We spent a long time trying to figure out how we would split up our
holiday between maybe two hotels in January/February 2016 and after
thinking about it we decided to book the Elba Palace Golf & Vital, an adults only resort,
for eight nights. Since we had already paid the first four nights at the
Palace we simply booked another set of four nights. They included full
board.
We took a taxi from the sister property, the Elba Sara Beach & Golf Resort, where we had spent five nights. Please also see our review. The taxi ride took around 5 to 10 minutes and cost 2.70 Euro (ca. 3.10 USD).
Checking in early wasn't a problem. As a welcome drink we received a glass of rose Champagne and could have had a second, if we were so inclined.
The formalities over we were shown the property by David. The building is designed in traditional Canarian architecture and is a 5 Star GL hotel. We've stayed in other GL "Gran Lujo" designated properties before and love the details, character and particular high standards at these hotels/resorts.
The lobby had an atrium with a large glass stained window and a magnificent chandelier. There were palms, huge vases, seating areas, the golf shop and a stair case to the right.
In one corner was a vitrine containing Sardinian ceramics.
The elevator to the higher floors and an entrance to the courtyard were to the left.
All important features were housed there, like the Piano Bar, St. Andrews Restaurant, the library, the Cafeteria Hoyo 19, the Aloe Vera Wellness Center Spa, the gym, the wine cellar and access to the golf club house.
We were brought to the elevator and handed our key cards. David promised to bring our luggage shortly afterwards to our room.
At first we couldn't find our room, because we overlooked a small hallway leading off the landing, which had a seating area, views into the atrium and artwork. Eventually we found our Deluxe room and it got easier as time went by.
As promised a few minutes after our arrival on the room David delivered our luggage.
We had booked a queen bed deluxe room, which we also received. It was unusual located, directly above the entrance and was the only one with a very private balcony on this floor. The other rooms shared a balcony with a neighbor. Dividers separated them.
The balcony was fully furnished.
The room was very detailed with dark wooden floors and furniture.
The tapestry was intricate with plant and heart shaped prints.
The artwork was a combination of classic and modern. It depicted a landscape, but it was like a memory game, where only one square was revealed. The frames of it and the mirrors were beautifully decorated with flowers and plants.
The sofa was comfortable and the writing desk and bed had the same design. The bed consisted of two mattresses pushed together, which we didn't mind.
We also had a smaller than expected TV, because of the larger than exepected size of our room and a credenza, containing the minibar.
The Spanish TV channels didn't had a signal/reception. All English channels were news and business related and no entertainment available. Of course there were other international channels too.
The minibar was reasonably priced with all non-alcoholic beverages costing 2.25 Euro or ca. 2.60 USD. Only the Coca Cola was more expensive with 2.60 Euro (ca. 3 USD). Beer was 2.80 Euro (ca. 3.25 USD).
We also received as a welcome refreshment in our room a free large bottle of water. It was beautifully presented on a tray together with glasses.
In the hallway was a large wardrobe with the safe, tea/coffee making facilities and a storage unit especially for golf equipment. The safe was a bit awkward placed. The door opened up towards the guest, so I had to climb into the wardrobe to be able to retrieve items. The safe was large, though, and could easily store a laptop or two.
Beside the air-conditioning there was also a fan, which added ambience and a touch of romance.
Turn down was provided every night and chocolates were left on the bed.
There was also 24 hours in room dining available.
We used the wake up calls regularly and they were always punctual.
The 24 hours laundry service was reasonably priced. We paid ca. 54 Euro (ca. 62.10 USD) for around 10 items. The clothing returned neatly folded in a basket. Express service is also available.
The bathroom was large with a separate bath tub and shower, double sink, mirrors, soap for two and own branded Hoteles Elba amenities. As mentioned before I like them, but think they smell slightly too chemical.
The toilet and bidet were in their own room within the bathroom.
