Paradise Costa Taurito

The Paradise Costa Taurito is one of three hotels located within the Lago Taurito water park. Each property has its own pool deck, buffet restaurant, and lounge with evening shows, but all share access to a large common area with great amenities ranging from a relaxing spa to a kids’ club with activities for children and teens, and several bars. While the Lago Taurito caters mostly to families on a budget and the Valle Taurito to well-heeled couples and families, this property takes the middle ground, with an adult-only policy in the winter only (but not high season), and pleasant yet generic interiors. It is also the smallest of all three hotels. 

Blond wood paneling, run-of-the-mill gray couches, and a glass elevator make this feel almost like a business hotel feel that may seem a little out of place here. Everything, however, is kept clean and tidy, and large windows make common spaces and rooms light and airy. The outdoors are pleasant and green, with lots of palm trees offering shade, and a large pool deck lined with loungers and umbrellas. Although kids are not allowed during the colder months, the vibe at Costa Taurito ranges from quiet to bustling regardless of the time of the year, with daily fitness activities by the pool and mellower evening shows year round.

The hotel is directly on a lovely sandy beach located between tiny Puerto de Mogan village and bustling Puerto Rico. The immediate area is home to just a couple of other beachfront hotels, and there are no restaurants, bars, or shops within easy walking distance. Public buses to Mogan, Puerto de Mogan, Puerto Rico and other towns and attractions in Gran Canaria stop a two-minute walk from the Costa Taurito. Puerto Rico is a 10-minute drive away, and offers a wide array of restaurants, bars, and clubs; Puerto de Mogan, located also a 10-minute drive from the Costa Taurito, is quieter, with just a small marina, a few casual dining options, and a number of small shops. It's about 20 minutes by car to Maspalomas. The airport is a 35-minute drive away. 

The hotel has 92 air-conditioned rooms, all featuring large windows opening onto balconies furnished with two plastic chairs and a small table. All units are clean, but decor is generic and a tad dated, with blond wood furniture, pale yellow walls, and a beige palette with a few darker accents. Classic navy chairs placed around a small dark brown table offer seating by the window, and a basic wooden desk is convenient for those looking to get some work done or just as an additional storage area. Each room also features a small flat-screen TV and an empty mini-fridge, but Wi-Fi is only available for a fee. Bathrooms are clean and older looking, with beige tiles, dark green faux-marble counters and panels, and shower/tub combos with plastic curtains. Older wall-mounted hairdryers and a few hotel-brand toiletries are also provided. 

As part of a larger development, many of the amenities at this hotel are shared, but some are exclusive to the property itself. The hotel's large outdoor pool is heated in the winter and gets lots of sun year round. The spacious deck features a few dozen loungers and umbrellas, and a thatched hut serves poolside drinks and a few snacks throughout the day. Activities and entertainment are available in the pool area every morning, including Pilates, yoga, stretch, batuka, and water volleyball. Although the property only allows children at certain times of year, there is also a separate plunge pool for children. The restaurant serves a decent international buffet at all three main meals, and the indoor lounge has a stage for evening shows. All-inclusive rates are available.

Additionally, all guests get free access to the complex’s common areas, shared with two sister properties. These facilities include a wonderful saltwater water park with several slides for adults and children; a relaxing spa complete with a sauna, a steam bath, and a hydrotherapy area; a well-equipped fitness center with cardio and strength-training machines; and a kids’ club with activities for teens as well. The resort features several tennis and squash courts, along with an 18-hole mini-golf course, a bocce ball area, and bowling alley. There are a few other dining and drinking options both at the water park and at the beach, but food and drink there is not part of the all-inclusive rate. Free Wi-Fi is available in the reception and pool areas, and the hotel features on-site parking for a fee.