TUI SENSIMAR Natura Palace & SPA

Located in a quiet part of town, a five-minute drive from central Playa Blanca, the Natura Palace has an upmarket yet laid-back feel from the get-go. The massive lobby has soaring wooden ceilings, huge windows overlooking the pools and ocean, and eye-catching checkered floors, with just a few clusters of armchairs in neutral hues. Outside, beautiful rolling lawns dotted with colorful flowers, palm trees, and shrubs lead to the promenade and ocean. On the edge of the property, a handful of cabanas arranged facing the sea are a coveted spot for those looking to get away from it all, though the atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing throughout. During our visit, most guests seemed to spend the day reading or snoozing by the pools, with just the sound of waves in the background. The property does offer a few fitness classes daily -- such as Pilates and stretching -- but there is no music or loud entertainment at the pools. The Natura Palace is an excellent option for those seeking some peace and relaxation, but Hotel THe Volcan Lanzarote may be a better option for travelers wanting a livelier atmosphere. Another excellent, upscale option attracting a mix of families and couples is the Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort, which has large suite-style rooms, a great spa, and a convenient location within walking distance of the beach and Playa Blanca’s marina. Those wanting an all-inclusive experience in a boutique atmosphere may want to compare rates at the adult-only H10 Sentido White Suites, whose rooms come with great amenities. 

Tui Sensimar Natura Palace is located on the main thoroughfare running through Playa Blanca and the surrounding area. Directly across the road is the Red Mountain, a stunning volcano with hiking trails and panoramic views. Other than that, there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity, but the rear of the property opens directly onto the narrow oceanfront pedestrian promenade, a popular spot for morning jogs and sunset strolls. While there are a few tiny rocky beaches in the area, the nearest stretch of sand is about a 10-minute walk away. Central Playa Blanca, home to dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops, can be reached in about five minutes by car, and its lively marina in about 10 minutes. Lanzarote Airport is about half an hour away by car. There is free on-site parking at the hotel. 

The hotel has 269 rooms spread over a large four-story building with four elevators. Decor ranges from classic and dated to contemporary, with traditional wood furniture and old-fashioned linens in standard Double Rooms, and more streamlined furnishings in Premium units and Suites. Backlit headboards, abstract art on walls, and frosted-glass screens separating bedrooms from the living areas add style in higher-category units. Big glass doors open to furnished balconies or terraces offering serene garden views or full vistas of the sea. Though not quite high-end, amenities are decent, consisting of air-conditioning, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs with a few international channels, free Wi-Fi, and robes. Slippers are only provided in suites. Many rooms have sofa beds, while most can fit an additional bed for a third guest. Bathrooms received some upgrades in early 2017 (in particular, plastic curtains for the shower/tub combos were replaced with glass screens), but the blue and white tiles covering walls and floors are old-fashioned and a tad plain.  The hotel has a number of stylish villas with private gardens, kitchenettes, and full sea views.  

Most guests congregate around the two outdoor pools, both of which have relaxing ocean views and many loungers spread over a spacious deck dotted with palm trees. One of the pools is heated in the winter, but some guests have found it to be too cold for a swim. There is a whirlpool in the middle of the deck, plus another one at the spa, which also features a sauna, steam bath, and massage rooms. The gym is small but well-equipped, with a few cardio and strength-training machines, and big windows offering garden views. Tennis and paddle courts can be used for a fee, and there is a mini-golf area with partial ocean views. The only rate available at Natura Palace includes breakfast and dinner, both of which are served at La Caleta, the hotel’s buffet restaurant. There is also an a la carte eatery with themed nights and local cuisine, but meals here are an extra charge. Small bites and snacks are available for lunch at the poolside bar, which has a big outdoor lounge under an awning.