When exploring the hotel we found out that the courtyard contained also a fountain and in the corner between the cafeteria and the spa a cage with four budgies (A couple and their offspring.). The birds reminded us about the Lapa Palace and Pestana Palace in Lisbon, where we have stayed before. There was another pet, Elba, the cat, named after the hotel chain. To our surprise it was a him. He was tempted to eat the birds and sometimes jumped onto the cage to the dismay of the inhabitants. Thank goodness the cage was very solid, so nothing did happen. Elba is spoiled by everyone.
The grounds, gardens, outdoor pool, tennis courts and the golf course were kept immaculate. The golf course is by the way one of the best on the island and in high demand. The Spanish Open took part here too.
The library was very large with different seating areas and equipped with two internet PCs, a large book selection in different languages, magazines, newspapers and a billiard, bridge and chess tables are also available here.
The free internet was generally fast and reliable. Only on one day it didn't work as it should be.
I used the spa twice to have a head massage. The therapist was excellent and helped make a cold much lighter and pass quicker. We chatted a bit and I learned from her about the cat, the budgies, where she had lived, her dog and her Thai teacher.
Spa treatments can't be charged to the room and have to be paid either in cash or by credit card. A fifty minute massage cost 50 Euro, ca. 57.70 USD.
The Cafeteria Hoyo 19 overlooks the golf course and serves international and regional cuisine. It has open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks. The interior is traditional Canarian with Terra Cotta tiles, a terrace and photographs of the local golf players.
The buffet breakfast was smaller, but high quality and included sparkling wine and Champagne in the morning besides four types of juice, water, cold cuts, smoked salmon, jams, bread, cakes, pastries, an egg station and much more.
The orange juice was one of the best we ever experienced so far in a hotel. How to get the juice was interesting in itself. There was a machine. It was filled at the top with oranges. They dropped down, when the tap was used, and then were getting squeezed while being transported through the press.
Coffee was brought to the table, while tea and hot chocolate was self-service with a Samovar. My fiancé slightly burned himself once or twice, because the hot water dispenser had rested on the Samovar and had heated up.
Lunch was easy going with two main courses of the day or anything from the menu. We just had to pay for the drinks. The sangria was very good and we enjoyed the sandwiches, Gazpacho, salads and pasta dishes.
Desserts were of course the highlight. There weren't a lot, but what was on offer was again high quality. If you are a bit adventures take the cake of the day. I had two or three different ones and they were all surprising and creative. One of my favorite was the chocolate cake. It was really delicious. Other favorites were the Crema Catalana and the rice pudding.
The fruit plate is generously proportioned, tasty and nicely presented.
St. Andrews is the international fine dining restaurant and dinners are served table d' hote. The wine list is very good.
He had a dessert wine from Lanzarote, which he enjoyed.
Again guests on full board could choose a main course from the menu without restrictions. We tried the spa cuisine, which was pretty good, the fish and the specials of the day. We liked the filled pasta and Gazpacho especially. Starters
and desserts were served buffet style. There was an ice cream stand too, where guests could decide and take themselves what they liked. Some had generous helpings of cream on "top of their ice cream".
The gym offers also golf stretching sessions, walks or Pilates.
The reception organized tours for us. They had to be paid in cash. One was a day trip (Volcano Express) to Lanzarote and another a mini bus gourmet tour of Fuerteventura. They come highly recommended.
The location is a bit isolated, but taxis are inexpensive and if you don't need/want to go right away, there's always the free hourly shuttle to other hotels within the vicinity and the local shopping mall in Caleta de Fuste.
What made this stay so great beside the amenities was the staff. We liked that you could see the staff members different characters. Their interactions were never cookie cutter style or felt staged. They were attentive and concerned about our wellbeing. For example when they realized we tried to pick up a bit of Spanish, they taught us a few words.
David and Aneta from reception asked how we liked the tours and the stay.
The maid, who brought back our laundry, was a bit concerned, we would be displeased with the service, because they didn't manage to get out a spot of blood on one of the items. We hadn't expected it, so all was good.
Unfortunately checkout approached too fast after our 8 nights / 9 days here and we were somewhat sad to leave.
