Gran Canaria
is one of the best holiday estinations not only golf but for sports such as biking, trekking, surfing, indsurfing, diving, kite surfing, and sailing.
The beautiful island of Gran canaria has become more popular each year for golfers especially Irish! With its all year round tropical climate, first class golf courses, excellent hotels and all this just a short plane journey from Dublin!
The island’s hotels are superb some of my favourite include The Seaside Hotel 5 star, Palm Beach, The Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia Luxury Plus, a member of the “Leading Hotels of the World” and The Sheraton, Solobre.
GRAN CANARIA GOLF: There are two separate courses in and around Las Palmas city, the most famous of which is Spain’s oldest golf club, the Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas, founded in 1891. The 18-hole par 71 course, designed by Mackenzie Ross in 1956, is in Bandama. Alongside it is an extinct volcanic crater 800m in diameter and 200m deep, testimony to the volcanic origins of the Canary Islands, some 14 million years ago. The course enjoys spectacular views of the top of the crater and of the sea, as well as striking ravines. It’s relatively short with narrow fairways, small greens and hazards throughout the course. Next to the first tee is the VIK Bandama Golf Hotel, for those who wish to spend the night near the course, where the facilities and service are first class.
El Cortijo Club de Campo was the venue for the 2002 Spanish Open and for many other international championships. This 18-hole, par-72 course, is one of the longest in Spain, the course has six lakes and more than 600 palm trees. The views from the course to the Ocean are simply stunning.
In the south of the island, is Maspalomas Golf, which is surrounded by a nature park of sand dunes, with fabulous views to the Ocean and some of Gran Canarias beautiful beaches. The 18-hole, par-73 course is next to the island’s main tourist resort where there are many great hotels, from luxury five-star to small apartments and bungalows.
Near to Maspalomas is the Lopesan Meloneras Golf, an 18-hole, par-71 course which opened in June 2006. The course was designed as a technically challenging course to suit players of all handicaps, and as an ideal venue to host international tournaments. Beginning with a gentle par-four, the course has four tees per hole which makes it interesting for amateurs as well as professionals.
Continuing further south, just a few minutes from Maspalomas, is an area of outstanding natural beauty characteristic of Gran Canaria, with ravines, volcanic rock and spectacular mountain and ocean views. This is where Salobre Golf & Resort can be found. The manicured green gardens contrast with the rugged desert landscape, creating a tranquil oasis in which to enjoy a round of golf. This resort is unique on the island in that it has two 18-hole courses and the magnificent five-star Sheraton Solobre Hotel.
The South Course was designed by Roland Fauvré, in close collaboration with Robert Trent Jones, and it blends with the topography of the area and local vegetation, where some 600 different species of plants and trees have been planted. The North Course is an 18-hole, par-72 course which has been influenced by North American courses. Winding through the hills and valleys of the resort, it offers an authentic challenge to players who enjoy top quality golf while admiring impressive views and scenery.
Golfers who play the recently inaugurated Anfi Tauro Golf can enjoy incredible views of the ocean and the spectacular mountains of Valle de Tauro, creating an unforgettable round of golf. The 18-hole, Arizona-style course is located in an area of lush green vegetation, with lakes and waterfalls, set against a dramatic volcanic mountain backdrop. This extraordinary setting makes Anfi Tauro an experience to remember.
The Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia is the only member of the “Leading Hotels of the World” on Gran Canaria. Here one can experience the combination of luxury, comfort, relaxation, first class service and the most amazing food in The Canaries. The Spanish-colonial style hotel is situated in a palm oasis offering peace, privacy and relaxation in a luxurious setting. The Seaside Grand hotel is perfect for couples of all ages, golfers or anyone just wanting a restful luxurious holiday. You can stay on bed and breakfast or half board basis which ever you choose you won’t be disappointed!
The “Campo de Golf Maspalomas”, which is surrounded by sand dunes, and a further two challenging 18 hole courses, are only a few minutes’ drive from the Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia
The Seaside Palm Beach hotel provides all the amenities that you would expect on a luxury holiday in a top five star hotel. There are three excellent restaurants, an exclusive spa and wellness centre, designed to promote inner harmony, and the comfortably furnished, spacious suites and rooms all enhance your well-being during your holiday. You can rest by the quiet saltwater pool or by the large main pool children can play safely in one of the separate children’s pools. A special feature of this luxury hotel is the exclusive spa and wellness centre. Treatment rooms flooded with natural light, saunas and a thalasso pool all provide a peaceful setting in which you can relax, unwind and recharge your batteries.
Three of the eight excellent golf courses of Gran Canaria are very close to the hotel. Seaside Palm Beach guests benefit from discounted green fees at all the island’s courses. Staff are happy to book tee times and organise transport to the courses if required!
The tennis court with artificial turf and quartz sand surfaces provide the best playing conditions even for serious players. Boccia, volleyball, outdoor chess, shuffleboard and other games complete the range of sports and leisure activities on offer.
Family-friendly atmosphere
The luxurious hotel Seaside Sandy Beach, Playa del Inglés is situated 200 mtrs. from the beautiful sandy beach. The hotel, with its picturesque design was inspired by Moorish influences. The atmosphere here is warm and friendly, the service first class and the cuisine excellent. There is an outdoor fitness area with amazing sea views. The rooms are luxurious, comfortable and quiet. On the eleventh floor there is a private Jacuzzi terrace offering fantastic sea views. A wellness package in the harmonious setting of the spa and wellness area also offers you the opportunity to relax and unwind completely. The lovely evening illuminations in the hotel’s grounds create a magical atmosphere reminiscent of “A Thousand and One Nights”. You will enjoy the special atmosphere when you stay at this excellent hotel.
Another of my favourite hotels on Gran Canaria is the Sheraton Salobre Golf Resort & Spa
The hotel is ideally located in the south of Gran Canaria overlooking the breathtaking greens of the 36-hole Salobre Golf Course.
The hotel elegant rooms and suites are all decorated in contemporary style with modern comforts such as a large plasma TV, WiFi and a private terrace with views of the mountains and or golf course. There are seven outdoor pools, the Sunset Pool is located on the 11th floor, offering incredible panoramic views of the mountains and the sea. It’s an amazing experience to watch the sun rise and set each day from this area.
The stunning Maspalomas beach, famous for its sand dunes, is a just ten minute drive. The hotel provides a regular shuttle bus service. The Beach House, featuring plenty of fantastic facilities including showers, sun loungers, changing rooms and lockers for a pleasant day at the beach.
The Salobre’s exquisite restaurants aim satisfy every taste from buffet dining to gourmet cuisine the breakfast buffets are totally amazing!
What ever your reason for staying at Solobre, be it golf or a relaxing holiday you are guaranteed it will be a wonderful and memorable experience!
For information on golf and hotels please visit:
www.grancanariagolf.com
www.seaside-hotels.com
Aer Lingus offers an extensive service to the Canary Islands for summer 2012 with flights to all four islands; Las Palmas, Lanzarote, Tenerife and Fuerteventura. For more information on schedule and fares, please visit www.aerlingus.com.
Quickpark car park is conveniently located right next to Dublin Airport, they offer a service that is second to none. Staff are friendly and are always at hand with help and advice. Leaving your car at Quickpark is not only economical and safe, but also a hassle-free experience. There is a FREE 24 hour shuttle service which runs every 5 minutes, with a journey time of 5 minutes, direct to the airport terminal building.
www.quickpark.ie
