In October 2008, I returned to Fuerteventura with my mum (I started a review about my previous trip a while ago but have yet to finish it - hopefully it should be up at some point in the fut.ure!) We visited there in October 2006 and, after Lanzarote, it had been my favourite Canary Island, so off we headed. We'd decided from the outset that Corralejo would be the resort we would return to, so my mum selected the Oasis Dunas for us to stay at. I had no complaints about this as the pictures of it looked very appealing!
LOCATION
The complex was at the opposite end of Corralejo than where we had stayed previously. The last time we were there, we were basically right next to the harbour, which was handy for my mum to watch the ferries go in and out (she likes that).
The main parts of the resort were still easily accessible, as we were located just off the main road in the resort where the majority of the shops were, but most of my favourite shops were a slight walk away
as well as my favourite stretches of beach. The complex however, was extremely near to the water park and also the market.
The only thing I should point out is that the one shopping centre which is nearby has some serious "church-bell" style action going on every hour between 10am and 9pm. It could be heard fairly easily from our position in the complex - I also heard it when lying at the pool a couple of times. I actually didn't mind it myself, but other people might find it a bit of a pain. Just thought I should warn you!
APPEARANCE
The complex is very pretty and nicely laid out. In a lot of ways, the apartment blocks reminded me of chalets, because they were only two floors high, and the apartments on the top floor were accessed by an exterior stairway.
The pools were essentially the heart of the apartment complex, with all the paths leading back to there, and the entertainment areas were located right behind the pool leading up the reception. I'm planning on putting some pictures onto the post so you can see in a bit more detail what the place looked like but it WAS very nice. In a lot of ways, it reminded me of a slightly more glamorous version of the Pontins camps we frequented when I was a child and teenager. And that wasn't necessarily a bad thing! )
APARTMENT
Our apartment was lovely. Our bedroom was situated at the front of the apartment, with the window leading out onto the walkway. We were next to the exterior stairs in our block so we did quite often have people walking (or running) by the window, but it wasn't too much of a disturbance. The living room and kitchenette area was at the back of the apartment, and the balcony lead out from there.
The balcony itself wasn't particularly brilliant, but you've got to remember that since the holiday I had in Lanzarote the previous year where I had a balcony that was practically the same size as an APARTMENT, no other balcony really measures up! We had a view of the road and another apartment complex across that road, so it wasn't a particularly brilliant view. But then that tends to be the luck of the draw and as long as the sun shines on the balcony for a good while, I don't really mind too much. We got the sun for most of the afternoon on this balcony so it was all good. The only other problem I had with it was there was limited privacy between our balcony and the people next door to us. I always prefer if the balcony is a bit more closed off, although admittedly that does tend to affect how long the sun shines on you!
The kitchen facilities were very good (unlike the Gran Canaria holiday where my mum actually had to go and ask for a pot!) - we had a cooker, toaster and kettle, as well as a good amount of storage space for food, and the proper utensils we needed - even the all-important CORKSCREW!!!
FACILITIES IN THE HOTEL
You couldn't really fault the amenities either. Although I didn't actually go INTO the pools, they looked lovely and I spent lots of time sitting around them. The usual towel-bagging went on, but it was one of the few hotels I've been to where there was never any problems getting a sun lounger.
There was plenty of entertainment for the kids, which took place both in the main entertainment area and also in the pool, things like waterpolo, treasure trails, quizzes and pool competitions. As all the entertainment facilities were close together, it meant the parents could keep an eye on the kids easily.
The entertainment area with the main stage was outdoors, which might have been a bit inconvenient in other parts of the world, but since Fuerteventura is probably sunny at least 360 days of the year, it obviously wouldn't be a problem there! It was surrounded by an indoor bar, the restaurant for the people who were doing the half-board thing (which wasn't us!) and a takeaway/restaurant.
Inside the main reception area was a shop (pretty overpriced to be honest) and also some computers. The reception staff (and the cleaning staff) were very friendly and helpful and I couldn't really fault them. Apart from the usual problem of often returning to your room to discover the cleaners hadn't actually been in yet which meant you either had to leave again, or put up the do not disturb sign and forgo the cleaning for the day. (Personally I prefer the second option!)
FOOD
As we didn't choose the half board option this time and either cooked ourselves meals or ate outwith the hotel, I can't advise what the food in that particular restaurant was like. I imagine it was probably not much different to the other half board hotels I've been to though!
The takeaway/restaurant though was a refreshing change. I don't think I've ever been to a hotel that had a takeaway inside! It had a wide range of dishes - pizza and pasta, chips and burgers - so we did get pizza and onion rings a couple of times to take back to the apartment. The verdict? Greasy but lovely. And it was fairly reasonably priced too.
CONCLUSION
I would definitely recommend the Oasis Dunas if you are wanting to head to Corralejo. It's a lovely complex, the apartments can't be faulted and there's plenty to do for families.
We travelled to Fuerteventura with Thomas Cook. You can check their website or shops for prices and availability.
Pictures of Oasis Dunas Hotel, Fuerteventura
The view from the balcony
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Am currently sat in rainy 'oul Belfast, and that balcony looks lovely. xx
frankiecesca 27.01.2009 10:10
Great review - we stayed in Costa Calma when we went and we loved the island so we really would like to go back at some point. It's good to know of other good hotels and apartments to stay in! x
The Oasis Dunas apartment hotel boasts truly unusual and exotic surroundings encircled by ... more
an expansive tropical garden with a large pool area and a spacious sun terrace For the more sporting minded there are many activities on offer such as tennis b...
Information:
Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
Jan 24th, 2009
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