Gran Canaria Paradise: Luxury Apartments at El Capricho Await!
Gran Canaria Paradise: Luxury Apartments at El Capricho Await! - A Messy, Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sanitized hotel review. We’re diving headfirst into the experience at Gran Canaria Paradise, specifically the luxury apartments at El Capricho. And let me tell you, it's been… an experience.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag - But Mostly Pretty Good, Honestly
Look, I'm not going to pretend to be an accessibility expert. I'm more of a "stumble around and hope for the best" kind of traveler. But from what I saw, El Capricho mostly gets it right. Elevators? Check. Wide doorways? Check. The ramps seemed decent, too. But hey, I'd still recommend calling ahead and double-checking if you need absolute, ironclad assurance. You know, the devil is in the details, and sometimes those details are hidden behind a potted palm.
On-Site Dining - Food, Glorious Food (and Occasional Hiccups)
Okay, let's talk grub. Because, let's be honest, food is like, 80% of the vacation, right?
- Restaurants: They have a few! You can choose between the a la carte place or the buffet, which is a classic.
- Cuisine: International cuisine reigns supreme, with a nod to some Asian options, which I was totally down for. I mean, who doesn't love a good plate of sushi after a day of, oh, sunbathing?
- The Buffet - My Personal Playground (and Occasional Nightmare): Breakfast was… well, it was breakfast. Buffet style. You get the picture. Scrambled eggs that tasted vaguely of sadness (maybe I'm being dramatic), but the pastries? Divine. I may or may not have eaten three croissants covered in a generous layer of strawberry jam every single morning. The coffee situation was a bit hit-or-miss, sometimes it was nectar of the gods, sometimes it tasted like burnt tires. I would have loved it if they would leave an Asian breakfast option.
- Other Options: You can get coffee/tea, desserts, salads, soups. I mean, they have it all.
- Poolside Bar: Naturally. Poolside bar is literally the reason you are here.
Wheelchair Accessible?
As mentioned above, seems good. But double-check! Don't rely on my lazy (but hopefully helpful) review!
Internet – Wi-Fi Everywhere! (Thank God)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Praise the wireless gods! I'm not even kidding, being connected is non-negotiable these days. Work emails can wait, but Instagram? NO.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: A Paradise of Pampering (and Existential Dread)
Alright, let's get real. Part of the goal of staying here is to relax.
- The Spa: Oh. My. Goodness. The spa! It’s the ultimate escape. The pool with a view. The Sauna. the Steamroom. Even the Foot bath. You've been warned. I spent a full two hours trapped in a cocoon of pure bliss, emerging only slightly less stressed than when I went in. The Spa/Sauna. The Body scrub. The Body wrap. Worth it.
- Fitness Center: My biggest problem is that I wasn't motivated enough to go. I just couldn't drag myself away from the pool. Can't win them all.
- The Pools: The Swimming pool (outdoor, duh) is spectacular. I'm not even a pool person, but this one… this one was tempting.
- Things that sound fun: The Asian cuisine in restaurant, the coffee shop, the happy hour. I had to miss a couple of these because I got lost in the spa.
Cleanliness & Safety: They're Trying! (But Perfection Isn't Real, Kids)
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere: Check, check, check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: I saw them wiping down surfaces like their lives depended on it.
- Daily disinfection: They really went all out. I felt safe, though…
- Individually-wrapped food options: I can't say I loved this for the environment, but it made me feel a bit safer.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: This is a great option to show they are mindful of the amount of cleaning products used.
Look, they're clearly trying their best to create a safe environment. It’s the kind of place that leaves you feeling like you’ve been scrubbed, sanitized, and ready for… well, just about anything.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Croissants and Cocktails, Baby!
- Room service (24-hour): I utilized this a few times, mostly for midnight snacks. Don't judge.
- Poolside bar: A must.
- The Bar: A must. I was never here, but the fact that they have one is very appealing.
- The food was good. Some dishes were awesome.
Services and Conveniences: Everything You Need (and Things You Didn't Know You Wanted)
- Concierge: Super helpful, especially when I needed help figuring out how to say "Where is the best tapas?" in Spanish.
- Daily housekeeping: My room always felt spotless.
- Laundry service: I did a quick load of laundry. Pretty easy.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Because, duh, you need a "I survived Gran Canaria Paradise" t-shirt.
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Taxi service: Always available. They also have a free car park.
