High praise for Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real in the Canary Islands with rooms that start from €178 per night
THREE was the magic number for rap stars De La Soul in 1990. It was also the perfect number for us when we made our third trip to the wonderful Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real in Fuerteventura a week before the Easter break.
Situated in the Atlantic Ocean, the island is 100km off the north coast of Africa and has been a popular choice for Irish visitors for years.
On our first trip to the island in 2007, it was my wife and I's first trip as a couple. On our second visit four years later, I used the week in the sun to pop the question.
After thankfully accepting my proposal, we returned to the popular holiday destination and to possibly the best hotel I have ever stayed in eight years later.
But this time was different. This time we were travelling with two extra passengers - our sons Tom, 4 and Finn, eleven months.
During our first visits to the second largest canary island, those staying at the five star hotel, which has 242 rooms, were mainly couples, both young and old.
EXTRA SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
Though every budget is catered for, those looking for that extra special experience should look no further than the luxurious surroundings of the Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real.
On our most recent trip, it was clear to see how the hotel had become a haven for families of all ages keen to escape the stresses of everyday life. But it was also still a popular choice for couples - including those on honeymoon. And thanks to the hotel's new Kids Club, parents also have the opportunity to relax knowing their children are enjoying fun-filled activities for the little ones if they choose to lounge by the pool.
Upon entering the Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real, it was a trip down memory lane for my wife and I as we walked past the pillars and cascading fountain that greeted us on our two previous visits.
But as we took in the views on the balcony located beside the hotel foyer, we did notice something different.
This time there were two piers located by the beach at the rear of the hotel.
To the left, we noticed the Coco Bahía chill-out Bar, which included Balinese style beds for guests to relax. At the end of the pier were stairs leading down to the sea, where plenty of guests took the opportunity for a dip.
With two kids in tow, we could only look on with envy as guests relaxed to the sounds of the crashing waves.
But we had much greater success on the opposite pier where we enjoyed a wonderful lunch at the Coco Bahía Lounge & Club Restaurant. The incredible food was matched by the majestic views of the neighbouring islands.
At the end of the wooden walkway was another point of access for guests who enjoy sea swimming. If you're brave enough, one of the best times to take a dip is in September or October, and when seas are calm it's a great spot for snorkelling too.
We had been looking forward to our holiday for many months and after being brought to our family room, we made the decision to kick back and enjoy the first part of our trip lounging and playing by the pool and taking walks along the beach.
IN-HOUSE DINING
And with six restaurants on site, we didn't have to venture out for food so it made sense for us to enjoy the mouth-watering dishes on offer.
With options of bed and breakfast, half board or Royal Half board (restaurants a la carte included) on offer, the choice is all yours. As we were travelling with children, we opted for the half board option to make things that little bit easier.
There was no better way to start the day than with a visit to the hotel's main restaurant - La Alacena Real.
Cooked breakfasts, healthy choices, it's all catered for, and it really sets you up for the day.
For lunch, we also made regular visits to the "Las Palmeras" and Coco Bahía lounge which offer Mediterranean and international cuisine.
And, as we were staying on a half board basis, we returned to the restaurant for our evening meal. As with breakfast, we were spoilt for choice with dishes, including options for vegetarians and special menus for children.
For those dining without children, the hotel also offers speciality dining in Las Columnas, Teppanyaki & Sushi bar and La Cúpula restaurants. They're also popular eateries for those staying outside the hotel.
REST AND RELAXATION
Although we were blessed with warm sunshine on our trip, enjoying temperatures of 25C, we couldn't resist a few hours indoors as we took turns to try out the wonderful Spa Bahía Vital spa.
It is a vast, beautifully designed area with a large pool, hydrotherapy circuit, including spa jets, water beds, hydro jets, whirlpools, saunas and steam rooms.
Also on offer were massages and treatments including facials. After playing in the pool all day with two children, there was no better way to end the day with a lovely back massage.
Following our first few days of relaxation, lounging and playing by the pool and enjoying the finest cuisine, we ventured from our surroundings to make the short fiveminute trip to the fishing village of Corralejo.
It'll cost you €3 to go by taxi and it's an ideal place for families to enjoy a walk along the coast but also to enjoy one of the many restaurants the location has to offer. And if sea food is your favourite, you're in the right place, as the restaurants make full use of the local catch. Although we didn't make it this time, our previous visits included an adventure in Corralejo National Park with its beautiful beaches and panoramic views.
ISLAND ACTIVITIES
Another must on our itinerary was a trip to Fuerteventura Aqua Water Park - so good that we came back for a second day.
The park is suitable for parents who fancy a slide on the Kamikaze or for children who want to relax on the lazy river or have a go on the children's slides. The rubber rings, which cost €4 to rent for the day, are also popular with visitors.
And if you don't fancy spending your days on the slides, the park also has an abundance of sunbeds for people to relax.
Also popular is the huge wavemaking pool which was transformed into a pool party during our visit.
Located just a five minute drive from the hotel, it was easy to see why the park is a popular choice for visitors.
And another popular attraction for families is the Oasis Park and Zoo, located in the southern part of the island and featuring over 3000 animals and 250 different species.
Although taking slightly over an hour to reach, it'll easily keep you occupied for a full day because of the vast amount of activities on offer. One of the most popular features at the park is the interaction with animals - especially the opportunity to enjoy a close up experience with seals and lemurs.
And the Camel Safari is also a fun-filled experience as visitors get to go on a trek on the largest camel reserve in Europe.
Other important features of the park include the island's only botanical garden which has incredible tropical and native plants. Depending on your interests, a visit to the park involves both fun and education - especially for children keen on learning about wildlife and exotic animals.
MOST READ IN TRAVEL
Other popular attractions include the bird of prey display which features eagles, hawks, vultures, owls and barn owls undergoing a series of aerial exercises.
Staff members also provide background on each bird and outline the environmental issues threatening them in their native habitats. As we only had a week on the island, we didn't get the chance to visit other villages such as Costa Calma in the south, but there's always next time!
Hopefully, a two-week stay will be on the cards. I'm already looking forward to trip number four.
GO: FUERTEVENTURA GO
FUERTEVENTURA GO: Ryanair fly direct from Dublin to Fuerteventua from €102.
STAY: One night B&B at the Atlantis Bahia Real Hotel costs from €178.
Reservations on the hotel site include free entry to the spa per adult each day, free use of beach sun beds, welcome drink and free wifi. For deals see atlantishotels.com.
FIND OUT MORE: For more info see spain.info and hellocanaryislands.com.