All-inclusive hotels in Gran Canaria | unlimited fun in the Spanish sun

Whether you’re on holiday for the sunshine or the nightlife, the Servatur Waikiki is ideally located. It sits right in the heart of Playa del Inglés – Gran Canaria’s most popular tourist resort. Just 1,500m away is the lush beach, a broad expanse of golden sand that stretches for three kilometres. A short stroll the other way is Yumbo Centrum, a four-storey complex of clubs, bars and shops: head to Eiffel Bar for a Grey Goose cocktail.

But with two bars as well as local and global cuisine at Kalua, the on-site restaurant, there’s really no need to leave. After dining on pizza, grilled hamburgers or a stir-fry, head to the Ukelele Bar for fruity cocktails, crisp draught beers and Spanish wines from the all-inclusive menu. Catch a blockbuster at the cinema while the kids battle on their favourite games consoles. Later on, you can listen to live music or dance the night away to the DJ.

Wake up in your bright, modern room with its bold splash of sunshine yellow, bright abstract art and comfortable sofa. Hop in the spacious walk-in shower, then head to the balcony overlooking the gardens or the beach to plan your day. There’s a multisport court, a free gym and a large, heated outdoor pool. Kids can splash about in their own pool with fun slides at Hula-Hula Park, where there’s also an adventure playground and a kids’ club cabin for hanging out and making friends.

Keeping the whole family happy is easy at the Paradise Costa Taurito, thanks to the hotel’s two clubs for kids. Younger children can paint, do crafts or play mini-golf in a charming garden with a fish pond at the Mini Club, while older kids can try archery, play water polo or have a football match in the Maxi Club. Later, indulge the big kid in everyone at the Lago Oasis water park, where dizzying slides plunge into salt water – entrance is free for hotel guests.

Back at your airy room – decorated simply with geometric designs and touches of wood – unwind on your balcony. Some rooms have views out to the Atlantic for extra serenity. Head to the hotel restaurant for a buffet of Mediterranean food as well as themed evenings of international cuisine. The Lola Ville restaurant on the beach also offers à la carte dining at a discount: try dishes such as classic Spanish meatballs. Later in the bar, there’s live entertainment six nights a week. Listen to a concert or show off your pub quiz knowledge as you sip a glass of Rioja from the all-inclusive menu.

Just a few metres from the hotel is Taurito beach, where the adventurous can learn to scuba dive or hire a jet ski. But there’s plenty to keep you active in the hotel as well, whether it’s swimming laps of the pool or (for a small extra charge) playing tennis, squash or mini-golf.

A programme of activities running six days a week means there’s always something going on at the vibrant Hotel Labranda Bronze Playa. In the daytime, join in with aqua aerobics, yoga, water polo, French boules or organised games of darts or pool. In the evening, Bar Palm Beach fills with crowds cheering on professional shows. Alternatively, you might find a packed dance floor grooving to a live band or DJ.

Take a dip in the heated outdoor pool or unwind in the Jacuzzi. Cocktails such as rum punch, Spanish wines and cold beers are also included at the poolside Bar Coconut, so feel free to indulge. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are taken care of, too, with the Cactus Lounge restaurant offering theme nights of Mexican, Asian and local Canarian specialities alongside favourites such as pizza and pasta.

Your room is decorated in a modern, beachy style, with shiplap panelling and bright accents of aqua bringing an ocean feel. A balcony with a table and chairs looks out onto the pool or to the bustling resort of Playa del Inglés – have your morning tea there. Within a five minute stroll, you’ll find yourself on the golden sands of one of Gran Canaria’s most popular beaches. Head in the other direction to reach the island’s outpost of legendary nightclub Pacha, where revellers dance the night away to the resident DJs’ signature deep house mixes.

A four-star hotel with sweeping sea views and fabulous facilities, the Hotel Suite Princess was tailor-made for a grown-up, romantic break without kids. The 304 suites, decorated in elegant, minimalist style with white walls, blond wood and accents of ocean blue, all feature spacious seating areas and sea views from the balcony. A welcome bottle of wine sets the stage for an intimate break of comfort and ease.

Soak up the sun on a poolside lounger or book a treatment in the outdoor massage area. An entertainments team is on hand to introduce you to everything from archery to salsa dancing. At night there’s live music six evenings a week in the Piano Bar, a show at the Disco-Bar Salón Princess or the ‘sundown sessions’ on the Sunset Terrace, where cava and canapés are served as musicians play a duet.

Your all-inclusive package offers a mouthwatering menu of dining choices. Discover the five themed dinners a week at the Restaurant Princess, or dine al-fresco at the terrace of Restaurant La Choza, where there’s a twice-weekly lunchtime barbecue. Celebrating? Book your table for the Cena Española, a menu of classic tapas dishes available once per stay: it’s an ideal occasion for a romantic dinner under the stars. The hotel also offers cooking classes where you can learn to make iconic Spanish dishes such as paella or gazpacho, so you can bring a taste of Gran Canaria home.

