Gran Canaria's Seaside Palm Beach markets itself as Miami of Europe with affordable luxury

Gran Canaria's Maspalomas is cashing in on a Miami vibe, and the Seaside Palm Beach hotel sits at the center of that wave. The five-star design hotel fuses 1970s Art Deco with contemporary luxury, offering a glamorous atmosphere critics might associate with South Beach but at a price point Brits can routinely afford. From the moment guests step into the resort, the setting feels tailored for fans of retro chic: palm-lined entrances, flashes of exotic color, and a sense that the era of Miami Vice still electrifies the air. It is a property that markets itself not just as a place to sleep, but as a scene setter for a holiday that blends elegance with easygoing Canarian warmth.

Architecturally, the Seaside Palm Beach curves in a horseshoe, with five pools framed by manicured lawns and tall palm trees. Inside, the palette leans bold: glossy greens, burnt oranges, and gold accents that reinforce the hotel’s playful, flamboyant personality. The property offers six room styles, each drawing inspiration from Gran Canaria’s natural surroundings, ensuring that even a standard stay feels connected to the island’s landscape. The design is unapologetic and theatrical, yet purposeful enough to feel inviting rather than merely ostentatious.

On the seventh floor, guests find rooms that extend the ocean-front moment, with a balcony that opens onto views of the Atlantic and Maspalomas’ palm-lined promenade. The accommodation features a large bed, a widescreen smart TV, air conditioning, and a fruit bowl, while the bathroom is a spa-like sanctuary rich in stone and glass. The layout emphasizes light and openness, with space to stretch out after a day of sun and surf. Choices range from sea to garden views, and the overall feeling is that of a chic, contemporary retreat rather than a sterile hotel corridor. The way the rooms are configured supports a sense of privacy and calm in a setting designed for social enjoyment.

Wellness and bathing are central to the Palm Beach experience. The resort operates a large family-friendly freshwater pool, alongside an adults-only wellness area that includes a heated saltwater pool with jet beds and even underwater bikes. The brine pool, kept at a balmy 33C, invites effortless floating and a moment of pure leisure. The spa is a standout feature, offering a traditional Finnish sauna infused with mint and jungle-inspired sounds, a dramatic stone steam bath, and a salt cave. A naturist area operates within the spa complex, a detail guests should be aware of when planning a visit; the facility respectfully provides spaces where swimwear norms vary. The spa’s breadth is matched by a schedule of wellness activities, with daily yoga and options such as aqua gym and Tai Chi available on select days, inviting guests to begin the day with gentle, energizing movement.

Dining at the Palm Beach is a serious, convivial affair. Half-board arrangements give guests flexibility, with some evenings featuring à la carte options and others offering themed menus. The breakfast service is generous, with live cooking stations for eggs, a fruit-forward display of Canarian cheeses and tropical produce, and a dedicated smoothie counter. Evening meals can swing from a seafood-forward Italian-inspired night to more regional Canarian options, with a procession of courses that culminate in a cheese board and dessert. Beverages aren’t included in half-board, but the nightly entertainment—pianists and disco parties—helps set a lively mood as guests unwind. Beer prices start around £3.50, with cocktails typically around £11, which stacks up favorably against similar upscale hotel resorts. Beyond the dining halls, guests are encouraged to explore the immediate area: the Maspalomas dunes and beach are a short stroll away, and arriving before 10 a.m. offers an almost otherworldly quiet that complements a morning beach walk.

For visitors seeking a broader island perspective, a TUI sunset excursion to Pico de las Nieves—Gran Canaria’s highest peak at 1,949 meters—offers champagne above the clouds, a stop in a stone-built village, and a look into a volcanic crater before pausing for tapas at a local restaurant. Pack a jacket for the ascent, as it is the only time you’ll notice a chill on the island. The Palm Beach experience is designed to feel effortless: late arrivals are greeted with a silver-lacquered dinner tray, rooms are serviced twice daily—once in the morning and again after siesta—and the property generally maintains a calm, uncrowded atmosphere with just over 300 rooms and ample quiet zones where mobiles and smoking are restricted.

The Seaside Palm Beach family of spaces and services is pitched as tranquil, indulgent, playful, and steeped in 70s glamour, a combination that makes Gran Canaria feel like the Miami of Europe. It’s a destination packaged for travelers who want the glamour and variety of a luxury resort without paying premium prices, and the evidence of that appeal is clear in both the hotel’s design language and its accessible price points.

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 find out more about this holiday or to book, go to tui.co.uk, visit your local TUI holiday store, or download the TUI app.