Club La Santa, Lanzarote is an on-the-go volcanic-isle fitness oasis for those who are after a holiday that’s not all about lying on a beach and soaking up the sun.
In just two days at Club La Santa, I ran a total of 8km, hit the gym, took a Pilates class, a gymnastics class and a kettlebell class, swam in a pool and in open water, learnt how to play squash, taught myself to paddleboard and hiked a volcano.
To many people this may sound like a nightmare of a holiday... But to me, and to the thousands of others that descend upon this resort, this non-stop itinerary is a dream.
On the western edge of Lanzarote, Club La Santa is an oasis for fitness enthusiasts. While some people go on holiday to put their feet up and enjoy five-star luxury in peace and quiet, the holiday-goers that visit this resort don’t. Why? Because, with a schedule jam-packed with gym classes and physical activities, and a ridiculous amount of sport facilities, people here find bliss in relaxing in a slightly more energetic fashion.
With the ability to accommodate about 1,600 exercise-loving guests at any one time, the atmosphere on the complex is incredibly positive and uplifting, with natural camaraderie igniting among like-minded people.
Even on an early morning walk around the resort ? which alongside its sports facilities comes complete with three restaurants, a sports and pool bar, multiple shops and a supermarket – you’ll be sure to find friends, new and old, running laps around the track, swimming lengths in the natural lagoon or cycling around the surrounding lunar landscape.
The fitness classes and training sessions at Club La Santa are for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re an exercise novice, an elite athlete or somewhere in-between, the weekly schedule is sure to include something you will find challenging, yet still enjoy.
With over 40 different sports and activities to get involved in, it is likely there will be something new to get your teeth into, too. With sports that are not entirely familiar, the resort’s Green Team are always on hand for coaching and instruction. Made up of about 40 instructors, coaches and guides, the Green Team is the heart of Club La Santa, and organises the free classes, tournaments and social races held each week.
Before my arrival I had scoped out some of the activities I wanted to try – the resort’s weekly schedule is released online the week before – and throwing myself into the deep end (quite literally) with at least one water sport was a must. However, this was a popular thought with more guests than just me, as when I tried to book myself onto a beginner’s paddle boarding session, using the booking app, the class was full and the waiting list filling up. Guests here are quick off the mark!
I didn’t miss out, though, as down on the lagoon, if you’re willing to teach yourself, you can borrow a board and give it a go solo.
The lagoon is a beautiful spot for an early-morning or late-night dip. But, if you prefer a pool that’s fish-free, Club La Santa has one leisure pool and two 50m competition pools. On dry land, facilities include a running track, football pitch, athletics equipment including hurdles and a high jump and an indoor and outdoor gym, as well as tennis, badminton, basketball and squash courts.
With Club La Santa surrounded by desert land and a large number of mountains and volcanoes, trekking is another popular workout choice for guests, myself included. The views from the top of the nearby Pico Soo Volcano are definitely worth the three-hour hike.
Other excursions include a volcano trek along the fire route through the National Park of Timanfaya and the more appealing-sounding “wine route” volcano walk, which passes through a winery in the region of La Geria.
After a long day of working out, you’re going to want somewhere comfy to lay your head. In the north of the complex, a range of comfort, sports and penthouse apartments sleep between three to 10 people, while, in the south, larger, more luxurious suites can be rented for the week.
As well as multiple bedrooms and bathrooms (depending on the room chosen), rooms also have a living room and a fully-equipped kitchen. This allows guests to feel right at home and take full advantage of the resort’s self-catering option.
For those who enjoy eating out, three restaurants, a pool bar and sports café can all be dined at, and even enjoyed as part of an upgrade from self catering to either one of the breakfast, lunch, dinner, half board or full board options.
Booking your stay
Prices start from £644 for a seven-night stay in a ‘comfort’ one-bedroom apartment at Club La Santa (which sleeps up to three adults and one child under 15 years).
For more information or to book a stay, call 01617 909890 or visit the Club La Santa website.
Where could I eat?
Tuck into an à la carte menu of Spanish and international cuisine at El Lago, enjoy a dinner of top quality grilled meats, fresh fish or pizza at La Plaza, or dine at the self-service buffet ? for breakfast, lunch or dinner ? at Restaurant Atlantico.
Additionally, a short 20-minute walk from the hotel is the village of La Santa, which is home to a very small handful of local restaurants.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here