the luxurious hotel radiates retro charm, inspired by colourful 70s design features and decadent, five-star flourishes. The rooms, meanwhile, are fully equipped with all the best mod cons, and are drenched in light year-round, to create an airy, summery atmosphere. The views out across the beach and the nature reserve are equally stunning, guaranteeing that you can sate yourself on the landscapes as much as sunshine.

You can expect free wi-fi, flat-screen TVs and a minibar, as well as balconies that let you enjoy both the weather and the fresh air. Suites add sitting areas and designer toiletries for that extra special touch. There are also specially adapted rooms for guests with special access needs.

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palm beach gran can - lounge

The service

Service is beyond world-class at the Seaside Palm Beach – ‘stellar’ is the only other word that seems appropriate. From the moment you enter the hotel, and are greeted by the finely poised reception staff, to the moment your cocktails are served at the poolside African-themed bar, you know you’re in for a treat. We felt positively pampered every step of the way.

Likewise, the chefs in each of the two hotel restaurants offer a truly exemplary menu. Breakfast is a well-stocked buffet affair with hot and cold dishes on offer. Finally, there’s a stylish 70s–style cocktail bar, which turns traditional 70s kitsch on its head to create something colourful, vibrant and unique. We were lucky enough to be serenaded by a live lounge singer while we were there.

The facilities

Nearby, you’ll find no less than three exclusive golf courses (guests get a green fee concession) and you can attend the resort’s own fitness centre under the palm trees. Intellectuals who prefer their games outdoors can also play on the giant-sized chess set under the canopy of the palm trees.

Those who like tennis, meanwhile, can don their white shorts and pick up their rackets at the floodlit tennis court. That’s not forgetting the many outdoor and indoor activities available in the grounds of the hotel. Travellers looking for something a bit more unique, and who also wish to see the sights of the island, might consider hiring a bike for an exciting cycling tour over the sand that curls like a white satin ribbon along the coast.

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Hall del Palm Beach offers, after an eventful day, luxurious spa facilities, such as saunas and thalasso pools. The treatment packages are really quite special. While at the Seaside Palm Beach, we were treated to an hour in the spa, with a relaxing full-body massage and ample time to meditate with herbal tea while using the facilities.

palm beach gran can - poolside

The clientele

Though the hotel attracts a wealthier, maturer crowd in the off-season (making it perfect for couples who just want to unwind and parents whose kids have flown the nest), it’s also well equipped if you want to bring the family. There’s a range of on-sire entertainment, a Miniclub, a playground and a secluded children’s pool.

For those who prefer a more adult environment, however, you won’t miss out: there’s a nudist sunbathing area hidden away near the spa, and an adults-only pool. The distance between these and the children’s area (at the very other end of the resort) means you’re not going to be interrupted if you just want to bask in the rays.

The verdict

The hotel is also known among guests for its generosity, unfailing standards and its willingness to go the extra mile – and it’s clear to see why. One couple shared a story of how, because the holiday was a birthday treat, they returned to the room to discover a bottle of chilled champagne, a slice of chocolate cake and some candles. It’s this attention to detail that brings guests back time and again, and justifies the exceptionally high rating over at TripAdvisor.

If it’s sun and restoration you desire, we highly recommend the Seaside Palm Beach for therapeutic and high-calibre holidaying on Spain’s most popular LGBT-friendly island.

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For more information, visit the Seaside Palm Beach online.

About Adam Lowe

Adam Lowe is an award-winning author, editor and publisher from Leeds, now based in Manchester. He runs Dog Horn Publishing and is Director and Writing Coordinator for Young Enigma, a writer development programme for LGBT young people. He sometimes performs as Beyonce Holes.