Relax and rejuvenate in Gran Canaria 

Year-round rays, volcanic vistas and delicious Canarian cuisine, all within four and a half hours of the UK – it’s no wonder Gran Canaria is a prime spot for a wellness getaway. Indeed, with 2,700 hours of sunshine a year, visitors can soak up all the vitamin D they need, and then some. But to really make the most of an R&R escape here, it’s crucial to stay in the right spot. We’re talking about those unique properties that are in the sunniest, sandiest locales, with the most enchanting views and thoroughly indulgent spas. Here are the Canarian hotels that offer ultimate relaxation: 

Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia

If it’s good enough for former guest Bruce Springsteen, it’s good enough for us. Its high ceilings, terracotta tiles and wooden verandas embrace Spanish colonial design, as well as a feeling of intimacy, thanks to its swaying palms and draping bougainvillea. What makes this spot truly serene, though, is the fact it’s all about you. The service is exceptional, with staff eager to organise everything from personal training sessions to a game (or three) of bridge with a sundowner.

Seaside Palm Beach

Nestled amid the undulating Maspalomas dunes – flanked by the sea and a nature reserve – this Miami homage simultaneously feels retro and ultra-modern. The palm garden gets you in touch with nature, while tantalising tapas gives you a taste of local culture. Relaxation beckons in its green surrounds, from Tai Chi classes in the garden to barbecues under the palms. And, if you can tear yourself away from the tennis court, the hotel is perfectly located for gentle exploration too, including village and volcano visits.

Seaside Sandy Beach

Romance and Arabian charm emanate from the Seaside Sandy Beach, its mosaic and Moorish architecture serving North Africa in microcosm. The delightful Playa del Inglés is easily accessible, but if you don’t want to venture beyond the resort then the onsite pool and tennis court are sure to invigorate. For those who really want to let go, this hotel has something truly liberating: a nudist terrace. It even has single rooms for solo travellers – perfect if you’re on a journey of self-discovery.

Eat, drink and live well – that’s the philosophy of the Salobre Hotel Resort & Serenity. This 5–star accommodation in the south, near Maspalomas, boasts a Be Aloe wellness centre, where you can enjoy facial and body therapies, a Finnish sauna, biotonic showers and an oxygen therapy booth. Discover meditation sessions, a gym, basketball course, yoga studio and running track, plus a beautiful garden. You even choose your room number – so if a certain digit calls you, it’s yours – subject to availability. 

Resort Cordial Santa Águeda

With a seafront location and its very own surf centre, this resort is a great place for a spot of water therapy. Comprising 87 two or three-bedroom holiday homes, it offers space and privacy for friends and families alike – incorporating all the home comforts you love. Unwind in two infinity pools or the Callao Spa & Wellness centre, with its organic and natural treatments, steam bath and sauna. There’s even a bicycle workshop, perfect for putting your pedal power to the test in Arguineguín ravine.

Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa

In the fishing village of Puerto de Mogán – known as Little Venice for its magical network of bridges and canals – this natural haven awaits. Its botanic garden location means you can find well over 450 different plant species here, while also making the most of an enchanting setting – just steps from the beach. Swim in two pools, hit the gym, tennis court and diving centre, and reinvigorate mind, body and soul at the indulgent Inagua Spa & Wellness centre.

Cordial Mogán Valle Apartments

These spacious, modern and bright apartments are perfect for having your own space with all the benefits of a resort. Particularly impressive are the three pools, two outdoor Jacuzzis and vast solariums with sunbeds and parasols. Guests can make use of the gym, tennis court and diving centre at Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa while also benefitting from the apartments’ on-site Salinas Spa & Wellness Centre, where you can unwind or enjoy sumptuous treatments while just 600 metres from the nearest beach.

Gloria Palace Royal Hotel & Spa

Just 200m from Playa de Amadores, this oasis in Gran Canaria’s south is picturesque and rejuvenating. Explore the spa circuit (which is free for hotel guests) and five treatment rooms or grab a bite from the onsite restaurant overlooking the Bay of Amadores – where you can drink in those unforgettable views. Outside, head to the two adult pools – including an infinity pool – as well as the outdoor gym, ping pong and pool table.

Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso & Hotel

A sway in the hammocks in the Gorbea chill-out terrace is not to be missed. Just 500m from Playa de las Burras and 600m from Playa de San Agustín, you’ll be lulled by the sounds of the sea while feeling utterly weightless. If you can tear away, this hotel is home to Europe’s biggest Thalasso centre. It houses 7,000 sqm of pools, therapy rooms and more under its huge transparent dome – created by Gran Canarian architect Luis López and promoting the health benefits of sea water.

Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel

Hugging a cliff edge, the panoramic ocean views, bespoke design and modern equipment give this 4-star hotel an air of exclusivity. Just 300m from the beach, guests can spend their days along the seafront or in the 1,800 sqm Thalasso Gloria Amadores. The latter includes 29 hydrotherapy stations, 28 treatment cabins, a fitness pool and aqua gym. On the terraces, swim in the two heated freshwater pools, play a spot of tennis or ping pong, or even try your hand at air-rifle shooting.