Review: A beachfront break at Gran Melia Palacio De Isora

Location: Situated on Tenerife’s tranquil west coast – away from many of the island’s more touristy areas - Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora is a half-hour drive from Tenerife South airport. 

First impressions: This gargantuan resort feels quite  imposing on arrival. After clambering from our car, we  were whisked from the main reception and taken to a ‘RedLevel’ space – an area dedicated to those who upgrade for a more premium experience. I’d suggest the property is more four-star than five, because some areas feel a little dated, although many fans of Tenerife  will appreciate its grand design and Moorish features. 

The facts: The choice at this 579-room resort is impressive: it boasts 15 restaurants and bars and five swimming pools, including what is surely the largest hotel pool in Europe, spanning almost the 400-metre length of the property. Our favourite dining option wasItalian trattoria L’Olio, located in the hotel’s Plaza Atlántica. Other options include Mexican-inspired Agave; French eatery Le Bistrot Provençal; Asian fusion Nami Asian Bistro; and Basque/American steakhouse Duo. 

The Clarins spa is divine – I thoroughly enjoyed a customised pregnancy massage here. The aforementioned RedLevel service grants guests access to a special lounge, an exclusive breakfast space and one complimentary tennis or padel court session per day, among other benefits. The RedLevel offering aims to be more personal and tailored, and this is certainly how it felt during my stay, as we had access to team members via WhatsApp each day to book restaurants and spa treatments.

Ideal for: Families will feel completely at home here. The children’s splash park, complete with pirate ships and a play area, was always a hive of activity, even during our stay in January. From the sweets bar at breakfast to the impressive kids’ club, there’s something for youngsters of all ages. Don’t worry, though – there are also numerous adult-only areas. Agents should be mindful that this hotel is really a good-performing four rather than five-star option, so it’s definitely not for demanding, high-net-worth clients.

Explore: A stroll down the coastal promenade was a daily occurrence. Within a couple of minutes, you reach natural rock pools and a black-sand beach. The local fishing village of Alcalá can also be reached on foot. To explore farther afield, hire a car and head to Los Gigantes, a 10-minute drive away. 

Wow: The food was exquisite, while the gigantic pool was a hit with our son, who said it was “as big as the whole sea”. 

Book it: A night in a Two Bedroom Master Suite leads in  at £586 during peak season.
melia.com