TRAVEL
THE ART OF ISLAND LIVING AT
SEASIDE LOS JAMEOS, LANZAROTE
INSPIRED BY CÉSAR MANRIQUE AND SHAPED BY LANZAROTE’ S DRAMATIC LANDSCAPE, THE NEWLY REFURBISHED SEASIDE LOS JAMEOS RESORT OFFERS MORE THAN A THOUGHTFUL TAKE ON AN ALL-INCLUSIVE ESCAPE. SAMANTHA READY CHECKED IN TO DISCOVER VOLCANIC DESIGN, ARTSY INTERIORS AND ELEVATED CANARIAN DINING.
Lanzarote has always been an island shaped by art as much as nature. César Manrique’ s influence still runs through its black lava fields, whitewashed villages and architectural restraint, nowhere more famously than at Jameos del Agua, where volcanic formation and artistic vision merge seamlessly into one of the Canary Islands’ defining cultural landmarks. Staying at Seaside Los Jameos, one of an exclusive group of hotels in the Seaside Collection( underpinned with German hospitality and stunning settings), it quickly became apparent that the hotel has embraced this same philosophy. Following an extensive refurbishment, it is no longer simply a beachside all-inclusive bolthole. Instead, the resort offers a refreshed approach to the traditional package holiday, embracing Lanzorote’ s aesthetic identity in a thoughtfully reimagined way with a confidence that feels entirely in keeping with the island around it.
The architecture itself tells the story immediately. Designed to mirror the flow of a volcano and its lava streams, the dark wood vaulted reception area heralds your arrival at the hotel which then unfolds organically across the resort’ s site, rather than just imposing itself upon it. Inside, wings unfurl around the edges leading guests to rooms and suites across just two floors of accommodation. Outside, pathways curve gently through tropical planting where dark volcanic stone punctuates soft white façades while open spaces allow light to pour throughout the property in a way that constantly connects you to the outdoors. Interestingly for a resort that is thriving and that has movement everywhere, there was never a sense of chaos. Poolside loungers were easy to come by, soft nature sounds were played across discrete speakers instead of that hideous poolside zumba thump that permeates all too many an all-inclusive resort, and a new kids’ club and dedicated splash pool were cleverly tucked away to allow guests of all ages to find a space that really works for them.
The recent refurbishment has sharpened this calm and considered identity beautifully. Interiors now balance coastal ease with understated sophistication: natural woods, tactile fabrics, soft neutral palettes and carefully placed bursts of colour inspired by the island’ s volcanic landscape. There are nods to Lanzarote’ s artistic heritage, including a dedicated gallery space on a mezzanine of the main lobby, yet nothing felt twee or themed. Entertainment and bar spaces upped the decor game. The main entertainment space, the Belingo bar, mastered the balance between large-scale show stage( which, yes, still had the ever-popular kids’ mini disco and Abba tribute act) and sophisticated bar by adding supperclubstyle seating at the rear, creating more intimate spaces perfect for indulging in the hotel’ s signature cocktail menu which comes delivered with waiter service. The Piano Bar, meanwhile, was a sleek offering of Japanese-inspired decor with pops of contemporary flourish courtesy of the large ceiling murals of mantas.
My room continued the narrative. Spacious, cool and beautifully finished, it not only offered a giant walk-in shower in an ample bathroom, beds that can be customised to be offered as either king or twin and a great mini bar, but it also opened onto one of those glorious suntrap balconies complete with full-size sunloungers, which quickly become the centre of my holiday stay. Mornings began with coffee in the warmth of the early sun, mid-afternoons a lounge with book in hand, while evenings slowed into a quiet glass of wine before dinner. The balance between comfort and simplicity worked perfectly, allowing the views drenched in sunshine outside to remain the star.
One of Seaside Los Jameos’ s greatest strengths, much like the lava that inspired it, is the ease at which everything flows. Step outside the rear of the hotel and the modern beach promenade winds directly behind the resort, connecting guests effortlessly to Puerto del Carmen’ s coastline. Morning walks( or 5K runs for the more energetic of our group!) became ritualistic, the Atlantic breeze carrying the scent of salt and sunscreen as runners, cyclists and families drifted past the volcanic sands to a backdrop of low-flying aircraft making their final approach to the island.
The food offering has also evolved considerably post-refurbishment. Too often,
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