DESTINATIONS FUERTEVENTURA | WINTER SUN


Paradisefounded t


A new resort in Fuerteventura is a step up for the island’s luxury all-inclusive offering, writes Maria Mellor


here’s debate about where the name Fuerteventura comes from. Some believe it’s derived from the Spanish words ‘fuerte’ and


‘vientos’, meaning ‘strong winds’. As I stand shakily on a windsurfing board, I’m inclined to believe the more likely option that ‘ventura’ translates directly from the Spanish for ‘fortunate’. A light breeze sends me gliding along the seafront


and I’m grateful conditions are so calm – anything stronger would have me struggling to stay up at all. As someone not known for my prowess in


watersports, I might never have chosen to windsurf if it weren’t for the fact the experience was included as part of a stay at the new Paradisus by Meliá Fuerteventura. I’m at the resort’s grand opening – the brand’s third Canary Islands property – and ready to test out everything on offer.


MOVING UP Meliá has spent €32 million transforming its 361-room property on Fuerteventura’s south coast into a five-star


resort. The nearest town is Costa Calma – a 40-minute walk beyond the sand dunes – so clients will feel as if they’ve been dropped into an otherworldly oasis. The resort’s sand and warm-white colour scheme


offers a calm canvas for the breathtaking views: volcanic hills that rose from the sea more than 200 million years ago and can be sighted from all vantage points, including my ocean-view room. They seem to glow in the morning sun and are backlit in an explosion of pink, blue and orange at sunset. All-inclusives might have a reputation for


discouraging exploration, but this resort has been designed to bring the culture of Fuerteventura to its guests. Local goat’s cheese and sea salt awaits as you enter the room, and guests are also provided with a list of cultural experiences and workshops to sample during their stay for a true taste of the island. I sign up for a basket-weaving workshop with Maria, who deftly shows how to fold palm leaves into hats, bags and bookmarks, part of a centuries-long Canarian tradition. ²


travelweekly.co.uk 13 NOVEMBER 2025 57


PICTURE: Ricard Lopez


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