For the Kids: Babysitting is a Godsend
- Babysitting service: I don't have little ones, but I saw families enjoying the kids’ facilities, and the babysitting service surely helps.
- Family/child friendly: Definitely.
Access, Security & Soundproofing: They Take Their Job Seriously
- CCTV in common areas: Check.
- Front desk (24-hour): Peace of mind.
- Non-smoking rooms: Appreciated.
- Safety/security feature: They are everywhere.
- Smoke alarms: Important.
- Soundproof rooms: I didn’t hear a peep, which is impressive.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
- Airport transfer: Stress-free.
- Car park (free of charge): Score!
- Taxi service: Always available.
Available in All Rooms: Luxury Level Up!
- Air conditioning: A necessity.
- Bathrobes: I lived in mine.
- Coffee/tea maker: Crucial for proper mornings.
- Free bottled water: Appreciated.
- Hair dryer: A life-saver.
- In-room safe box: For your valuables (and maybe a secret stash of chocolate).
- Wi-Fi [free]: Always.
- Window that opens: Fresh air!
The Verdict (Messy, Honest, and Utterly Biased)
Look, is Gran Canaria Paradise perfect? No. Is it a slice of paradise? Absolutely. There were moments when the service stumbled, there were moments when the food missed the mark, but overall, it was a fantastic escape. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Just maybe bring my own coffee. And definitely plan for another day at the spa – consider this an official warning.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sterile, perfectly-planned travel brochure. This is me, freshly back from wrangling a week out of my life in the sun-drenched, gloriously messy, and honestly, slightly bewildering, Gran Canaria. And specifically, Apartamentos El Capricho. So, here's the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the gloriously chaotic truth…
Gran Canaria, Apartamentos El Capricho: A Week of Sun, Sangria, and Slightly Questionable Decisions (Maybe My Fault)
Day 1: Arrival, Immediate Panic, and the Search for the Holy Grail (aka the Tap Water)
- Morning (ish): Flight from rainy [Insert Home City Here]. Let's just say the budget airline experience was…character-building. We're talkin' cramped seats, questionable air circulation, and a near-death experience with a rogue trolley. Arrived in Gran Canaria feeling like I’d wrestled a particularly grumpy badger. Immediately the airport was like a furnace.
- Afternoon: Taxi to Apartamentos El Capricho. The drive in was all jagged cliffs, the electric blue ocean, and a sudden, irrational fear that I'd accidentally booked a stay in a deserted James Bond villain lair. The apartments themselves, though… they looked exactly like the pictures. Relief. And also, a sudden craving for a shower.
- Afternoon (cont.): The Great Tap Water Hunt. Seriously, finding drinkable water was a full-blown quest. The first glass tasted like it had been filtered through a rusty pipe. After some frantic Googling, I discover that, for the love of all that is holy, you need to buy bottled water. Who knew? I swear, I’m smarter than a fifth-grader, most of the time.
- Evening: Dinner at a little tapas place just down the road. The food was amazing! And the sangria. Oh, sweet, delicious sangria. I feel like I should start a sangria-based blog to share this experience. (Might as well, I'm already rambling). The waiter was an angel. Well, maybe he was tired, it's hard to tell, but I'm so glad he was so accomodating. After dinner, I made a very wise decision and went to bed.
Day 2: Beach Bliss, Burnt Skin, and the Quest for the Perfect Sun Lounger
- Morning: Beach time! Arrived at Playa de Amadores, the beach! The sand was like powdered sugar, the water was cerulean paradise. It was truly beautiful. However. Note to self: Applying sunscreen before you start sunbathing is highly recommended.
- Afternoon: The Lounger Wars. This, my friends, is a real thing. People are intensely competitive. I scored a prime spot, near the edge where you could watch the ocean. After about two hours, I realized I looked more like cooked lobster and decided to retreat, defeated, back to the apartment.
- Evening: Attempted to revive the crisped leathery skin. After a cold shower, I wrapped myself in aloe vera. Praying to the gods of skincare for a miraculous recovery. Ate a very light dinner, out of fear of melting.
Day 3: Markets, Mayhem, and the Almost-Disaster of the Wrong Bus
- Morning: Market day in [insert town, I can't remember the name, details are hazy]. The colours, the smells, the sheer busyness – it was sensory overload in the best possible way. Sampled some local chorizo (spicy, flavorful, worth every pang of guilt). Bought way more souvenirs than I needed, especially a miniature donkey statue (don't ask).
