Sands Beach Resort is on our doorstep, and we train there often as we’re members of the triathlon club based there, but that didn’t stop us from checking it out with a short break!

It’s 4 star status suggests that it’s a cut above the usual “complexes” in Lanzarote, and that’s reflected in the fact that accommodation there is mostly small bungalows and villas, rather than apartments.

First Impressions

The entrance is seriously grand! There’s a huge canopy over the driveway, which leads into a vast reception area, which is all marble and sweeping staircases. To the right there’s a small sports clothing shop (expensive!) and to the left a supermarket, which is well stocked and decent value for money. There is also a seating area, and a desk selling excursions and tickets to attractions.

There’s also a large bar area access from reception, but that wasn’t open during the day while we were there. Stairs lead down to the nightclub / disco / entertainment part of the hotel..

The complex is simply vast, with 6 “plazas,” all with their own pools, and all with a slightly different character. We’d chosen to stay in a Beach Front villa, which meant walking all the way through the resort. It was a good way to get a feel for the scale of the place, and to realise that each plaza offers a different experience – some seemed quite noisy, with lots of kids playing in them, while others, notably Plaza Verde, was quiet and peaceful.


Holidays at Sands Beach can be as active or relaxed as you want them to be, this hotel is extremely popular with families, there’s plenty to keep children entertained with Buddy and the Active Team. The hotel also has excellent facilities for sports holidays with a 25m outdoor laned pool, tennis courts, bike rental and gym on-site, attracting groups of athletes to train in the warm climate, especially during the winter months

Our Accommodation

The beach front area is fabulous, with the water lapping from a lagoon onto a private beach. We faced out over the lagoon, with a sea view. The villa has two storeys, with a lounge and full equipped kitchen and a bedroom downstairs and a further bedroom upstairs. It was clean and presentable, and equipped with everything needed, apart from air conditioning, which made for a warm night’s sleep.


It was a great position in terms of views, but suffered cheap propecia 1mg from two drawbacks – first of all it was a very long walk back to reception and the car park, and secondly, it was noisy, as many people staying there chose to spend the day on the beach and there was kids entertainment going on during the day in the area.

In retrospect, unless we were travelling with youngsters, we’d forego the view and opt to stay in Plaza Verde, which is mainly used by sports people, so it tends to be much quieter.

Eating and Drinking

The Mai Tai is a bar and restaurant on a small island, just across the lagoon, and accessed by walking bridge. There’s yet another pool there, and really good quality snacks, sandwiches and pizzas are served there, as well as drinks, coffees and ice creams.

We had both breakfast and dinner at The Hacienda restaurant, which is right in the middle of the resort. Both were buffet style – in the evenings steaks, chicken and fish are cooked to order, and the salad bar is fabulous. At breakfast time, there’s an amazing selection of fruit and everything from continental to pancakes and English style breakfasts.

The evening meal was good, but not exceptional, but the breakfast really was a bit special, although it does get very busy and crowded in the restaurant.

Service
I can only describe the service as “acceptable.” That’s not a criticism, but there isn’t very much to write about! You serve your own meals, reception was pretty standard, and we didn’t really interact with anyone else while we were there.

Summary
I’d highly recommend it as a great place for a family holiday – there’s a ton of things for kids to do, and the entertainment looked first class. For me personally, it’s not a place I’d choose for a relaxing break.


What would draw me back is a sporting holiday. The 25 metre pool is perfect for swim training, there’s an excellent gym and you’re right on top of some of the best trail running, mountain biking and road biking places in Europe. But unlike many sporting venues, you’re in the heart of a busy resort, so you have all the usual “Holiday” things like shops, bars, supermarkets and restaurants to enjoy when you’re not training.

We’d be delighted to help you book a stay at Sands Beach Resort, contact us for a great rate and personal advice about which plaza would suit you.