If you’re anything like us, the first few months of any year is spent wondering where the hottest, closest place to the UK is for a much-needed break from the cold. This year, it's becoming more necessary than ever as not only do bored Brits want to escape the overwhelming chaos around Brexit before we leave the European Union but thanks to the entire mess, holidays are also dirt cheap.
A study by The Independent found that consumers are reluctant to commit to breaks over the Easter period because of uncertainty around Brexit. As a result, hotel rates and air fares are plummeting, with some flights to EU destinations going for less than £13. Figures like these mean that airlines are actually losing money on tickets as such low prices only cover the Air Passenger Duty airlines must pay.
This unintended consequence of the confusion around Brexit is one of very few (read: none) benefits to the ongoing debacle. We may not know what the hell is going to happen to our economy, human rights and travel in the future but HEY at least we have cheap breaks in the short term, right? laughs hysterically through tears
At least, that’s what we told ourselves as we searched through Google for the hottest and closest places we could travel as the UK continues to battle Storm Gareth and leave us all dreaming of Summer. The answer to our Google search? Gran Canaria. Averaging temperatures of 21 degrees while England sits at a lowly 5 degrees, it’s the shortest flight to the warmest place and suddenly, we were on the next flight.
Gran Canaria – while beautiful – has suffered a somewhat lacklustre reputation in recent years. With mass market tourism taking over resorts across the country, it’s known for the all-inclusive family friendly deals that bring hordes of brits abroad. However, in an attempt to revamp the image, the last few years have seen major tourist areas gentrified in the hope of attracting more affluent visitors.
Has it succeeded? Well, considering it’s a locale of Mary Berry and Bruce Springsteen, you could say so. They choose to stay at Grand Hotel Residencia, a luxury hotel with a limited number of rooms that boasts a five-star restaurant and spa onsite. Of course, there’s much more to a great holiday than a luxury hotel, here’s everything you need to know before setting off for some pre-Brexit-apocalypse winter sun…
Gran Canaria Easter Sun - Grazia (stacked)
1 of 7The blowout option: Grand Hotel Residencia
With less than 100 rooms and only two-stories amassing the entire hotel, Grand Hotel Residencia is the epitome of relaxation and luxury, and is frequented by TV personalities from Bruce Springsteen to Mary Berry. Located just moments on the beach, you would be forgiven for thinking you're on your own private Island walking around this hotel. With a deluxe spa providing the perfect oasis, you can enjoy a traditional massage or state-of-the-art treatments like their Mindful Touch treatment– which incorporates VR to put you in the ultimate meditative state.Three restaurants span the premises, one for lunch, dinner and a piano bar. Plus, two pools -one saltwater and one thalasso - a gym, golf and various other sporting activities are at your fingertips.
2 of 7The room
With a home away from home feel, the rooms come with more than you would ever expect. From Nespresso machines to Loewe TV's, even the bathrooms are filled with your must-have products, with standard rooms using L'Occitane products and suites filled with Bulgari. The upper-floor suits have perfect views of the mountains and vast sand dunes, with ground-floor rooms backing onto the perfectly manicured gardens. The décor was designed by Alberto Pinto, with Argentinian influences throughout the hotel. Double rooms are £355 year-round on a half board basis.
3 of 7The affordable option: Seaside Palm Beach
The larger sister hotel to Grand Hotel Residencia, Seaside Palm Beach may be a touch less exclusive, but make no mistake it is just as luxurious. With three dining options, the hotel has two pools, a private beached nudist area, and an indulgent spa. The five-star experience begins on arrival - with cava - when you're greeted by 1970s Miami décor, too designed by Alberto Pinto. Award-winning chef Steffan Schenk serves the perfect dishes at La Bodega, so make sure to reserve a night there on arrival.With daily free tai-chi and yoga sessions, you can also choose to relax by the large main pool or put your tennis shoes on for some coached sessions. An outdoor gym is also available with personal trainers on hand to help.
4 of 7The room
With colourful carpets and massive beds, the rooms in Seaside Palm Beach not only offer a ton of room but a delectable view of Gran Canaria. Vivid oranges and yellows give the rooms a bright, happy feel that is expressed throughout the hotel. For the price - double rooms are £114pp including breakfast and dinner - you certainly get your moneys worth.
5 of 7Where to eat and drink
Both Seaside Palm Beach and Grand Residencia host their own five-star restaurants. Sit down for a five-course meal at the restaurant in Grand Residencia and you'll be served the finest food on the IslandIf you're looking to escape a hotel setting, Café Del Mar Meloneras is a moment's walk away, facing the vast sand dune beaches with a cool, beach club vibe. The laidback atmosphere is perfect for lunch, but for the chicest spot in town for cocktails head there after dark. The 19th Hole also hosts near 5-star reviews, as does Bandera Tapas Y Copas, take a walk down before to experience the menu with an idyllic view.For an ideal vegan or vegetarian option, try Biocreperia Risco Caido in Gran Canaria's highest village of Artenara. Everything served uses locally-sourced ingredients on the Cumbre de la Naturaleza, also known as nature's summit.The real night out isn't likely to begin until after midnight as is customary in Spain. Playa del Ingles is the busiest resort and is known for its gay clubs. You can stay out until 6am at most clubs, with the Kasbah centre hosting most 18-30's. If you're after a more lowkey night out, Maspalomas is considered more upmarket, with cocktail bars and restaurants scattered amongst the beautiful surroundings.
6 of 7When to go
While January and February are popular months for those wishing to escape the British cold weather quickly, the best weather is felt between May and November. With highs of 26 degrees from August to October, it's makes a great summer holiday option. Of course, we prefer the winter sun option to run away from the English frost, a popular choice for the older crowds whom tend to descend upon Spain during the winter months.
7 of 7What to do
If you're taking your family away for some winter sun, there are plenty of kid-friendly options in Gran Canaria. Whether it's slipping and sliding around Aqualand – a short taxi away from Melanoras - or exploring the vast sand dunes on the beach, there's plenty of fun activities for any age.Escape the beach with a picnic at Presa de los Perez. An artificial lake rivalling Italy's lake Garda, it's based inside beautiful pine forest. Drive through the northwest of the island's San Isidro and Pinos de Gáldar for a chance to discover the dramatic dam.For a cultural excursion, head down to Cueva Pintada, a Galdar archaeological park and museum that continues to host archaeologists working on and around the Painted Cave. Transporting you to pre-Spanish Gran Canaria, the experience is full of interactive videos and historical insight.Then there's Centre de Cultura Contemporanea San Martin, based in Gran Canaria's oldest neighbourhood. The art gallery hosts both thought-provoking art displays and concerts in its courtyard, perfect for a wander down to Las Palmas.
How to book
For more information Grand Hotel Residencia click here, and for Seaside Palm Beach click here. To book Seaside Palm Beach through booking.com, click here and to book Grand hotel Residencia click here. Flights currently start at £126 pp.