SBH Costa Calma Beach Resort

With its imposing, gray stone-clad entrance flanked by nondescript, sandstone-colored buildings, the SBH Costa Calma Beach Resort hardly presents the most welcoming of facades. Stepping inside, an airy, bright lobby is instantly more inviting, with huge colorful canvases, geometric tiling, and an impressive multicolored chandelier hanging almost the height of the lofty atrium. With over 500 rooms spread over several buildings, the hotel is certainly a contender for the largest on the island. Grounds, however, aren't as extensive as one might imagine, though the tropical gardens are well-tended and slope down with direct access to a small (almost) private beach. The vibe is friendly and pleasant, attracting a mix of mostly northern European vacationers, and a pretty even split between couples and families with kids.

The hotel is located towards the north end of the popular resort town of Costa Calma, on the southwest coast of Fuerteventura. While the surroundings are mostly open land, there are a couple of shops within walking distance, though little in the way of evening entertainment. The property has direct access to a semi-private stretch of white sanded beach, which connects to the renowned Sotavento beach. 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 a 25- to 30-minute drive. Fuerteventura Airport is about an hour away.

The hotel has 556 rooms, suites, and apartments, all of which are decorated in breezy light tones, with colorful furnishings and tiled floors -- island life watercolor prints help spruce up the rather spare look of the spaces. Rooms are clean and pleasant, but a bit dull, and some are in need of a refresh. All rooms have furnished balconies or terraces, with many offering sea views (though some only partial). Amenities are fairly basic, with little beyond minibars and flat-screen TVs; there are no tea/coffee facilities, Wi-Fi is charged, and safes must be rented. Apartments do include kitchenettes with microwaves, cookware, toasters, and coffee machines. Bathrooms are generally spacious, with marble countertops, wall-mounted hairdryers, and sachet toiletries. 

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served buffet-style in the hotel's only restaurant, which inevitably gets very busy and noisy during peak seasons. Reports suggest food quality is generally as decent as can be expected, though poor variety means it can get repetitive quickly. There are also four bars dotted throughout the property, including poolside and in the lobby; drinks are often self-service and good quality. Plans range from bed-and-breakfast to all-inclusive. 

The main pool is impressively large, though only heated in cooler months and often cold, while the separate kids' pool is also a good size. The spa offers a whirlpool tub, sauna, and massage treatments. The hotel has direct access to a sandy beach, which is fairly small with some rocks, though pleasant and semi-private. Child-friendly facilities include a kids' club, mini-disco, and plenty of poolside activities and entertainment. Wi-Fi incurs a charge, and guests report that it's spotty.