Lanzarote, best cure for the winter blues

It’s sad but true, that the arrival of September heralds the arrival of autumn and later, winter in the U.K , following a not not so long and glorious summer. Despite the much publicised credit crunch, the yearning for winter sun in as strong as ever, and Lanzarote is right on the front line when it comes to long and reliable hours of sunshine and breath taking beaches.  

Winter sun holidays attract an even wider range of holiday makers and Sands Beach Resort is used to pleasing them all with its six palm tree lined plazas, each featuring a relaxing pool, and its unique sea water beachfront lagoon. Costa Teguise is a great place for families and “swallows” the older brigade of Brits that escape the harsh UK winter for several months on end in the Lanzarote sun.

Summer visitor figures have remained high for Lanzarote, and with the number of Irish visitors on the climb, it’s all set for a busy winter. Just think of it, on the UK side, shorter daylight, cold mornings, heavy coats, gloves and heaven forbid SNOW, on the Lanzarote side, relaxing by the pool, swimming in the sea, great food and entertainment at Sands Beach Resort, and a rich volcanic landscape to explore - no contest really.

Lanzarote. a right Royal welcome

The reputation of Lanzarote, as a relaxing family holiday centre, has travelled far and wide, and this is reflected in some of the exotic visitors that chose to head for the island of fire.

Earlier this month, senior members of the Qatar Royal family arrived to stay in Yaiza, with a view to finding a suitable holiday home for regular trips. The nephew of the King, Abdulrahman Hamad K.H Al-Thani, had paid a previous visit earlier in the year and had told the President of the Lanzarote government, Manuela Armas, how impressed he was with all Lanzarote has to offer.

The latest trip (see pic) included the King, Emir Khalid Hamad A.J Al-Thani, and more of the extended family. They arrived as guests of local businessman, Juan Francisco Rosa Marrero, and an official reception was held in their honour at a Yaiza hotel. President Armas rushed back from a family holiday on La Graciosa, to be present.

There is so much to choose from in Lanzarote, but inside sources say that the Qatar Royal family are looking for a large property in Teguise. They will certainly get a warm welcome, and Lanzarote always impresses, families with its beaches, tranquil villages and volcanic landscapes. Teguise is full of history, from the original capital of the island, through to the beach lovers resort of Costa Teguise, where Sands Beach Resort, is waiting to welcome you.

Lanzarote to put on its dancing shoes

If you like to dance, then there are two treats in store for you this month in Arrecife, the Lanzarote capital, just 15 minutes away from Costa Teguise, home of Sands Beach Resort Hotel. All the big international latino stars love to play in Lanzarote, as they know they will get a hot reception in terms of weather and audience response.

On Sunday August 24 Miguel Bose will be performing at the Altavista stadium in the city, the Panama born star is a master of music and performance, well he did start out as a film actor. Now firmly established as music and dance act, Miguel has won a cupboard full of Latino Grammy awards, and he will really raise the tempo when he hits the stage. Tickets will be on sale at local music shops and larger stores, as well as at the stadium.

The next night, the action switches to the beach when Juan Luis Guerra belts out his range of top songs on the Playa del Reducto, in a free concert. Juan (pic) is another multi Grammy winner, but he is from the Dominican Republic, and will have everyone moving with a mix of latino, salsa and merengue. Viva la musica.

A variety of entertainment for all the family

It’s been another great day of sun and fun at Sands Beach Resort. All the family have splashed in the pools, walked along the beachfront and lapped up the food and drink at the Mai Tai pool bar and La Hacienda restaurant. So it’s back to the villas to shower and cool down on the terrace, and anticipate the night ahead at the Soleil Bar.

Happy hour is 7pm until 8pm and you will find something to get you into the mood for the entertainment ahead, sometimes a quiz, sometimes karaoke or maybe some top sporting action on the big screen. Show time starts at 9.30pm, The animation team, led by Dimitri (pic) will be known to you from their daytime activities around the resort, but at night they pull out all the stops to entertain you with song and dance. This is boosted twice a week with professional shows from a Robbie Williams tribute, comedy magic, a drag act and much more.

The Soleil bar is the place to be, and with the open terrace, it’s a cool relaxing setting to end your day on a high note.

 

Later buses for Lanzarote night owls

If you plan to travel around by public transport in Lanzarote, you will be pleased to know that Costa Teguise is on one of the main routes and Sands Beach Hotel is just a few yards on from the final stop, which is called Hotel Salinas. The Arrecife Bus Company, despite the name, serves the whole island, and has recently introduced services through the night to link the capital, Arrecife with Costa Teguise, Playa Honda and Puerto del Carmen. Great news for anyone who wants to attend the many fiestas, concerts and clubs around the island.

Arrecife to Costa Teguise takes 15 minutes, costs one euro and you may even get a promotional video on board, they nearly all have a video screen. The “bus” is a single decker white coach, and Arrecife bus station (see pic)  is the main service point for anywhere on the island. Things are constantly improving on the service, not that it was bad to start with, the website has been updated for all routes, you can now buy a money saving multiple journey “bono” ticket at many outlets around the island, look out for a sticker on display. The bus station has a cafe bar that serves some nice tapas, and it is in the centre of the capital, a good place to start exploring.

As of 2009, some more new routes are being introduced including Costa Teguise to Tahiche, Teguise, and  Caleta de Famara. Lanzarote is ripe for exploring, so why not let someone else do the driving and try some of the excellent local wines, it’s good to know that you can catch a bus back, virtually to the door of reception at Sands Beach Resort.

New manager, same great family holiday hotel

Meet Juan Carlos Albuixech, the new Director General of Sands Beach Resort , he has just taken over the reigns, you may not have noticed as our professional team here have made it a smooth transition. There will no doubt be a few tweaks and improvements to our winning formula, and you can, of course, always help us with your comments about your stay.

All our staff are very approachable so be sure to make Juan Carlos welcome when you see him around the hotel. Here is his welcome message to you, our guests.

Dear friends

Recently I have been confirmed as Director of Sands Beach Resort, Costa Teguise. I am taking on this role with great excitement as we have a hotel that is popular with all our regular visitors, and we look forward to offering the same high standards of service to new guests.

I would like to give a warm welcome to all our guests past and future and hope they enjoy their time with us at Sands Beach Resort. On behalf of myself and my new team of directors, I would like to stress that we are here to make your stay as enjoyable as possible, and we look forward to hearing your feedback on our efforts.

Have a great holiday and relax in the knowledge that we will do everything to make Sands Beach hotel, feel like your home from home.

Yours sincerely

Juan Carlos Albuixech
Director General