- Afternoon: The Great Bus Fiasco. I attempted to take the bus to [another town] which seemed straightforward enough. Got on the wrong bus. Ended up somewhere completely random and far from everything. Got horribly, horribly lost. Wandered around in a daze, feeling like a complete idiot. Found my way back eventually by taking a taxi. I’m pretty sure the driver took pity on me.
- Evening: Pizza. Comfort food is essential when you're emotionally wrecked. Ate a massive pizza. Did more aloe vera application, and hoped for the best.
Day 4: Diving Deep, Literally and Figuratively, into Meloneras and Fish That Did Not Taste of Fish
- Morning: Found my way to a recommended scuba diving school. Did a quick dive, which was amazing. Seeing the underwater life was absolutely magical. It was the most awesome thing of the trip so far. But I'm so clumsy!
- Afternoon: Meloneras – the fancy side of life. After the dive I went out to the "beautiful" part of the island for a meal. It was certainly pretty. Very shiny. It was an experience. Had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the ocean. Ordered fish. The fish was… odd. It tasted… not like fish. I suspect culinary witchcraft.
- Evening: More peaceful, but still slightly burnt, time in the apartment.
Day 5: Hiking Woes and the Unforeseen Joy of a Supermarket
- Morning: Tried to hike. Not very well. The sun was strong. The terrain was steep. I have the fitness of a sloth. Realized I was woefully unprepared for serious hiking. Briefly considered giving up and returning to the beach.
- Afternoon: The Supermarket Revelation. Seriously, people, don't knock the local supermarket. This was a total highlight. I discovered local cheeses, Iberian ham, and a range of pastries that nearly brought tears to my eyes. This is the heart of the Gran Canaria experience! After many more questionable purchases, I was ready for the hotel.
- Evening: Spent the evening eating a veritable feast of supermarket finds while nursing a foot cramp.
Day 6: The Windmill of My Mind and Attempting to Learn Spanish
- Morning: One last attempt at exploring the island. Attempted to learn some very basic Spanish. Failed miserably. The Spanish words seemed to elude my grasp. The "r" is not a sound I can make.
- Afternoon: Spent most of the afternoon just sitting on my little balcony overlooking the pool. There was an interesting couple and a screaming child in the pool. I watched, and I thought. I think.
- Evening: Pack. Not a fan of packing. But you can't stay in paradise forever, can you? And it was time to drink a glass of red wine on the final night.
Day 7: Departure, Reflections, and the Eternal Question of the Missing Sock
- Morning: Dragged my sorry self out of bed. The airport was less of a challenge than the first arrival.
- Afternoon: Somewhere in the clouds, en route back home. Questioning my life choices, and wondering why I can never keep track of my socks.
- Evening: Back home. Jet lagged, slightly sunburned, and with a suitcase full of souvenir donkey statues and a deep, abiding love for Gran Canaria. Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm bringing industrial-strength sunscreen, a phrasebook, and maybe a slightly more functional sense of direction. And drinking a sangria, of course.
So, there you have it. My messy, imperfect, and utterly unforgettable week in Gran Canaria. Hope it gave you at least a chuckle. Now, I'm off to find that missing sock. Wish me luck.
Liege Luxury: Farm Stay with Indoor Pool & Bubble Bath!
Gran Canaria Paradise: Luxury Apartments at El Capricho - Or Is It? (Let's See...)
Okay, So "Luxury" – What's the REAL deal? I'm picturing a leaky faucet.
Alright, alright, let's cut the marketing fluff. "Luxury" around these parts can mean a lot of things. Yeah, El Capricho *looks* swanky in the brochures, all pristine white walls and infinity pools glinting in the sun. And look, the view? Absolutely breathtaking. Seriously, I spent a solid half hour just staring out at the ocean the first day, a stupid grin plastered across my face. Took, like, a MILLION photos. (Don't judge, I'm a sucker for a good sunset.)
But… (Here comes the BUT, folks!) First day, I went to use the bathroom. Beautiful bathroom, mind you. Marble, yes. But the shower? Tiny little trickle. Frustrating. And I mean *really* frustrating when you’ve got sea salt in your hair and you *just* want a proper rinse. Ended up having to call the guy. Sweet guy, to be fair, but still. Leaky faucet? Thankfully, no. Tiny shower pressure? Yup. So, luxury with a *tiny* asterisk. Bring your own high-pressure shower head, is my advice.
