The high life: planning luxury holidays to Gran Canaria

If Gran Canaria is not on your travel hit list, put it on. Gone are the days of bucket and spade package holidays to the Canaries. Gran Canaria is where the wealthy Spanish get their winter sun and where international creatives flock to, inspired by the rugged volcanic landscape. Many luxury hotels in Gran Canaria offer all-inclusive breaks, providing the ultimate excuse to rest and relax during your stay. Yet, for the curious traveller, leaving the confines of your Gran Canaria hotel will allow you to experience the island’s true essence in style.

Located adjacent to the beautiful Doramas Park in Las Palmas, Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, is one of the best hotels in Gran Canaria. Dating back to the late 1800s, it has long-standing ties to the island’s wealthy British community and has undergone two major refurbishments, one after World War II and another in 2019. Following the most recent restoration, the hotel was awarded the prestigious 5-Star Grand Luxury designation.

Guests can admire its original architecture, featuring traditional Canarian wooden ceilings, Murano glass lamps, and striking frescos. Much of the furniture is either original or from the same era as the hotel’s construction. Its storied past is also showcased through black-and-white photographs lining the hallways, each capturing a moment in the life of this iconic establishment. 

Today, the hotel remains a haven for lovers of old-world luxury, offering warm, attentive service and exceptional on-site facilities, including a spa, two Michelin-starred restaurants, and a stunning rooftop bar complete with a private pool. In short, it is one of the best places to stay in Gran Canaria

Ease into your five-star Gran Canaria escape with a sophisticated, laid-back buffet brunch with the sound of live jazz music floating on the warm, salty breeze. Held exclusively at the Restaurante Doramas, inside the Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, this culinary experience is a delight for your senses. Sample a curated selection of high-quality dishes from grilled meat and fish, seafood, cured hams, artisan breads and a range of homemade desserts. Unlimited cava and fresh orange juice will be flowing, making this event feel exceptionally special, setting the tone for a very luxurious stay. 

One of the best ways to get to know a new place is to indulge in its local gastronomy. Luckily, Gran Canaria has been able to bottle its essence and its delicious wine can be sampled at a wine tasting at one of the local vineyards. Canarian wine is famous for its mineral notes and phylloxera-free grape varieties and Gran Canarian wine is no exception. 

Explore the entire Gran Canaria wine route, or pinpoint a winery of your choice. Top names include Bodega Frontón de Oro, Bodega Las Tirajanas and Bodega Los Lirios, among many others. For non-Spanish speakers, the best way to explore these places is to book a personal tour guide who will organise the visit for you and provide a guided tour of the establishment along with a tasting of the wines in your chosen language.

Combine relaxation and sightseeing with a private yacht tour of the island’s spectacular shoreline. Set sail from one of the island’s ports, Puerto Rico or Puerto Mogán, are popular spots. From here, your skipper will guide you across crystal clear waters to golden sand beaches, anchoring down in hidden coves to allow you to enjoy your own corner of paradise during your prestigious holidays in Gran Canaria.

Dive into the Atlantic for a refreshing swim, snorkel and see the colourful marine life or paddleboard around before hopping back on board to relax on deck with a cold glass of sangría. Depending on the type of yacht you charter, you can organise for a gourmet meal to be served on board or a selection of tasty tapas-style snacks to make the experience seem even more magical. 

Recap the exciting events of the day over a traditional British afternoon tea at Bar Carabela at the Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel. This tasty tradition includes a tower of sweet and savoury treats, including chocolate eclairs, strawberry macaroons, scones and a selection of finger sandwiches. Indulge in a moment of calm with a warm cup of tea and enjoy the aristocratic feel of the hotel, a nod to its long history. 

Is there anything more relaxing than a spa day? When it comes to luxury holidays in Gran Canaria, a trip to the Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel’s Wellness Centre, is a must. This serene water circuit, bathed in natural light that pours through the glass roof, invites you to drift between its many wellness experiences as you gaze at the Las Palmas skies. Begin with the hydrotherapy pool, heated to 30ºC and equipped with pressure jets, before unwinding in the hot tubs or exploring the trio of saunas. 

Choose from the Finnish sauna at 80ºC to the gentler biosauna and soothing Turkish bath. The relaxation journey continues with the sensations shower circuit, where aromatic mists, icy bucket showers and tropical rainfall effects awaken the senses. To round out the experience, the ice fountains and contrasting frigidarium (13ºC) and caldarium (35ºC) pools offer invigorating temperature shifts that leave you feeling renewed. 

Celebrate the island’s flavours and heritage and dine at Muxgo, the latest Michelin-star restaurant at the Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel. Local chef, Borja Marrero, embraces a philosophy of sustainability, circular economy and local sourcing with many ingredients sourced from Marrero’s farm in Tejeda.

With Km0 being the north star of this terroir-driven dining experience, the menus showcase local produce like prickly pear, regional cheeses, Mogán shrimp and the freshest catch of the day. Muxgo’s commitment to sustainability has earned it a Michelin Green Star and even a Michelin Star for the quality and integrity of its cuisine. Dining here is more than enjoying a meal; it is a culinary journey through the island’s culture and a must if you want to explore Gran Canaria’s luxury experiences.