Gran Canaria’s Seaside Palm Beach aims to be Europe’s Miami with affordable luxury

Gran Canaria has long drawn British sun-seekers, but a new wave of luxury travel is reframing the island as Europe’s answer to South Beach — a sun-soaked destination where upscale stays meet affordability. The Seaside Palm Beach in Maspalomas embodies that pitch: a five-star design hotel that blends 1970s Art Deco flair with modern comfort, while still offering prices that undercut many rivals on the coast.

Set in a horseshoe-shaped complex, the hotel stacks five pools against manicured lawns and a canopy of palms. Interiors lean bold — glossy greens, burnt oranges and gold accents — a deliberate nod to retro glamour that guests quickly recognize as playful rather than kitschy. The property bills six room styles each drawn from the island’s nature, and a seventh-floor suite promises Atlantic views over the dunes.

The Seventh-floor accommodation features a spacious balcony overlooking the Atlantic and Maspalomas’ famed palms, a large bed with cloud-soft pillows, a widescreen TV, air conditioning and a fruit bowl. The bathroom uses sleek stone and glass to evoke a spa sanctuary, underscoring the hotel’s blend of playful design and calm luxury. Guests arrive to a campus-like resort with a calm, resort-wide vibe that emphasizes space and privacy, and the hotel’s layout contributes to a sense of easy-going exclusivity rather than crowding.

Wellness and sport are a focus: a high-tech gym displays on-screen workout guidance, and outdoor spaces overlook a sand area with a 30°C pool. An adults-only wellness area offers cushioned beds, a simple drink service, a heated saltwater pool with jet beds and underwater bikes. The brine pool, kept at a balmy 33°C, invites a buoyant, restorative tilt to a day in the sun. The spa is another highlight, with a traditional Finnish sauna, mint- and jungle-scented experiences, a dramatic stone steam bath and a salt cave. It is worth noting that parts of the spa operate as a naturist area; guests who prefer swimsuits should stick to other zones.

There’s a broad menu of wellness activities daily, including yoga and aqua gym, with Tai Chi offered Monday through Friday for a gentle, energizing start to the day. Dinner is a serious affair, with some nights offering à la carte menus — think confit salmon, pumpkin and orange soup, and ricotta ravioli — while other evenings lean into themed menus. A cheese and dessert buffet provides a fitting finale. Drinks are not included in half-board, but an ongoing program of nightly entertainment — from pianists to disco parties — keeps spirits high. Beer prices start around £3.50 and cocktails around £11, a detail that underscores the value proposition vs. pricier beach fronts elsewhere.

Beyond the hotel, Gran Canaria’s sands and dunes are a brief stroll away. The Maspalomas dunes and beach are just about a three-minute walk from the property, and the area is especially magical before 10 a.m., when it’s quiet enough to feel almost sacred. The location makes it easy to combine sun-drenched resort days with the island’s broader landscape.

For those seeking a late-day escape, a TUI sunset excursion to Pico de las Nieves — the island’s highest point at 1,949 meters — offers champagne above the clouds, a stop in a stone-built village, and a look at a volcanic crater before a tapas dinner. Pack a jacket for the high-altitude portion; it’s a brisk complement to Gran Canaria’s daytime warmth.

Life at Palm Beach is designed to feel effortless. Late arrivals are greeted with a silver-cloaked cold dinner tray, and rooms are cleaned twice daily — once in the morning and again after siesta — so guests consistently feel refreshed. The property numbers a little over 300 rooms and is designed to avoid crowding, with plenty of quiet zones where mobiles and smoking are banned.

Travel facts: A seven-night stay at the Seaside Palm Beach Hotel, including return flights from London Gatwick to Gran Canaria, one checked bag per adult, transfers and accommodation on a half-board basis, is £2,353, based on two adults sharing a Standard Twin room. To learn more or book, readers can visit tui.co.uk, visit a TUI holiday store or download the TUI app. The Palm Beach’s retro glamour and expansive amenities are pitched as a way to make Gran Canaria feel like the Miami of Europe while keeping a lid on costs relative to counterparts in more notorious party hubs.