Like a giant wild salmon frozen mid-leap, the historic Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel assumes a statuesque pose in the quaint Ciudad Jardín neighbourhood of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. This Garden City enjoys a more subtropical temperature than Welwyn and is ideal if you prefer a white-hot Christmas to a traditionally white one. A stay here feels special with a luxurious setting that has hosted the likes of Julio Iglesias, Prince Charles, and Brad Pitt (who allegedly indulged in decadent pool parties while filming Allied in the Gran Canaria capital). Built in 1890 and treated to a €25 million 2020s upgrade by new owners the Barceló Hotel Group, it's as revered as the newly-born successor to the throne.
The eye-catching Atis Tirma monument by the entrance is an emotive homage to the island's original Berber-descending inhabitants, the canarii.
The hotel is set just off the bustling Leon y Castillo, a half hour walk from both the old town and the beach.
By plane: flights from London, Birmingham and Manchester to Gran Canaria take around 4 hours 30 mins. The hotel is a 30-minute taxi ride from the airport. Parking is available on-site for €20 per day. skyscanner.net
Middle-aged couples will truly appreciate Santa Catalina's peaceful surroundings along with the relative proximity to livelier areas of the city. Gloriously exotic patio murals created by a trio of celebrated Canarian artists see the hotel double as an art gallery.
Access to the infinity pool on the Alis Rooftop provides another reason why booking a suite is very much advised.
- Outdoor pool
- Three restaurants
- Two bars
- Wellness centre
- Spa
- Free Wi-Fi
- Paid parking
The suitably regal Royal Suite offers a spacious terrace, two bathrooms, living room, and VIP service. You might be confused by the lack of a television before realizing that the mirror is also a Smart TV.
Deluxe, Deluxe Superior, Junior Suite, Junior Suite Deluxe, Junior Suite Premium, Suite Deluxe, Suite Premium, Royal Suite, Family Deluxe, Suite, Presidential Suite
Facilities include: ensuite shower or bath, bathrobe and slippers, tea and coffee facilities, TV, hairdryer, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi
Colourful cocktails crafted by mixologist Marco Martinez add an extra layer to the ultimate chillout zone, the Alis Rooftop Bar. Dining at snazzy Poemas by Hermanos Padron is pure theatre with each dish feeling like the latest big reveal.
Poemas: formal, Michelin star-dining. Open Tues-Sat for dinner.
1890 La Bodeguita: tapas with a gourmet touch. Open daily noon till midnight.
Carabela Bar: cocktails.
Camarote: pool bar and restaurant.
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