Seaside Los Jameos has all the ingredients for a sunshine escape rich in culture and gastronomy. Michael Palin’s famous nickname ‘Lanza-grotte’ has always done the island an injustice – it has a raw, natural beauty and, away from the built-up areas, a peaceful atmosphere that mirrors its gentle sea breeze. And yet, there’s no denying, historically, it’s been associated with package deals and boozy Brits looking for year-round sun. Over the past decade, its reputation has been transformed, emerging as a vibrant hub for both art and food. Lauren Kate Hughes checks into one of the island’s top resorts, Seaside Los Jameos, to discover why it’s such a wonderful destination – particularly during the shoulder season.
The Canary Islands continue to grow in popularity, thanks to their starkly beautiful arid landscapes, dramatic volcanic hiking routes and an ever-growing selection of luxury hotels. And Lanzarote is undoubtedly the island to choose for lovers of art and design. It’s also a must-visit for wine enthusiasts to try bold volcanic wines with a distinctive salty, savoury character shaped by the Atlantic winds. Visitors can sample natural wines in unique settings such as the black-ash vineyards at Finca Malvasia. Bring some room in your suitcase to bring your favourites home – Lanzarote exports only around 10% of its wine.
Lanzarote’s artistic roots go back to visionary and activist César Manrique, whose work during the ’60s and ’70s (with some projects lasting until he died in the ’90s and his influence still strong today) merged the island’s natural beauty with art. César, a unique visionary, turned the already otherworldly island he called home into a living gallery that feels almost like stepping into a dream (particularly, a Lewis Carroll-like dream). César’s wonderland includes spectacles like Jameos del Agua, an underground cave system and subterranean garden designed by the artists, and Jardín de Cactus, a striking botanical garden with terraces carved into the quarry walls.
At Seaside Los Jameos, César’s influence is everywhere, from its Canarian courtyard and whitewashed buildings to the extensive subtropical gardens. But it’s not just about the design. They also have a huge selection of buffet food that goes far beyond the usual all-inclusive offerings, nightly entertainment, and delicious, spicy margs made with jalapeño-infused tequila for extra heat. I checked in to experience this Puerto del Carmen favourite and found out why it remains one of the island’s most beloved all-inclusive hotels.
First impressions
Seaside Los Jameos is located near Lanzarote’s main holiday resort, Puerto del Carmen, and just ten minutes from the airport, meaning the transfer is swift and painless – already a great start for a relaxing holiday. The sprawling resort is located near Playa de Los Pocillos, a long, wide sandy beach dotted with shops and bars.
Los Jameos has an artistic heritage of its own, relaunched in the ’90s and designed by César Manrique’s students under the guidance of the German-founded Seaside Collection, which also has properties in the Maldives, Gran Canaria and Germany. The exterior feels in keeping with the surroundings: a traditional Canarian-style whitewashed building with blue trim, the entrance lined with cacti. Inside, the lofty reception area gives an appropriate first impression, similarly rustic, with a huge entrance hall lined with more plants and palm trees, creating an indoor oasis.
The Seaside Collection worked with renowned London-based interior designers Muza Lab to create playful, modern and luxurious spaces that stay true to the hotel’s roots and local spirit – and this means pattern and colour are tastefully displayed throughout the hotel.
Food and drink at Seaside Los Jameos
There are two main restaurants at Seaside Los Jameos: a beautiful Spanish à la carte Arroz & Fuego serving speciality dishes and operating a bookings-only service, and the main restaurant, which features a vast array of dining options, from flame-grilled meats and freshly-cooked fish to extensive salads, local stews and more Western favourites like pizza and some pretty special ‘smash’ style burgers.
At the main restaurant, guests can interact with chefs at live cooking stations, choosing their own meat or fish and marinades, before settling down at one of the al fresco tables set among sub-tropical gardens, with some delicious local wines on offer to sample with the food. This is one of the most extensive and impressive buffet offerings I’ve seen at an all-inclusive, with pretty much something for everyone – I’d advise trying the freshly cooked fish as the standout dish. Breakfast is a similarly lavish affair, with pancake stations, waffle makers, freshly baked bread and local cakes, and omelettes made to order.
Cocktails are taken seriously here, with different menus to try. Belingo Bar serves some of the resort’s best drinks, featuring top-shelf spirits and creative mixology, while the lively Pool Bar was my personal favourite, offering those holiday classics like a frozen strawberry daiquiri or the aforementioned spicy margarita with home-made jalapeño-infused tequila; I soon realised this attention to detail is very typical of the resort. Milk Lab, which serves obscenely delicious shakes, custards and desserts, is also worth a visit for a mid-afternoon sugar hit.
The rooms at Seaside Los Jameos
Rooms are bright and airy, with pretty blue painted terraces overlooking either the gardens and pools or the ocean. There are 530 guest rooms in total, spread around the resort and among its leafy gardens. The guest rooms at Seaside Los Jameos are adorned with classic decor, including geometric-patterned curtains and soft furnishings and rattan details that feel beachy and relaxed.
Like the rest of the hotel, the rooms are spacious, with plenty of room to relax. For those who crave a bath on holiday, bathtubs are available in Standard, Superior, Family Rooms and in some Junior Suites. You’ll also find in the rooms a 55” smart TV, tea and coffee making facilities and, very handily for digital nomads who need to fit in a few hours of work on their travels, a desk with USB-C sockets and British plug sockets.
Need to know
Rooms at Seaside Los Jameos start at £196 per night. You can see up-to-date rates on the Seaside Los Jameos website.
Address: Calle Marte 2, Playa de los Pocillos, 35510 Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote (10 minutes’ drive from Lanzarote Airport (ACE).
Turismo Lanzarote kindly organised our visit to the stunning Jameos del Agua. To find out more about Turismo Lanzarote, visit turismolanzarote.com/en.
Visit on Facebook: VisitLanzarote. Or email info@turismolanzarote.com.
