Vitalclass Lanzarote Sport & Wellness Resort

Vitalclass Lanzarote Sport & Wellness Resort occupies a large plot of land west of central Costa Teguise. Its 150 rooms and indoor common areas are housed in a number of pale, three-story buildings set around a large central area complete with three pools, spacious decks with loungers, and cute Canarian gardens dotted with palm trees. The outdoor spaces are well-maintained and appealing, with ample space to relax both around the pools and away from the action. Interiors are traditional and a bit dated, albeit pleasant, with volcanic stone accents and a soft palette that makes spaces feel welcoming. The lobby is particularly appealing, with high ceilings, white metal chairs and couches, and polished marble-like floors in brown hues. As it name implies, the focus at the Vitalclass Lanzarote is on sports and wellness, and the vibe is mellow. There is some entertainment during the day, as well as evening shows and live music, but activities offered on-site are archery, table tennis, and stretching, rather than pool competitions and games with dance music in the background. The music at the pool bar is kept at a reasonable volume, so guests wanting a quieter atmosphere can easily find a spot away from it, and the only higher sounds we heard during our stay were the voices of kids playing around the pool. The focus on wellness doesn’t only come as a lack of noise, though. The hotel is home to a great gym and a spa, and offers special programs for bikers, golfers, and divers, among others. Despite the clear emphasis on sports and active vacations, those who just want to relax in the sun are not expected to join any of the activities, making it a good pick for couples and families as well (in fact, most of the guests we saw during our stay were British families with young children). Still, those wanting something livelier in this price range may prefer Los Zocos, which is also closer to the beach and the city center. For a little bit more money, Occidental Lanzarote Playa has a bigger pool, more contemporary rooms, and direct access to a rocky beach, while H10 Suites Lanzarote Gardens has well-equipped apartments and more amenities for kids. 

Vitalclass Lanzarote Sport & Wellness Resort is located on the road that connects Costa Teguise to Arrecife and the airport. Several other hotels and a couple of cafes are the only buildings within a few blocks, and the area gets little foot traffic. There is a pleasant beach about a 15-minute walk away, but it can take up to 25 minutes to get to the city center on foot. Plus, the area’s sandier beaches -- such as Jablillo and Cucharas -- are easier to reach by car or taxi. Arrecife, home to a handful of historic and cultural attractions, including San Gabriel and San Jose castles, La Recova Market, and the 18th-century San Gines Church, is a 15-minute drive away, as is the airport. The hotel is 35 minutes from Timanfaya National Park, home to several stunning volcanos. 

The hotel has 150 big, air-conditioned apartments, each with one or two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a spacious living area with a sofa bed. While comfortable, clean, and sunny, rooms are in need of an update. Decor is simple and dated, consisting of faded, plaid upholstery on couches, beige tile floors, and generic artwork. Green accent walls and flowery curtains and bed skirts make bedrooms more colorful, but the wooden furniture, while generally in good shape, has an old-fashioned, country look. Technologies were great a few years ago, but now feel a little outmoded: flat-screen TVs are an older model (and tiny in bedrooms), massage chairs are worn, and Wi-Fi is often unreliable. DVD players and ceiling fans are available in all apartments.Kitchens are outfitted with small fridges, cooktops, coffeemakers, electric kettles, toasters, and pots and pans, but no ovens or microwaves. Each bedroom has ample storage space, and living rooms feature seating and dining space for up to five guests. Big glass doors open to spacious terraces furnished with loungers, tables, and chairs, and offer views of either the pools and the grounds, or the surrounding area. About 80 percent of the apartments at Vitalclass Lanzarote have one bedroom and one bathroom, while the rest are two-bedroom units, including some with two bathrooms. Bathrooms are clean but plain, with yellow walls, big sink areas, and shower/tub combos with hydromassage columns. Hairdryers and basic toiletries are provided in all room types.  

The hotel has three small outdoor pools, all on the same deck by the restaurant. There are lots of loungers, but only a handful of straw umbrellas provide some shade around the pools. There is also a 25-meter (82-foot) heated indoor pool with lanes and big windows, but it is an extra charge for all but all-inclusive guests. The indoor pool is part of the hotel’s great gym, which features spacious cardio and strength-training areas, spinning classes (for a fee), and a movement studio. Those who prefer outdoor workouts can use a handful of machines available by the pool, or book the tennis or paddle courts. The spa offers a great array of body treatments and salon services, as well as free access to an adult-only (16-plus) area, complete with a sauna, hammam, shock pools, and a whirlpool. The main restaurant serves a small but tasty buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We found breakfast to be the most average meal, with a few hot options and just decent pastries. However, lunch and dinner offered freshly made fish, chicken, and veal, along with sides such as mashed potatoes, fries, peas, and ingredients for a salad. Fresh and dried fruits and nuts were available at every meal, and there was always a section with nuggets and other kid-friendly options. The pool bar offers a wide array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (some of which are not covered by the all-inclusive package) and a short food menu with burgers and a few other small bites.