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.
