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Secluded within a small valley near Puerto de Mogan in Gran Canaria, the striking architecture of the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa may appear as a guise for a James Bond bad guy lair, but this brand new property has more to offer than as a film set. At Vada, we review a venue ideal for an alternative trip to Gran Canaria if you’re in search of more than just gay beach and party scene (although no need to leave them out of your trip entirely).
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa
As the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa in Gran Canaria Mogan is new you won’t be able to see it on Google Maps just yet – but rest assured it is fully constructed. As you arrive at reception, the roof design we’re told is meant to represent volcanoes with a hexagonal veranda reminiscent of the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland leading away to one of the blocks of accommodation. The low-built architecture is over two main levels of public space with guest accommodation up to floors high in total. With clean, modern lines juxtaposed against the natural hills surrounding the venue, this quirky design sets the hotel apart from other resorts on the island.
Each of the 422 rooms feature private terraces and face inwards towards the public spaces. The location of Radisson Blu Resort & Spa near Puerto de Mogan, at the end of the motorway to the south of Gran Canaria, means this quiet location is more suited to couples looking to relax and families. The hotel offers car rentals, from 34 EUR per day, so you can easily use the hotel as a base to explore the island. And if you do want to head over to Maspalomas it’s a 20 – 25 minute by car. Equally a drive into one of the mountain towns will open up to an astounding contrast in scenery of Gran Canaria – the farmers market in Teror or the old town of Tejeda are both worth a visit. A taxi from the airport costs approx. 65 EUR and will take 30 – 40 minutes.
Accommodation
Check-in was relatively smooth but somewhat inconsistent – some guests waited for a bell boy after check-in, whereas we found ourselves with several staff vying for attentions just as we were stepping forward to check-in. Whilst we do enjoy the affections of young, attractive German men, there is a time and place but when you’re trying to find your passport and credit card it is somewhat overwhelming. We were later informed that the hotel had intentionally hired new, young staff in a bid to ensure there was no lethargy in service, so we expect service consistency will improve over the coming weeks.
Check-in was accompanied by a glass of Cava and we were soon escorted to our twin room, number 3009 – a superior room with pool view. As this Radisson Blu Resort & Spa in Mogan opened in mid-December, everything is brand new and the fact our room still had the plastic cover on the controls for the air-conditioning meaning the hotel is still in pristine condition. The room was clean, modern and spacious with a few touches such as a the circular mirror, artwork in the toilet and feature tiling in the rain shower.
Features we appreciated the most were the double sink, separate bath and rainfall shower, 48” TV which swivels out from the wall, private terrace area, double wardrobe and lots of storage space for everything (shoes, suitcases, clothes). The bed and duvet were particularly comfy, and plenty of plug sockets in all the right places, including next to the bed – vital for a life with smartphones.
Dining
Room rate options include either breakfast or half-board. The buffet breakfast and dinner are both served in The Larder restaurant, with the usual variety of buffet food – plenty of healthy options, different cuisines, and the breakfast service includes Cava – a great way to start a holiday day. Our only point of contention with the breakfast service is that it is the time when all hotel guests gather in one place and is therefore very busy – be prepared to queue for food and potentially for a table.
Next door, Filini is the on site Italian restaurant, where you can pre-book a table for a la carte dining, and is not included in the different board options. This is therefore a much quieter dining space with full table service. The authentic Italian cuisine is reasonably priced – it would cost circa 80 EUR for a three course dinner for two including a couple of alcoholic drinks – we recommend an Apérol Spritz – sorry Campari fans – as an aperitif, having either the gnocchi or lasagne as a main course, and most definitely the pistachio panna cotta for dessert.
By the lower pool, there is the Il Taglio restaurant and bar, which offers snacks, light meals, cocktails and drinks throughout the day.
Wellness & relaxation
Where the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa really sets itself apart as a new spa hotel is with its extensive wellness options. There are two pools (and a separate children’s play area – it looks very colourful and very fun even for adults) – one on each level of the hotel, each with a large jacuzzi area. These are manned by a lifeguard by day, and you may go for a late night dip if you so wish, but at your own discretion. In addition to this there is a spa and a well-equipped gym, tennis courts, a yoga deck, outdoor running track, volleyball court, rock climbing facilities and an outdoor gym area. Oh and there’s a football pitch next door. In short, however you like to workout – or laze about – there is a facility you can use.
The spa facility is a payable extra, and within guests will find multiple jacuzzi pools, a steam room, sauna and experience showers, complimented by a beauty parlour and massage therapies which are also available.
Service
On our visit it was evident this new hotel was still refining its operating procedures but despite the minor hiccups we encountered (e.g. bellboy service checking-in, crowded breakfast service, and bill not completely accurate at check-out), staff were surprisingly eager to be amenable and helpful in resolving customer problems. For example the business area printers weren’t working and we were allowed to use the printers at the check-in desks instead. This flexibility has not always been our experience with this brand previously, so we were delighted to see such good service. We rate the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa 4 our of 5.
The Radisson Blu Resort & Spa in Gran Canaria, Mogan is located at Avenida los Marreros 35, 35140 Mogan, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria.
Booking is available directly via the Radisson Blu website. Prices start from 155 EUR per night for a guest room, and there is currently an offer for a 30% discount – more information here. Airport transfers are included in direct bookings for 7 nights or more.