For an all-inclusive hotel that offers a taste of global cuisine, check into the Clubhotel Riu Papayas. Relish the freedom of 24-hours-a-day drinks and snacks along with a wide range of dining options. The main buffet restaurant offers themed dinners twice a week, and there are two inclusive à la carte eateries: ZHÚ, which serves pan-Asian delicacies, or Olé, the home of classic Spanish dishes. They’re very popular, so don’t forget to book ahead.

There are also plenty of activities. At RuiLand kids’ club, youngsters draw, sing, have their faces painted and even put on plays with the hotel mascot, Calú the turtle. That leaves you time to join a fitness class, play beach volleyball or make a splash in the large heated pool. The kids can slide into their own children’s pool or swing and climb in a dedicated playground. Shows and live music will keep the whole family entertained in the evenings.

In your room, the relaxing cool white and marine blue palette sets a restful tone, while parquet flooring adds sophistication. The balcony looks out over the pool or the lively resort of Playa del Inglés. Fancy a trip out? You can easily explore 3km of glittering sands at Playa del Inglés beach as the hotel provides a convenient shuttle bus. Head further afield and ride a camel through the dunes of Maspalomas, or race the kids down the slides of Aqualand water park.

Pack your sense of adventure when you head for the Hotel Dunas Mirador Maspalomas. With a pirate ship parked in the children’s pool, this place is designed for the young and young-at-heart. There’s plenty to keep little ones busy with a playground, a kids’ club and a mini disco in the evenings. Elegant rooms are decorated in soothing neutral tones, with bold feature walls, a spacious balcony and a marble-effect bathroom. Upgrade to a family room and relax in your own living room with a sofa bed.

Take a dip in the heated pool or Jacuzzi and sip a spritzer from the poolside bar (drinks are included). If you’re feeling competitive, take on all-comers at table tennis or water polo. For an extra charge, the wellness centre offers hot-stone massages or rejuvenating facials with macadamia, avocado and sweet almond oil. When you’re fully revitalised, a shuttle bus will take you to the beach at Maspalomas with acres of sand dunes nearby – look out for migrating birds such as kingfishers at the lagoon.

In the evening, take a table on the terrace and dine al-fresco from the restaurant’s hot and cold buffet options: sample international dishes such as nachos or sushi (leave space for rich desserts like the chocolate cake). Twice a week there are live performances, or you can hit the dance floor at the hotel disco.

At the Marina Elite, you have the best of both worlds: meals and drinks available whenever you want them, along with the freedom to cook for yourself. In the mini kitchen, complete with fridge, coffee machine, toaster and microwave, you can prepare easy dishes and serve them on the balcony for an al-fresco family supper. Eating out? The on-site buffet restaurant has local dishes such as paella and Spanish meatballs while there are light bites at the pool bar and beach bar.

Relax by one of the two pools, swim a few laps or head to the gym for an energising workout. Afterwards, you can indulge a Finnish-style sauna (all included in your stay). Indulge in a bit of healthy competition with ping pong tables, pool tables and a dartboard, as well as a tennis court (a small fee applies). Children have their own small splash pool and a kid’s club for ages four to 12, with a slide, play equipment and organised games.

The simply furnished apartments feature a separate living room and bedroom, with cool tiled floors, colourful pictures and blond wood. They’re an ideal base for exploring the island: start with a quick stroll to sheltered Balito beach, then head to Roque Nublo in the centre of the island, a rock formed by a spectacular volcanic eruption 4.5 million years ago.

You don’t have to go far to appreciate the location of the Paradise Valle Taurito hotel: it’s only 50 metres from the beach. But it’s also well situated to explore some of the region’s most intriguing natural and cultural highlights, such as the rugged beauty of Pilancones Natural Park, home to rare birds and ancient archaeological sites, or the splendour of the Maspalomas dunes.

Start by taking in a view of the island from your spacious terrace or balcony, which looks out towards the sea or over the fun-filled pools of Lago Taurito water park (hotel guests can swim and slip down the water slides for free). The smart, modern rooms are decorated in understated neutral tones with touches of bright green, vibrant abstract art and soft cushions in bold colours. Fuel up before your excursions with a meal from the all-inclusive buffet: choose from dishes such as cheesy pasta, vegetable stir-fries and meat grills.

There’s plenty to keep the whole family busy at this hotel. A kids’ clubs entertains the children with arts and crafts, table football or mini-discos. Activities running six days a week give adults the chance to try their hand at salsa dancing or yoga, learn archery or tai chi, compete in water polo or tennis and show off their skills in mini-golf or darts. In the evening, settle back with a draught beer or a glass of sangria and watch a crowd-pleasing live show.