Jardines Del Sol By Diamond Resorts

Owned by American hotel group Diamond Resorts, Jardines del Sol blends in well with its surroundings. The landscape around the property is what one would expect to see in a postcard from Lanzarote: a volcanic scenery dotted with black sand, cacti,  palm trees, and low whitewashed buildings with small patios. And Jardines del Sol is no different. The grounds are big and inviting, with arches made of colorful bougainvillea that stand out against the dark sand, wooden gazebos with benches, and palm trees swaying in the ocean breeze. The property’s 50 buildings are spread out over the gardens, and the central part of the property is occupied by the pools, the restaurant, and the lobby. While the outdoors have a strong local feel, interiors are more generic (albeit pleasant). The reception area is simple and cheerful, with a couple pink and green puzzle-shaped ottomans, big windows, and funky white couches decorated with green pillows. The hotel operates almost as a timeshare property, and the lobby is more of a welcome point and concierge desk than a place to hang out. The atmosphere throughout is quiet and relaxing, and guests, most of whom are British couples and families, tend to gather around the pools during the day. No entertainment program, kids’ club, or evening shows are offered, which keeps things peaceful. However, the restaurant, which doubles as the pool bar, is busy in the evenings, especially when there is live music.  Though Jardines del Sol may be a great option for those seeking a peaceful atmosphere, the Lanzasur Club -- which features a water park, a kids’ club, and all-inclusive rates -- may be a better pick for families, though apartments are nicer at Jardines del Sol. Villas Alondra & Alondra Suites is a great alternative for travelers with a bigger budget. It offers 41 luxe villas with private pools, a common pool with an adult-only area, and an on-site restaurant that can deliver breakfast to the room. Couples looking to stay closer to the beach may prefer the H10 Sentido White Suites, which has a similar peaceful vibe.  

The hotel is located in a quiet residential area in the outskirts of Playa Blanca. There are a few other hotels and private vacation homes around it, but the immediate area, though picturesque, is isolated. Those planning to cook in their apartment can find a supermarket within a five-minute walk of the hotel, but there are no other shops around it. The promenade, located about a 10-minute walk away, offers great coastal walks in either direction, as well as a handful of small restaurants. However, the walk to central Playa Blanca can take up to 30 minutes, and about 50 to the town’s lively marina. Taxis and buses are readily available in the area, shortening the trips to those areas to five and 10 minutes, respectively. The nearest beach is a 25-minute walk away, and Timanfaya National Park can be reached in about 20 minutes by car. The airport is a half-hour drive from the hotel.  

Jardines del Sol offers 48 two- to four-bedroom apartments, all housed in quaint stand-alone buildings and renovated in 2016. Decor is similar both in style and palette in all units, but two-bedroom apartments are a tad simpler than bigger ones, featuring a range of earth tones, generic wood furniture throughout, and walls hung with small color photos of local landscapes. Three- and four-bedroom villas have a few more contemporary touches, such as lime-green and fuchsia accents, white leather-like chairs around the dining table, and colorful close-up photos of plants. Each apartment has a big kitchen equipped with all the basics -- full fridge, cooktop, coffeemaker, toaster, oven, and microwave – plus a dishwasher and a washer/dryer. Additionally, welcome packs are provided in all units, complete with tea, milk, coffee, sugar, salt, pepper, and bottled water. Dining tables are big enough to fit the maximum of guests allowed in each apartment (six in two-bedroom units, eight in three-bedrooms, and 10 in four-bedrooms), and living areas have spacious seating areas with couches, armchairs, and coffee tables. Flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and sofa beds are standard amenities, as is air-conditioning, available in all bedrooms and the living area. Wi-Fi and safes, however, are an extra charge. Bathrooms in two-bedroom apartments are clean but a tad small, with shower stalls and/or shower/tub combos, and simple sinks with a shelf instead of a vanity. Bathrooms in three and four-bedroom villas are bigger and more contemporary, with walk-in showers, more counter space, and even access to an outdoor shower in some.Light sleepers may want to request an apartment away from the road, as there have been some reports of traffic noise. 

Jardines del Sol offers a good range of leisure facilities, including three pools set on a two-tier deck with lots of padded loungers and a few straw umbrellas. The biggest one, located on the lower level, has wheelchair access, while the pool on the top deck has a separate area for toddlers. The kiddy pool and one of the other family pools are heated in the colder months, though some guests have still found them a little chilly. Poolside massages and towels are both available for a fee. There is a mini-golf area with sea views in a quiet corner of the property, but there is an extra charge for loaner clubs. The playground, complete with toys and climbing structures, is another good perk for families. Most guests come here on a self-catering rate, but half-board packages are available for parties staying a minimum of four nights. The restaurant, located by the pool, serves an international menu that gets good reviews, and has a popular bar area that keeps drinks flowing during the day and into the evening. Live music is available a couple of nights per week by the pool. The hotel also offers outdoor parking free of charge.