We've recently returned from a four night All Inclusive break at the beautiful Barcelo Santiago which has stunning views of the jaw dropping Los Gigantes cliffs and La Gomera island across the ocean. So, what did we think and would we go again?
We always rather sneered at AI but after a stressful few years actually a short break with the only concern being which pool to swim in or restaurant to eat in was absolute bliss!
The Barcelo specialises in luxurious hotels at affordable prices in some fabulous locations from The Canaries to Thailand. Some are Adult Only and some are family friendly. We've only been to the Barcelo Santiago (adult only) but reviews generally seem to be good at all of them.
From the seamless transfer to our welcome at reception even after a rocky start where we were diverted to Fuerteventura airport because of wind shear at Tenerife South we felt like valued customers.
Rooms
Rooms are spacious and I can highly recommend asking for a sea view. Little touches like hygiene and care kits, fluffy white robes and slippers and bottled water in the fridge give this hotel a high end feel. We were in rooms 410 and 411, down two flights of stairs down from the pools and restaurant but there are a couple of lifts which were both working throughout our stay.
We asked for quiet rooms away as we knew some rooms overlooked the pools/bar where the evening entertainment is held. Generally the hotel is quite quiet - more cocktail sipping than rowdy party people. We did see all ages however and a number of nationalities - mostly Spanish, German, French and British.
Last time we had a view of Los Gigantes, this time La Gomera which you can just see in this obligatory feet on a sunbed photo.
The bathroom is not in a different room but separated from the sleeping area which also has a desk, good sized wardrobes and shelves, facilities to make tea and coffee and a luggage rack. The water was hot and the shower was blissfully powerful. Separate towels for the bathroom and the pool area were provided.
Pools
Three pools, one heated, mean that you can swim in peace or choose to join a variety of water-based exercise classes. There's also a small jacuzzi and a sunbathing pool with three beds slightly submerged in the water.
There are plenty of sunbeds and brollies all around the pools, on the solarium and overlooking the ocean plus Balinese style beds you can book via reception. There's also a smoking area with tables and umbrellas and an amazing view and of course shaded seating areas with tables at the Breeze Pool bar where you can get a huge range of branded drinks and proper mixed cocktails - served in glasses or plastic pool-safe cups.
Entertainment
Daytime entertainment is varied and although participation is encouraged we didn't feel hassled at all to join in and the activities didn't impact restful snoozing sunbathing. There was pétanque, darts with adaptations so even amateurs like me could compete with seasoned arrow chuckers, shuffleboard and the Barcelo Challenge which was basically "who can catch the falling stick". More fun than it sounds!
I did Yoga under a beautiful gazebo (discovering in the process just how bad my arthritis is now) and you could also enjoy Pilates or a stretch class.
The evening program was mostly music based - tribute acts, crooners, a white party with disco and a flautist who also sang-compared to our previous visit when we had African acrobats and Flamenco dancers but all the acts were excellent and you could avoid them simply by sitting further away from the staging area. My 24 year old and my husband ended up supressing their reserved English nature and joining in good spirits while my son and I avoided eye contact and didn't participate.
During the day there was a violinist, a flamenco dancer with an amazing traditional Spanish guitarist and a mixology demonstration which seemed more fun than a serious learning opportunity.
The hotel also has a spa (additional fees apply), indoor spa pool and gym plus hairdresser which offers a range of services including nails. We never saw it open - maybe you have to book.
Food
The food offerings were excellent. We first visited this hotel a couple of years ago and felt the buffet let the hotel down slightly. This time however both ingredients and service was much improved at all three mealtimes. A highlight was the themed Canarian night featuring a spectacular seafood bar along with local specialities. This is my son's plate!
I must mention the Breeze bar which was my son's primary reason for re-booking this hotel (something we never do!) Their small but perfectly formed menu offered treats such as garlic prawns, homemade hummus, crepes and the highlight for us carnivores, a good steak! And if like us you book all inclusive you can eat as many as you like.
Around the Hotel
Many people never leave their AI hotel but we like to explore. Last time we enjoyed a boat trip to see the dolphins and whales and walked to a lovely natural pool where you can bathe. This time we followed the coastal path which passes the hotel to a nearby town and did some snorkelling from the rocky "beach" in front of the hotel. It was a little choppy and quite a challenge to enter the water (take beach shoes) but the range and quantity of fish literally inches from the rocks was astounding!
Very close to the hotel are a couple of tourist tat shops, a small supermarket and a charity shop along with a couple of bars and restaurants. A chemist is within walking distance if you can cope with hills/steps.
There are a number of excursions you can book via Jet2, online, at the hotel or in nearby agency offices. Shop around for the best prices.
The volcano, Teide which you might see from the airplane and from the solarium at the hotel is a world heritage site, the highest point in Spain and a major attraction which you can visit by coach, taxi or helicopter. There is a cable car if you want a close up view- check the price is included in your trip if you are booking an organised excursion. There are even stargazing trips on offer making the most of the elevation and dark skies.
Other visitors love the Thailand inspired Siam Water Park which claims to have been voted best water park in the world ten times in a row - it's quite a way from Barcelo Santiago but day trips do run from the hotel.
We travelled with Jet2 (we paid for our own trip) and took advantage of their interest free payment plan and generous luggage allowance. I can't believe I'm saying this but I would go back to Barcelo Santiago for a relaxing break. However we have our eye on the Barcelo Coconut Island near Phuket . Maybe one day for an extra special holiday. A girl can dream can't she?
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