For our summer break this year we went to Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands.
We are super selective in finding the right accommodation in the right resort to suit our family of five.
Our vital requirements are at least two bedrooms and if possible, two bathrooms in a family friendly hotel and resort. Sounds like an achievable mission, right? If only it is as easy as it sounds. We have learnt from past experiences in booking early if we are to have any chance of booking the most popular hotels in the six weeks school holiday. Therefore, we always try and begin searching as soon as the flights and hotels are available for our dates, which this year was a mega 17 months in advance.
We spent time searching for an affordable and comfortable self catering package holiday and reading endless reviews on trip adviser.
We decided to return to Fuerteventura as the last time we were there I was almost eight months pregnant so, I really wanted to return.
We then finally narrowed our hotel list down to two, The Las Marrismas apartments in Corralejo where we stayed when I was heavily pregnant, soon to be expecting our Coco-Ivy and the Pierre and Vacances Origo Mare Village in Lajares but we could not decide. So, we organised our own twin centre holiday by booking both hotels directly for one week in each and booking schedule flights with Thomas Cook.
We flew from Manchester airport to Puerto Del Rios airport. Manchester was completely hectic and we actually got lost trying to find the Thomas Cook check in and we were running late.
We usually fly from Leeds and Bradford airport as it is small and usually a stress free experience.
However, once we found the check in at Manchester airport the staff were organised, friendly and efficient. We were escorted to the fast track lane from checking our bags in through to the security checks which made up for the lost time.
We booked a hire car with Autoreisen for the whole of our stay and it was a really easy process from booking the car online to getting the keys at the airport desk to locating the car and driving to our first hotel.
Beautiful Fuerteventura is located near the northwestern coast of the African continent and is becoming one of our favourite destinations. It is truly stunning with its volcanic scenery and gorgeous beaches. It is a surfer’s paradise. Corralejo has a cool, trendy vibe. We especially enjoy dining al fresco in the old town where locals and tourists can enjoy live music and entertainment.
The Origo Mare Village
The village located in Lajares which is a small town a little off the beaten track so we do recommend anyone staying here to hire a car. The drive from the airport takes approximately 45 minutes and is pretty straight forward enough on the new roads. The scenery is gorgeous which makes for an interesting journey. We often drove into Corralejo during both day and night which took us about 20 minutes however, it is a very busy town so parking can be a bit difficult depending on what time you arrive.
The Villa
We were in a superior two bedroom air conditioned villa which was spotlessly clean and had everything we required for a comfortable stay.
A well equiped kitchen area with a large fridge freezer, cooker, dishwasher, Nescafé Dolce Gusto coffe machine with pods and washing machine.
A good size living area, a downstairs twin bedroom with a patio door leading to the rear garden and a contemporary spa designed wet room. Upstairs there was a double bedroom which led on to the roof terrace and a family bathroom.
Plenty of storage for our clothes, shoes and toiletries and lots of good lighting and mirrors throughout. The sofa and beds were really comfortable.
All the windows and patio doors had shutters for extra security. We also had a large garden area complete with a lovely table and chairs and two sun loungers.
The complex
So, the Villas were divided into five districts each having a designated swimming pool with a lifeguard.
The main attraction on site is the Craterpark water park complete with different sized water slides, water shoots, a large wave pool and rocky climbing wall. The entertainment team were present encouraging all ages to take part in funny team games.
They even managed to get Sean involved which was hilarious. Maybe I am easily entertained but the staff were passionate, very funny and extremely creative. The children had a great time trying out all the pools and slides. It does get pretty busy and noisy so for those who desire a bit of peace and tranquillity there is a gorgeous adult only pool too positioned in a different location.
The two restaurants and two snack bars are open all day. We ate once in the buffet restaurant which was 65 euros for all you can eat with soft drinks, wine and beer included.
The onsite shop is open from early morning until midnight. It is a little overpriced however, it was convenient when we ran out of basic supplies such as bread and milk and a bottle of Rioja!!!
The entertainment and kids club staff were amazing and took time to meet you and get all involved which for me is majorly important when leaving my children in their care. I enjoy spending as much time with the children on holiday however, I do realise the kid’s clubs can be a great way for them to meet other children staying in the hotel and a good opportunity to get involved in the activities. Cuba took part in a nerf theme night for kids aged six to eleven years old he had an amazing experience.
We particularly enjoyed the family fun evenings, a pool themed party which had a dj, bouncy castles, party games and a foam party, oh yes you heard me, a foam party !!! Maybe I’ve been living a sheltered existence but I’ve never seen anything like it. If you can picture this …… all ages from small children to grandparents with glow sticks in hand having a moment of madness cheering and jeering cutting shapes to pumping dance music in the swimming pool being fuelled with endless foam. It was health and safety gone mad and completely thrown out of the window but even I have to admit it was completely hilarious and lots of bags of fun.
Las Marismas Apartments Corralejo
So, we have previously stayed at the Las Marismas apartments in Corralejo which is located on the northern tip the island. We found the hotel just as comfortable as before. This time we stayed in a two bedroomed first floor apartment with a lovely view of one of three pools and we were not disappointed.
They left us a lovely welcome note and a complimentary bottle of water and a bottle of red.
We were really lucky to stay in a corner apartment, which are super spacious. All the bedrooms have patio doors doubled up with lockable sliding mosquito mesh screens leading on to a double balcony or terrace. The fully tiled spacious bathroom has a luxurious finish perfect for pampering yourself in.
The Goletta beach is located just off the main strip in Corralejo and within very easy reach from the Las Marismas. You can walk there in about twenty minutes but we always went there in the car as we always take so much stuff to the beach. Cuba and Sean enjoyed walking along the beach from one end to the other collecting shells. This beach is so chilled out watching the kite surfers and the view of the Isla de Los Lobos whilst listening to live music from one of the many beach restaurants is so surreal.
The Grandes Playa is established as a natural park with more than ten kilometres of continuous beach. You are surrounded by the sand dunes on one side and the turquoise ocean on the other, with a view of Isla de Los Lobos across the water. We find this beach totally invigorating due to the fresh breezes topped with the feeling of space and beauty making it is a must see when visiting Fuerteventura. Take kids have so much fun and adventure as they have room to move around and explore which is a treat for their sensory development.
The hotels vibe is very chilled and laid back. The kids club has a timetable offering quiet play activities such as, arts and crafts, board games and face painting, inflatable slides in the pools twice a week and a mini disco. There is an outside playground which is very safe and secure. The evening entertainment is also chilled out live music of different genres every night.
There are two large swimming pools and a large paddling pool with plenty of comfortable sun loungers and beach towels available to hire. The gardens have a volcanic theme with lush green palm trees and gorgeous tropical plants.
Overall, we wouldn’t have changed anything about our lovely holiday as beautiful Fuerteventura gave us exactly what we enjoy for the perfect summer break. There are so many good quality restaurants and quaint coffee bars to wine and dine in that are so accommodating for families. The chilled out atmosphere and the sounds Latin music. The shopping is fantastic with lovely locally run shops and tax free shopping in more familiar stores like Zara and Mango. I can’t express enough how gorgeous the beaches are with soft white sands and crystal blue waters. And the local people are so friendly and approachable.
Amazing memories on an amazing island 🌴
*This post is not sponsored or gifted. We paid for everything ourselves. We had an amazing trip and we wanted to share our wonderful experience and inspire others looking for holiday inspiration.