Occidental Jandía Mar

Occidental Jandia Mar Being a tropical animal I suffer from SAD and find the dark wet gloomy grey days after the clocks go back in October very depressing. Few years ago we stumbled upon the best treatment for this, Canary Islands, a subtropical paradise on the west coast of Africa, ever since we have been stealing a week away from the busy NHS schedule to come here to recharge our vitamin D levels and balance the melatonin. This year we chose the Jandia peninsula in the south west of Fuertaventura, a resort we haven’t been before, having stayed for a week it’s exceeded all our expectations. Occidental Jandia Mar is a quiet a large place and in the first week of December it wasn’t full. General atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, with happy holidaymakers going around their business. Though it is a large establishment it is spread out in a very large area on a south facing slope looking over the ocean. Most rooms are in low rise 3 story blocks oriented east west on the terraced grounds ensuring an ocean view and a sun lit balcony. We were on block nine, room 9103 which we found spacious light and airy with a comfortable bed excellent end-suite conveniences and kept tidy by courteous staff. On arrival we discovered two of the light switches were loose due to wear and tear, one call to the front desk the switches were replaced by the maintenance staff. Unfortunately we had a heavy thunderstorm on the 5th night and there was a small leak from the roof that didn’t affect us and was attended aging promptly. In the middle surrounded by the accommodation blocks is the leisure area comprising of three terraces a bar and outdoor dining area on the first, a pool and fitness area on the second, and another larger pool and leisure area with a bar and restaurant in the third. We enjoyed Pilates, Yoga, Steps, lead on by a group of cheerful young people, like Rachel, Quinton, Christina, Marika, on the second terrace on most mornings taking advantage of the warm and sunny weather. The main restaurant is spacious clean with a wide variety of food and drink choices, with some variations during the week so we never got bored with the food. Staff were polite cheerful and very friendly. Normally I steer away from the (all inclusive) choice of wines, to my surprise I enjoyed the offered Spanish medium bodied red, not too acidic medium dry white, and sangria, for the whole week I didn’t have to buy any wine. Also tried a glass of larger, not being a beer enthusiast I couldn’t pretend to rate it but I enjoyed it too. My partner had a cocktail mist nights and was very happy with the choice. After attempting yoga and pilates my aging joints and muscles were sore so I had a massage at the sauna Sandra the young Cuban girl is so good I fell asleep several times during the hour. I suffer from dry eczematous skin so took advantage of the moisturising scrub, again very relaxing and my skin has not been in the constitution it is now for years. In addition to the leisure activities offered in the hotel we took advantage of the weather to take long walks along the clean white sandy beach that was a first for me in the Canary Islands. I was expecting black coarse volcanic gravel, finding fine white sandy beach was a definite plus. On the seafront there is a long stretch of shops that mostly sell touristy goods but we were pleasantly surprised to find some designer shops with tempting Black Friday offers.

Lovely hotel wifi through out the hotel staff lovely the top pool gets heated by solar panels still a bit cool when you first get in but fine after that until you get out with breeze the rooms nice and big large bed and nice views the hotel lovely and clean plenty to eat. Down side the food was not very warm and it’s on a steep bank alright going down but my wife could not walk back so we had a taxi 3euros not much their Burger King some shops and a few cafe bars. I would go back again in November but I would not have my main summer holiday there I don’t think they cope very well bar staff were a bit short while we we were there

Hotel is on a very large site so be prepared for a bit of walking. Good room and everywhere is clean and tidy. Great choice of food in the restaurant and the all inclusive drinks are self service for wine and beer. Two large swimming pools and plenty of beds. Reception staff are very helpful. There is a bus provided to get to the beach.

In the main this is an excellent hotel. Pros - • 2 very large swimming pools • Lots of sunbeds and all in pretty good condition • Food generally good, very large restaurant • Few queues for serving • Staff very friendly and helpful with good English • Easy going approach towards things like water bottles, portion sizes • Entertainment staff, helpful and approachable but not pushy if you didn’t want to get involved. • Upstairs bar for cocktails and a generally more sedate adult atmosphere Cons – • A bit tired in places, our room had furniture that was damaged and broken • Air con – very poor, we went in November I would think it would be very hot at night in August • Service was generally very good but as the hotel was only half full not sure how it would cope with more guests • Not very close to the centre of Jandia, about 45 mins walk but only 5 euros for a taxi so no big deal. • 2 hours transfer from airport. This is clearly a well-run and efficient hotel, it had a nice feel about it staff were helpful and friendly and made us welcome. We would definitely recommend it.

We have just returned from a week's stay here and have to say we loved every minute. We upgraded to Occidental+ which is worth every penny. The food/ambiance and team were amazing in the restaurant. The choice of drinks is fabulous as are the bar staff who always serve with a smile. The rooms were lovely and all areas were kept spotlessly clean. Did not have any issues with getting a sunbed each day. Would definitely look to return in the future :)