Oh! And the kitchen? Gorgeous. Stainless steel appliances. Cooked up paella there one night. Disaster. Burns everywhere. My fault, mostly. Paella is HARD, ok? But the point is, it felt… maybe a little *too* pristine for actual living. Like, afraid-to-touch-anything pristine. My friend, bless her, managed to stain the pristine white couch with red wine on night two. We’re still laughing/crying about it. Still, the apartment was fantastic.
What about the Location? Is it, you know, *actually* paradise-y? Or just…a bit remote & full of screaming seagulls?
El Capricho is… well, it's a little bit of a trek. That's the honest truth. You're not exactly stumbling into a bustling city center. You're closer to the dramatic, wilder side of Gran Canaria, which is a GOOD thing, if you ask me. I mean, the views are insane. Think cliffs, ocean stretching forever, that perfect golden sun…
But the screaming seagulls? Oh, they're there. They're LOUD. Especially at dawn. Learned quickly to keep the balcony doors shut. There was one morning I was *this close* to tossing a pillow at them. Seriously, the noise was something else. And you can, of course, hear the sea. Which is incredible. Unless you’re trying to sleep, in which case, earplugs are your friend.
So, paradise? Partially. It depends on your definition of "paradise." If it involves solitude, breathtaking scenery (and a healthy dose of earplugs), then yes. If you're expecting instant access to bars and clubs… Well, you're gonna need a car (or a very reliable taxi service) and a bit of patience. Seriously, trust me regarding the taxi services. Sometimes they’re amazing, sometimes they are not. A real gamble.
The Pool. Is it Instagrammable? And more importantly, is it crowded with screaming kids?
Oh, the pool. *That* pool. The one in all the photos. Yes, it *is* Instagrammable. Absolutely. Infinity edge looking right out over the ocean? Come on. It basically begs for a selfie. I took, like, a million. (Again, don’t judge!) The water’s clean, the sun’s (usually) shining… it's gorgeous.
The issue? Ah, the issue. The screaming kids. Well, it depends. We went in low season, so we were quite lucky. But, like, imagine a crowded pool in Peak season, with kids everywhere. And look, I *like* kids (usually). But when you're trying to bliss out with a book and a cocktail, the constant splashing and shrieking can get a little… grating. I, honestly, hid in my apartment for a couple of hours one day to avoid the drama. So, check the season. High Season? Probably bring earplugs. Low Season? Bliss, baby, bliss.
Is it worth the money, though? Because let's be honest, "Luxury" often means "eye-wateringly expensive."
Okay, this is the million-dollar question (or, you know, several hundred euros). Look, it *wasn't* cheap. Let's be upfront about that. But here's the thing... If you're looking for a truly exceptional experience, and if you are willing to spend a bit more, then yes, it's worth it. The views alone are worth the price of admission, to be honest.
I was there, and saw plenty of people who seemed to be having a miserable time due to the costs. But then, there were people who had absolutely fallen in love with the place. Maybe it was due to the high costs, but I can't give this type of answer for everyone. If you budget carefully, and are looking for that extra bit of "wow factor," then you won't be disappointed. This isn't a cheap holiday. It's an investment... an investment in your sanity, your tan, and your Instagram feed. (Just kidding, kind of.)
What about the food? Is it easy to get groceries/eat out? What are the best restaurants around?
Food, glorious food! Okay, so getting groceries? You'll need a car. There *are* smaller shops and kiosks around, but they're limited. Your best bet is to hit a proper supermarket, which is a bit of a drive. Stock up on supplies! Cooking at the apartment is actually a really good option, if you end up liking the apartment and the kitchen.
Eating out? There are some real gems nearby, but you have to look. One night, we stumbled upon this tiny little restaurant with the BEST seafood paella I've ever tasted. The owner was this tiny, feisty woman with a permanent smile and a voice that could shatter glass. Totally worth it, though. Another time, we tried somewhere else and the service was AWFUL. They forgot our order. Twice! It was comical, really, by the end. (Mostly.) So do some research, read those reviews, and don’t be afraid to try something new. And tip well when you find a place you like! You'll be paying good money for the service.
I'm a terrible driver. Is getting around El Capricho a nightmare?
If you're a terrible driver… well, maybe practice beforehand. Seriously. The roads around El Capricho are… a *little* bendy. And steep. And potentially narrow. There's a lot of winding roads. And sometimes the locals drive like they're inScenic Stays
