Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia
Imagine crossing a lush hideaway draped in bougainvillea with dune-sculpted desert landscapes and you have Grand Hotel Residencia. Fringing the caramel-coloured Maspalomas Dunes, this enticing abode squares up to a large lagoon, home to migratory birds flying from Europe to Africa. More than living up to its name, the hotel's guestbook is a who’s who of A-list celebrity guests, from culinary doyenne Mary Berry to rock icon Bruce Springsteen. And it’s easy to see its star appeal: a cluster of two-storey villas is set on an ancient palm grove and arranged around an outdoor pool.
White-washed façades conceal colonial-style interiors, with Argentinian accents that nod to the South American heritage of designer Alberto Pinto – think teak panelling and elegant fountains. Staff straddle that fine line between attentive and discreet, and the vibe retains an intimate boutique feel. This is partly down to its warm and welcoming rooms, with traditional tiled floors and pastel hues. There’s nothing better than an early-morning coffee al fresco, surrounded by emerald gardens, just outside your Standard Balcony or Terrace Room, although the super-spacious Junior Suite, with its furnished balcony or terrace, is one for a treat.
A highlight is the recently refurbished spa, home to a salt cave and saltwater pool, plus extravagant treatments like a body peel with ‘diamond dust’. Since scooping a listing in the Michelin Guide in 2016, the terrace restaurant has been making noise on the Canarian dining scene. Elsewhere, a pool bar serves up tapas and the piano bar is a buzzy spot for cocktails and music.