We would happily return to Fuerteventura and the Elba Golf & Vital Hotel, located at the Fuerteventura Golf Club and Resort.
We took a taxi from the sister property, the Elba Sara Beach & Golf Resort, where we had spent five nights. Please also see our review. The taxi ride took around 5 to 10 minutes and cost 2.70 Euro (ca. 3.10 USD).
Checking in early wasn't a problem. As a welcome drink we received a glass of rose Champagne and could have had a second, if we were so inclined.
The formalities over we were shown the property by David. The building is designed in traditional Canarian architecture and is a 5 Star GL hotel. We've stayed in other GL "Gran Lujo" designated properties before and love the details, character and particular high standards at these hotels/resorts.
The lobby had an atrium with a large glass stained window and a magnificent chandelier. There were palms, huge vases, seating areas, the golf shop and a stair case to the right.
In one corner was a vitrine containing Sardinian ceramics.
The elevator to the higher floors and an entrance to the courtyard were to the left.
All important features were housed there, like the Piano Bar, St. Andrews Restaurant, the library, the Cafeteria Hoyo 19, the Aloe Vera Wellness Center Spa, the gym, the wine cellar and access to the golf club house.
We were brought to the elevator and handed our key cards. David promised to bring our luggage shortly afterwards to our room.
At first we couldn't find our room, because we overlooked a small hallway leading off the landing, which had a seating area, views into the atrium and artwork. Eventually we found our Deluxe room and it got easier as time went by.
As promised a few minutes after our arrival on the room David delivered our luggage.
We had booked a queen bed deluxe room, which we also received. It was unusual located, directly above the entrance and was the only one with a very private balcony on this floor. The other rooms shared a balcony with a neighbor. Dividers separated them.
The balcony was fully furnished.
The room was very detailed with dark wooden floors and furniture.
The tapestry was intricate with plant and heart shaped prints.
The artwork was a combination of classic and modern. It depicted a landscape, but it was like a memory game, where only one square was revealed. The frames of it and the mirrors were beautifully decorated with flowers and plants.
The sofa was comfortable and the writing desk and bed had the same design. The bed consisted of two mattresses pushed together, which we didn't mind.
We also had a smaller than expected TV, because of the larger than exepected size of our room and a credenza, containing the minibar.
The Spanish TV channels didn't had a signal/reception. All English channels were news and business related and no entertainment available. Of course there were other international channels too.
The minibar was reasonably priced with all non-alcoholic beverages costing 2.25 Euro or ca. 2.60 USD. Only the Coca Cola was more expensive with 2.60 Euro (ca. 3 USD). Beer was 2.80 Euro (ca. 3.25 USD).
We also received as a welcome refreshment in our room a free large bottle of water. It was beautifully presented on a tray together with glasses.
In the hallway was a large wardrobe with the safe, tea/coffee making facilities and a storage unit especially for golf equipment. The safe was a bit awkward placed. The door opened up towards the guest, so I had to climb into the wardrobe to be able to retrieve items. The safe was large, though, and could easily store a laptop or two.
Beside the air-conditioning there was also a fan, which added ambience and a touch of romance.
Turn down was provided every night and chocolates were left on the bed.
There was also 24 hours in room dining available.
We used the wake up calls regularly and they were always punctual.
The 24 hours laundry service was reasonably priced. We paid ca. 54 Euro (ca. 62.10 USD) for around 10 items. The clothing returned neatly folded in a basket. Express service is also available.
The bathroom was large with a separate bath tub and shower, double sink, mirrors, soap for two and own branded Hoteles Elba amenities. As mentioned before I like them, but think they smell slightly too chemical.
The toilet and bidet were in their own room within the bathroom.
When exploring the hotel we found out that the courtyard contained also a fountain and in the corner between the cafeteria and the spa a cage with four budgies (A couple and their offspring.). The birds reminded us about the Lapa Palace and Pestana Palace in Lisbon, where we have stayed before. There was another pet, Elba, the cat, named after the hotel chain. To our surprise it was a him. He was tempted to eat the birds and sometimes jumped onto the cage to the dismay of the inhabitants. Thank goodness the cage was very solid, so nothing did happen. Elba is spoiled by everyone.
