Elba Palace Golf & Vital Hotel

Once a golf resort simply catering to the club-swinging crowd, this five-pearl resort now draws a full range of guests, although golf enthusiast still come in droves. For non-golfers, the major lure is the hotel’s atmosphere, which is immediately apparent in the lobby, where a tiered crystal chandelier twinkles above a marble floor. The Elba Palace has a look that could be described as the Spanish version of “Downton Abbey,” full of heavy, carved furniture, rich textiles, and brass lamps or fixtures. Rooms loop a traditional Spanish courtyard with a fountain that also doubles as the restaurant’s outdoor terrace in the summer months. Features reinforce the feeling of a Spanish estate, with a library and a wine cellar that doubles as a bar. Of course, the golf course is chief among these features, but for non-golfers it simply provides a pretty backdrop to their rooms and a stretch of lush greenery that fronts the sea, which can be seen shimmering on the horizon (though the waterfront is a long walk away).

Throughout, the atmosphere is tranquil, even by the pool, where softly tinkling piano music is played over the speakers, the only noise heard around dozing sunbathers. Given the seriousness and the mature elegance of the resort, it’s no surprise that the property is strictly adults only.

Set in a leafy residential area, the Hotel Elba Palace Golf has a location with benefits and drawbacks. On one hand, the self contained resort is tranquil and totally removed from the bustle of town or the seaside. On the other hand, it's also not walking distance to any of the area's attractions. Only the most determined walkers will feel up to the 30-minute stroll to reach the waterfront and its promenade. Everyone else will need a car, with the nearest beach a nine-minute drive away. A commercial area is just a minute farther by car and offers restaurants and shops along with a grocery store, a pharmacy, and a clinic. A free shuttle bus stopping at this hotel and others in the area takes guests to the commercial center of town and to the beachfront promenade. The airport is a short 15-minute drive away.

Of the resort’s 62 rooms, 51 are Doubles, 10 are Suites, and one is the crowing Penthouse. Though they vary in decor, they all share a similar look of traditional Spanish furnishings and rich textiles. Custom-made furniture include carved headboards and elaborate writing desks, and walls are stenciled with decorative patterns like doves. Beds are full-size kings (not two twin beds pushed together, as is often the case in Europe). Storage is ample, and closets even have separate shoe cubbies. All units include terraces or balconies, although some are large enough to be furnished with tables and chairs, while others are narrow Juliet-style balconies with just a ledge for fresh air. Views are either of the pool, the garden, or the golf course, and often include a partial view of the sea just beyond. Regardless of the view, all rooms are quiet, even those that face the pool. Amenities include safes, electric kettles with coffee/tea supplies, pillow menus, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Turndown service is standard as well. Air-conditioning is available, but heating is not, although space heaters can be requested. Bathrooms, finished in rich materials such as emerald-green marble, have double sinks, bidets, and separate bathtubs and glass showers. Toiletries, robes, slippers, and hairdryers are provided.

Suites add more square footage, hydrotherapy massage showers, and living rooms connected by sliding doors to bedrooms. Their balconies are large enough to hold loungers as well. The largest and most luxurious option is the property's Penthouse, which includes a massive marble bathroom in a jade-colored hue and a terrace that overlooks the golf course and the waterfront. (Note: Access to the Penthouse, through a set of stairs, isn't suited to those with mobility issues.)

The features at Hotel Elba Place Golf reflect the hotel’s traditional atmosphere, starting with the golf course itself. The 18-hole green is the principle reason many guests choose this property. In addition to the course, the resort provides, lessons, golf carts, practice zones, and a pro shop that can provide a full golfing wardrobe and gear. Apart from golf, the resort also prides itself on its gym, which is well equipped with up-to-date machines. Personal training sessions are included in rates (a rarity for Fuerteventura) and Pilates and other fitness classes can be arranged. Off to one side of the gym is a, which can be reserved through reception to book for private sessions, for a fee. (This was closed for repairs during our visit.) The on-site spa specializes in aloe-vera-themed treatments (aloe being a plant native to Fuerteventura). 

Hotel Elba Place has two pools, one large, freeform pool bordered with loungers and sunbeds, another smaller dipping pool (which was once a shallow kiddy pool, but now it has been repurposed).

In terms of dining, Hotel Elba Palace has a formal dining room that serves dinner only. It’s a hybrid of buffet and a la carte, where appetizers and dessert are serves buffet-style and entrees are a la carte off the menu. It also includes an extensive wine list and a separate cordoned off corner used as private dining for groups. A second restaurant is buffet only and handles breakfast and lunch. (Rates range from "bed and breakfast" to full board.) Wine-lovers can visit the property’s wine cellar that doubles and a wine bar and showcases some truly rare bottles, including some with Franco’s image on the label. Two more bars are on-site: a bar adjoining the buffet restaurant and a piano bar that opens in the evening.

The resort’s library has various games plus newspapers and magazines available to peruse along with computer stations for guests’ use. Wi-Fi is free throughout. Services include laundry service, turndown, and 24-hour room service. Excursions can be booked through reception for sightseeing tours or windsurfing, among other outings. On our visit, the resort had plans to add bike rentals.