'I had a wellness holiday in Lanzarote, packed with calming yoga and longevity workshops'
As the sun beamed down on my face and the cool breeze whipped my hair, I felt a rare moment of true relaxation. The soothing sound of the waves was broken only by our yoga
teacher gently saying 'Namaste'. We nodded, as we silently appreciated the moment.
I was enjoying a winter break to Lanzarote. Just a 4 hours flight from London, the volcanic Canary Island promised my sister and I a long weekend of sunshine - as you can probably imagine, the 25°C weather was a welcome tonic to the gloomy 7°C skies we had left at home.
We checked into the Paradisus by Melia Salinas hotel, a five-star adults-only resort, located in Costa Teguise. On the agenda: quality time together, giggling over cocktails, going on long runs and having some ‘time out’ to focus on ourselves, including this private yoga class.
The hotel was designed in the 1970s by Spanish architect Fernando Higueras to celebrate the island's landscape. The layout features volcanic-like surfaces, mini waterfalls, palm trees and stone bridges. In contrast, the hotel's main centrepiece is a water-feature garden which you can walk through to get to your room or the hotel's Italian restaurant. Celebrated local artist César Manrique created one of the main water features, and you can also find some of his artwork around the hotel.
Rooms with exceptional views
If you fancy going uber luxe the hotel has a VIP upgrade, called the Reserve. We experienced the package and the service was impeccable. Welcomed by super smiley staff as we checked in, we were handed a hot towel to refresh ourselves and a glass of Cava. Then we were shown two exclusive areas, which only Reserve guests can access. In the Reserve bar you can help yourself to drinks and snacks, and there's an Instagram-worthy pool with Bali beds and a chilled atmosphere. It gives serious Nobu vibes.
As we were escorted to our room we couldn’t believe how much space we had, and the view from our balcony was jaw dropping. As the hotel is positioned right on the beachfront, all of the 282 rooms and suites have a sea view. Our balcony overlooked the sea and some of the resort. It was great for enjoying a morning coffee as the sun came up, or chilling on for a few hours in the sun.
We were staying in one of the hotel's Reserve Oceanfront Penthouse Suites and were greeted with marble floors, a rainfall shower, a minibar of dreams and one of the biggest king size beds I've ever slept in. We even had our own living area, with a coffee machine, sound system and more incredible sea views.
More than just a buffet
If you’re worried about lack of choice or going to the same restaurant twice, fear not. Along with a buffet-style restaurant (which has so much choice) where you can dine at breakfast and lunch, there are three other restaurants which you can book into.
Their speciality restaurant, La Graciosa, was a firm favourite. It served us up authentic delicacies created by one of the Canaries' most renowned chefs, Germán Ortega. We made our way through their tasting menu of fresh Spanish ingredients, which come paired with a wine for each course.
If Spanish cuisine isn't your thing, book a table at Samira for Middle Eastern menu and a more fantastic wine, or the hotel's Capella Italian restaurant for pizza, pasta and of course a couple of shots of Limoncello.
Okay, but what about the fitness?
It's not every day you get to work out on the beach, so when PT Clara asked us whether we wanted to do a HIIT session overlooking the sea, we jumped at the chance. On our first morning, she took us through a sweaty session at the on-site Correst Gym which set us up for the day.
Does the Paradisus Salinas Lanzarote seem like your sort of hotel? BOOK NOW
Most of the resort's fitness offerings are based outside, with aqua aerobics in the main pool, three tennis courts next to the main pool and even spinning bikes overlooking the beach. There's also a walkway which goes all the way down the beachfront (although it can be a little windy). We ran a 10k, down the pathway (to the right of the hotel) which takes you past various cafes, bars and tourist attractions.
But back to the most relaxing part of the holiday - our private yoga session. As we flowed through a vinyasa, some sun salutations and finished with some breathwork, all my stresses seemed to ease away. It was undoubtedly one of the best parts of our stay.
This summer the hotel will also be putting on guided masterclasses on longevity and self-love by Sadhana Works and The Chopra Foundation.
How can I relax?
If relaxing is more your style, there are plenty of places at the hotel to get lost in a good book and relax in the sun. The two pools have plenty of sun loungers, and very attentive waiters who will bring you cocktails and snacks all day. If you want to stay out of the sun, you can relax in an egg chairs or on a couch in one of the lounges, which we regularly did, a glass of wine in hand.
The hotel has a small spa on the ground floor, and if my sister's massage is anything to go by (quote: 'I feel like she rebuilt my back'), you'll come out feeling like a new woman. As massages go mine was also pretty heavenly, I drifted in and out of sleep as she eased out the tension in my legs, shoulders and back with sweet-smelling oils.
The spa isn't massive, so don't expect to spend your day lounging around in saunas and steam rooms, but if you're in desperate need of a fresh mani, pedi or just 60 minutes of 'me' time it's worth a visit.
What else can I do in Lanzarote?
If staying in your hotel all weekend isn't your cup of tea there is plenty to do outside of the hotel. To the north of the hotel is Jameos del Agua, a natural volcano with a salt lake and restaurants. Beaches including Playa de las Cucharas are perfect for when the sun is out all day, while picturesque villages, including San Bartolome, are lovely to explore.
If you'd like to explore what Lanzarote has to offer when it comes to local wine - its volcanic wine region can help you do just that. The island also has tons of museums and art galleries, to peruse at your leisure - including the Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo.
Final thoughts
If all-inclusive resorts normally give you the shudders then this one will completely change your mind. From the friendly greeting to the choice of food and drinks, this is one all-inclusive hotel you'll be telling your friends about (and bombarding your Instagram stories with), for years to come. If it's pure relaxation (and a little bit of fun) you're after - whether that be a sleep-inducing massage, lazing on a sun lounger at one of their pools, or a yoga class in the sunshine - you'll find it all here.
How I can spend a long weekend there?
Rates at Paradisus Salinas Lanzarote start from £330 per night in a Premium Room on an all-inclusive basis. BOOK NOW
BA flies from London to Lanzarote from London BOOK NOW or search for flights across the UK on SKYSCANNER
Airport transfers with Black Lane taxis can be booked via their website.
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