LABRANDA Bahia de Lobos

Unlike many of the resorts in Fuenteventura, Bahia de Lobos rejects the sunburned, classic Spanish hues and dark heavy furnishings for a contemporary take thanks to an extensive 2014 renovation that bumped the property up from three pearls to four. The modern look is apparent from the get-go, with a streamlined lobby backed by a marble-trimmed, trickling fountain. From here, the resort opens into a series of terra-cotta-tiled lanes bordered with adobe-style units containing the guest rooms. Everywhere, the look is fresh, with white walls and surfaces tossing back the bright Spanish sunshine. The pools vary from boisterous to quiet and sleepy, bordered with loungers or patio furniture by the poolside bar. Even the vegetation here is contemporary but appropriately Spanish, with cactuses and aloe plants spaced out in geometric configurations. 

Just off the main drag in the heart of Corralejo, the Hotel Bahia de Lobos is walking distance to most of the area's attractions. A shopping mall is right on the corner of the hotel's block, a minute's walk away, which is also the main commercial street in town. Here, guests can find restaurants and shops along with practical pharmacies and grovery stores. The town's little Waikiki Beach is a nine-minute walk away, but the larger, more majestic sand-dune beaches of the area require a six-minute drive to reach. There’s no resort-run shuttle, however a bus that stops right out front from the resort can take guests to the area’s larger beaches. (It stops by the resort every half hour.) The airport is a 38-minute drive away.

Many resorts in the Corralejo area leave rooms as an afterthought, but Bahua de Lobos treats them as a true highlight; they’re refreshingly fashionable, airy, and worthy of their “upscale” status. A trendy white-and-teal color palette provides light and beachy interiors. Midcentury-accented chairs and box-frame coffee tables are a contemporary counterpoint to the heavier Spanish decor used in other properties. Headboards, stenciled with cheery slogans like “Happiness” keep the look light and youthful. Large photo canvases on the walls show the beaches of Fuenteventura, giving a sense of place. 

All rooms include balconies with a pair of chairs and a table. Rooms vary between pool and garden views, with garden views being the quieter of the two. Amenities in both include plasma TVs, air-conditioning (not a given in Fuerteventura), and free Wi-Fi. But use of safes incur an extra fee, and mini-fridges are only placed in rooms on request and for a fee. An “all-inclusive plus” rate adds perks such as late check-out, free beverages, and coffee/tea facilities. 

One of the Bahia de Lobos’ standout features is its extensive gym, full of up-to-date equipment for cardio and weight-lifting. All-inclusive rates also include sessions with a personal trainer -- a rarity even for an upscale resort. Guests can also break a sweat at the multi-purpose courts strung with basketball hoops, or the tennis courts (classes are available). But far and away the resort’s most popular feature is its pools. These three saltwater, heated pools cover the bases from a general pool, a kiddy pool, and a quiet pool. One unusual perk is a sun protection expert that circles the pool answering guests’ questions on sunburn prevention. 

For dining, the resort offers two buffet restaurants: one more casual with a pizza/pasta station, another a bit more formal and adult (although reservations are not required). Food is available throughout the day and gets decent reviews from past guests. Three bars are also on-hand, a small lobby bar, a poolside bar, and the Farros Club bar with an ample stage that hosts animations, games, and live music. Animation is extensive and includes live music and karaoke.

Bahia de Lobos also caters to families with a kids’ club, a playground, and loaner cribs and high chairs. Babysitting is available by request.  

Those looking to experience the island beyond the resort can book excursions like biking, hiking, and horseback riding with an on-site excursion guide. There's no on-site parking, but guests are encouraged to use free public parking nearby. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.