The grounds, gardens, outdoor pool, tennis courts and the golf course were kept immaculate. The golf course is by the way one of the best on the island and in high demand. The Spanish Open took part here too.
The library was very large with different seating areas and equipped with two internet PCs, a large book selection in different languages, magazines, newspapers and a billiard, bridge and chess tables are also available here.
The free internet was generally fast and reliable. Only on one day it didn't work as it should be.
I used the spa twice to have a head massage. The therapist was excellent and helped make a cold much lighter and pass quicker. We chatted a bit and I learned from her about the cat, the budgies, where she had lived, her dog and her Thai teacher.
Spa treatments can't be charged to the room and have to be paid either in cash or by credit card. A fifty minute massage cost 50 Euro, ca. 57.70 USD.
The Cafeteria Hoyo 19 overlooks the golf course and serves international and regional cuisine. It has open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks. The interior is traditional Canarian with Terra Cotta tiles, a terrace and photographs of the local golf players.
The buffet breakfast was smaller, but high quality and included sparkling wine and Champagne in the morning besides four types of juice, water, cold cuts, smoked salmon, jams, bread, cakes, pastries, an egg station and much more.
The orange juice was one of the best we ever experienced so far in a hotel. How to get the juice was interesting in itself. There was a machine. It was filled at the top with oranges. They dropped down, when the tap was used, and then were getting squeezed while being transported through the press.
Coffee was brought to the table, while tea and hot chocolate was self-service with a Samovar. My fiancé slightly burned himself once or twice, because the hot water dispenser had rested on the Samovar and had heated up.
Lunch was easy going with two main courses of the day or anything from the menu. We just had to pay for the drinks. The sangria was very good and we enjoyed the sandwiches, Gazpacho, salads and pasta dishes.
Desserts were of course the highlight. There weren't a lot, but what was on offer was again high quality. If you are a bit adventures take the cake of the day. I had two or three different ones and they were all surprising and creative. One of my favorite was the chocolate cake. It was really delicious. Other favorites were the Crema Catalana and the rice pudding.
The fruit plate is generously proportioned, tasty and nicely presented.
St. Andrews is the international fine dining restaurant and dinners are served table d' hote. The wine list is very good.
He had a dessert wine from Lanzarote, which he enjoyed.
Again guests on full board could choose a main course from the menu without restrictions. We tried the spa cuisine, which was pretty good, the fish and the specials of the day. We liked the filled pasta and Gazpacho especially. Starters
and desserts were served buffet style. There was an ice cream stand too, where guests could decide and take themselves what they liked. Some had generous helpings of cream on "top of their ice cream".
The gym offers also golf stretching sessions, walks or Pilates.
The reception organized tours for us. They had to be paid in cash. One was a day trip (Volcano Express) to Lanzarote and another a mini bus gourmet tour of Fuerteventura. They come highly recommended.
The location is a bit isolated, but taxis are inexpensive and if you don't need/want to go right away, there's always the free hourly shuttle to other hotels within the vicinity and the local shopping mall in Caleta de Fuste.
What made this stay so great beside the amenities was the staff. We liked that you could see the staff members different characters. Their interactions were never cookie cutter style or felt staged. They were attentive and concerned about our wellbeing. For example when they realized we tried to pick up a bit of Spanish, they taught us a few words.
David and Aneta from reception asked how we liked the tours and the stay.
The maid, who brought back our laundry, was a bit concerned, we would be displeased with the service, because they didn't manage to get out a spot of blood on one of the items. We hadn't expected it, so all was good.
Unfortunately checkout approached too fast after our 8 nights / 9 days here and we were somewhat sad to leave.
We would happily return to Fuerteventura and the Elba Golf & Vital Hotel, located at the Fuerteventura Golf Club and Resort.
©2016
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