H10 Tindaya

When first arriving at the H10 Tindaya Hotel's twin octagonal portico, it's clear that the resort offers a little more than most. The bright and spacious lobby is refreshingly free of tourist noticeboards and promotional tat. Instead a wall of glass allows sunlight to illuminate a minimal and airy space with muted contemporary furnishings; a ceiling mural adds an element of artistic style. The hotel is one of the largest on the island, with extensive swathes of sun terrace centered around various pools and scattered with numerous palm trees and tropical plants. The grounds are also dotted with various fountains and a rock-lined stream runs the length of the gardens down to a stretch of lovely white sands (with some nudist bathing) and the Atlantic Ocean. The resort is particularly popular with families with younger children (which it can feel a little overrun with during school breaks) as well as a fair share of vacationing couples from all over Europe (particularly Italy).

The hotel is located toward the south end of the popular tourist resort town of Costa Calma, on the southwest coast of Fuerteventura. It's within a 10-minute walk of the town center, which comprises mostly shops, supermarkets, and a few restaurants. The white sands of Sotavento Beach run along the back the hotel and for a little over a mile (2 kilometers) up the coast. To reach the sand, guests must first descend some steps and unlock the security gate with their room key. The Oasis Park Fuerteventura and surf beach Playa de la Pared are both around 15 minutes by car, while the rugged beauty of the Jandía Natural Park is a 20- to 30-minute drive. Fuerteventura Airport, however, is a fair distance away at over an hour by road.

The hotel has an impressive 354 rooms, all decorated in simple, bright tones with contemporary furnishings, tiled floors, and striped fabrics. The blue and white color palette gives a beachy, nautical feel. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open to furnished balconies or terraces, the higher of which feature superb sea views. Free amenities are rather scant, with little beyond flat-screen TVs with satellite channels -- minibars, kettles, and Wi-Fi all incur an extra charge. All suites include Nespresso machines, iPod docks, and bathrobes. Bathrooms are clean and modern with shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and hotel-brand products. 

Despite its size, the hotel has just one restaurant where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served buffet-style -- most rates are all-inclusive covering all meals and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (even some branded). Reports suggest food is decent without being spectacular. Bar options include one poolside, one in the lobby, and another providing live shows (which vary in quality). The resort features an impressive array of water-based facilities, from three adult pools (one heated, though others can be very cold) to a spa with an indoor pool with jets, cannons, and waterfalls (as well as Turkish baths and a whirlpool tub). There are also two children's pools (heated all year-round) plus supervised kids' club activities, a playground, and a mini-disco. Some guests have complained about rowdy children, as well as overly loud music around the pools.