R2 Rio Calma Hotel & Spa & Conference

While a slightly bizarre mishmash of colonial missionary, neoclassical, and country villa styles, the facade of the R2 Rio Calma Hotel is undeniably rather striking -- and certainly unique. An elaborate greenhouse section of glass and intricate metal-frame arches also adds to the eclectic architecture. Inside the vibe is more colonial, thanks to carved balustrades, high coffered ceilings, and a lovely circular stained glass window.  To the rear a tiered fountain continues the theme, surrounded by giant cacti, numerous mature palms, and colorful tropical flora set in terraces that offer spectacular views of the sea. The grounds are tiered, leading toward the coast, where guests can cross a wooden bridge by a long waterfall to a large artificial seawater lagoon and man-made beach. The vibe is peaceful and most guests are couples, though expect some families in the mix as well, especially school breaks. Many guests hail from Germany (Costa Calma in general is popular with Germans), the U.K., France, and Spain. Those from the U.K. often book through Thomas Cook, which offers a Full Board Plus package that includes drinks available at mealtimes; this option isn't always available directly through the hotel. 

The hotel is set in a hill at the north end of the popular tourist resort town of Costa Calma, on the southwest coast of Fuerteventura. While the hotel doesn't have direct access to a real beach, El Rancho Beach (with both sand and rocks) is about a 10-minute walk away, across the cliffs to the north of the hotel grounds; the town's main sandy beach is about a half-hour walk south, or a short cab ride. There's little in the way of dining or entertainment options in the immediate surrounds, but this adds to the secluded feel of the resort. The Oasis Park Fuerteventura and surf beach Playa de la Pared are both around 10 minutes by car, while the rugged beauty of the Jandía Natural Park is about 30 minutes' drive. Fuerteventura Airport, however, is a fair distance away at just under an hour by road.

The hotel's 384 also continue the colonial theme with traditional decor, incorporating dark wood furnishings and heavy floral drapery. Top-level suites also have charming, colonial-style wooden ceilings. Rooms have sliding windows that open to furnished terraces or balconies, mostly offering at least partial sea views -- suites offer more spacious outside areas with loungers. Standard amenities include mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs (with about one English-speaking channel), and free Wi-Fi -- though only for a limited time; most rooms also have kettles for tea and coffee, not offered by some competitors. (Sister Hotel R2 Pajara Beach has old tube TVs and no coffee/tea facilities.) Bathrooms have shower/tub combos and are better than most, thanks to the attractive marble tile, though toiletries come in sachet and wall-mounted form, and bathrobes can cost an extra fee to borrow. 

Rooms have a double or twin beds, though some guests complain that the long, thin pillows are uncomfortable. Family Rooms --two rooms with a shared private corridor -- are available. 

uncomfortable pillows 

The hotel puts on an extensive and colorful breakfast buffet each morning in its main restaurant, which also offers the occasional glass of sparkling wine with the morning meal. Breakfast is usually included in most plans, and good-value half- and full-boards options are also available. An a la carte eatery is also on-site, where food quality is a step up from the buffet offerings. There are also five bars dotted around the property.

A real standout feature are the hotel's outdoor pools, one being a huge, two-tier variety, and the other a lovely artificial lagoon with small man-made beach -- both with infinity edges and sea views (though there's often a charge for lagoon loungers). Loungers lack cushions, and can sometimes be hard to come by for guests who don't get up early to reserve them. There's also a Roman-style spa with heated pool, whirlpool tub, and sauna, and fitness facilities include a gym and a squash court. There are an outdoor playground and a basic kids' club; the shallow lagoon is also fun for young children to splash around in. Free unlimited Wi-Fi is (rather strangely) available in the hotel's indoor botanical gardens. There's a 30-minute time cap for free in-room Wi-Fi.