La Mirage Swingers Complex

The laid-back La Mirage opened in 2009 as the first clothing-optional swingers’ complex in the Canary Islands and has since gained a loyal clientele of couples that rave about its low-key atmosphere, spotless apartments and play rooms, and relaxed happy hours that make it easy to meet like-minded travelers. The vibe during the day is friendly and relaxed, with couples gathered around the pool and no entertainment program. Come the afternoon, though, most guests dress to impress for happy hour at the pool bar, and the atmosphere becomes livelier and spicier. There is live music a couple of nights per week, but few guests seem to stick around, as there is no full restaurant on-site and most couples head out for a bite and drinks. Most guests here are British, German, or Nordic middle-aged travelers.

The hotel hasn’t been renovated since it opened in 2009 and interiors are overall basic, but rates are competitive for the area, and apartments and common areas are kept in good condition and spotless. The outdoors are pleasant and serene, with a narrow, tiled deck around the pool, and small, manicured lawns with palm trees and other tropical plants. Each apartment is housed in a stand-alone building with a cute peach-colored facade and a pitched terra-cotta tile roof. 

Travelers seeking a similar option without the nudity and adult fun may prefer the family-friendly Club Vista Serena, while gay couples may want to consider the Rainbow Golf, Gay Men-only Resort, complete with a heated pool, sauna, whirlpool, and bungalows with kitchenettes. For something more upscale, the H10 Playa Meloneras Palace features beautiful pools, stunning ocean views, and a quiet location a 10-minute walk from the beach. 

The property is located on a small, quiet street that’s adjacent to Maspalomas Golf Club. There are many resorts and apartment complexes in the area, but attractions in Playa del Ingles and Costa Meloneras are about a five- to 10-minute drive away, as are the area’s best beaches. It is possible to walk to the Maspalomas dunes and lighthouse in about half an hour, but most guests choose to take a quick, inexpensive cab instead due to the heat. There’s a mini-market on-site, but guests can find a larger grocery store with more variety about a 10-minute walk of the property. The drive to the airport takes about 25 minutes.

The hotel offers 32 one-bedroom apartments housed in cute stand-alone bungalows set around the pool. Decor is simple and a tad dated, with gray terrazzo floors, gray granite counters in the kitchen, and basic '80s-style wooden furniture with bland upholstery. Everything, however, is kept squeaky-clean and in good shape, and accent walls in bold colors add some style. All apartments feature big double beds covered with mosquito nets, green pinewood furniture, and spacious built-in closets. Suggestive photos and paintings with erotic themes decorate the wall behind the bed, but there are few other ornaments in rooms. 

Living rooms are outfitted with sofa beds, coffee tables, and narrow entertainment centers, and feature sliding doors that open onto patios -- each with loungers, an umbrella, and a table. Kitchenettes offer basic equipment, including mini-fridges, cooktops, sinks, microwaves, electric kettles, coffeemakers, and toasters. However, they’re light on utensils, and some guests have complained that there aren’t enough pots and pans to cook a full meal.

All apartments are air-conditioned and come with small flat-screen TVs, free safes, and sound systems. Free Wi-Fi is only available in the lobby and around the pool. Bathrooms are older but clean, and feature walk-in showers with glass screens, small glass shelves for toiletries (only the most basic ones are provided), and hairdryers. 

La Mirage is overall light on amenities, but has all the basics covered both for guests who want a relaxing vacation and for those wanting to join in on the adult fun. The pool is small but heated and features a few dozen loungers all packed together on a narrow, tiled deck with some greenery around it. Two whirlpools, both tucked away in somewhat more secluded spots, offer a more private setting for guests seeking some intimate time. Those wanting to take it a notch farther can head to the hotel’s two play rooms. One offers ample seating, plus a round daybed and a sound system, while the other one features a swing, a mirrored ceiling, and a board where guests can leave messages to other guests. Free condoms are available free of charge. 

Though there is no full restaurant on-site, the poolside bar serves snacks and drinks during the day and offers a popular happy hour with two-for-one deals. There is also a mini-market with some essentials for stocking the kitchen. Airport transfers are available for a fee.