THE SPA HOTEL REVIEW: BOHEMIA SUITES & SPA, GRAN CANARIA
Avenida Estados Unidos, 28 C.P.35100, Playa Del Ingles, Gran Canaria
THE HOTEL
Following a great private airport transfer courtesy of the hotel, we arrived at this impressive 5* adult-only boutique destination.
The focal design point is the 360º Restaurant and Lounge located on the top floor of the hotel which features outstanding panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Dunes of Maspalomas.
This contemporary design hotel offers a secluded location with privacy and an air of exclusivity while still being easily accessible to the bustling resort of Playa del Ingles.
THE FACILITIES
PC STATION & FREE INTERNET | PERSONAL TABLET/ GARDENS | SUN DECK AREA | 2 SWIMMING POOLS | POOLBAR | 2 RESTAURANTS | SPA | WELLNESS SUITE | GYM.
We were given a personal tablet for use during our stay, on which we could book dinner reservations, spa treatments plus had access to social media sites using the efficient Wi-Fi secured to our room.
We chose to spend most of our time relaxing around the pool area where there are two heated swimming pools, a jacuzzi, sun deck and pool bar with tables and comfortable sofas. The sunbeds all had padded cushions for extra luxury, each with a handy table for drinks and a parasol should you prefer shade – but as we are sun worshippers we didn’t open ours. There are also a couple of Balinese beds for that extra comfort. The Sapphire poolbar played subtle music in the background and staff were always on hand to serve a snack or drink with a smile.
In the lounge/reception area there was a library and internet station for the use of the guests it’s a pity we didn’t have a longer stay as the lounge was a perfect setting to settle down with a good book.
The wellness suite was a lovely addition with plunge pool, two saunas, steam room and experience showers – it was well worth a visit, we picked a couple of sunbed in the bamboo relaxation area where we could nip in and out of these great facilities. There was also a gym for the more energetic!
THE SPA
We had a very warm welcome from the Siam Spa staff who directed us to the changing rooms and individual lockers which housed gowns and slippers, we quickly changed and were introduced to our therapists. From the extensive menu, we opted for a sixty minute Balinese massage. The South East Asian influenced décor with Mandala-inspired marquees and rooms, mood lighting and low music helped us to chill almost immediately.
Prior to our massage we had a foot scrub using salt from the Island of La Palma followed by foot massage. We were then guided to our double treatment room. The Perm Palang Traditional Bali Massage (BALI) was fantastic. The treatment is based on the healing expertise of the Balinese natives and focuses on energy points, palm pressure, and stretching techniques which helps to purify the whole body. Our therapist personally mixed our essential oils with an Almond base (this helps to enhance the flow of liquids through the body and further assists the removal of toxins helping to re-balance the metabolism). We both agreed afterwards this was one of the best full body massages we had ever received; the stretching and palm pressure both relaxing and energising at the same time.
When the treatment finished we chose a glass of chilled lemon water in the relaxation lounge.
THE ACCOMMODATION
Our superior double room had an contemporary gold & purple colour scheme, the bed was large and comfortable, smart flat screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar with drinks and snacks and a bonus of complementary water daily. We also liked the air conditioning control panel which could be accessed from the bed – this was a nice touch.
The hotel maximised the space within the room with quirky space saving idea such as bi- folding doors on a large double sided wardrobe which splits the bathroom area from the entrance hall to the room, Bi-folding patio doors extended the room to include the balcony space, again another example of the attention to detail that has been put into the design of the room.
We had a sunny pool facing balcony with a privacy screen, a couple of arm chairs that light up at night and two gnome tables for the fun aspect – we loved it!
The bathroom area had a very large walk in rainfall shower a square washbasin, large mirror and a handy shaving/makeup mirror with lights.
Towels were placed in wicker baskets housed in shelving under the sink with bathrobes and slippers in the wardrobe ready for use. We enjoyed the Molton Brown toiletries which were replenished daily.
If you fancy a fabulous room upgrade, opt for the Ocean View Star Sky Suite (pictured above).
DRINNKING AND DINING
The Sapphire Poolbar; a varied snack menu was available throughout the day and we enjoyed a light lunch of smoked salmon and cream cheese along with a cold beer this was served to our subbed with fast efficient service.
Atelier Lounge; a chic lounge with a relaxed atmosphere which is popular for music and cocktails. The subtle mood lighting and great views over Playa Del Ingles made for a good atmosphere.
360 Degrees Restaurant; you really do need to visit this restaurant to appreciate the outstanding views across the Atlantic Ocean, the Maspalomas sand dunes and the entire resort. We opted for the tasting menu with wine pairing and I have to say, the venue, food and service were impeccable.
Tasting menu:
Punjabi Kadhi soup (yoghurt, chickpeas and turmeric) with vegetable fritters.
Marinated salmon fillet with volcanic salt and a bergamot and turmeric sauce.
Wreckfish in a green curry sauce with crispy rice.
Mature sirloin steak with potato gratin and seasonal mushrooms in a creamy mustard and sherry sauce.
Gin and aloe vera sorbet with an assortment of herb and flower-infused fruit.
All courses were explained to us prior to serving along with the wine pairing. We also had a choice to change any of the wine options should we prefer an alternative from the wine list.
The next evening we returned to sample the a la carte menu and enjoyed more great dishes including the ecologically farmed Real de Canaries Prawns, these came on skewer with yuzu sauce and curried vegetables. the Spiced, pan fried rebranded seabream with crispy spiced rice and soybeans, smoked fish stew of celery, turnip and corn and the Shoulder of Iberian pork with a creamy Indian spiced cauliflower puree and vegetable couscous were nothing less than excellent.
Breakfast is served in the 360 Degrees venue where both buffet style continental and a la carte options are available with a wide variety of choice available. We recommend a chilled Cava with the excellent Full English option – the only way to start the day.
HIGHLIGHTS
360 degree restaurant with beautiful view and amazing food.
Service was outstanding
Our room was perfect everything we needed and a beautiful balcony.
Siam Spa wonderful Bali massage.
THE RATES
Nightly rates at Bohemia Suites & Spa start from €204 for a Deluxe Double room; and from €344 for a Junior Suite, including breakfast and VAT. Call +34 928 563 400 or visit www.bohemia-grancanaria.com.
THE TRAVEL
Before our flight we visited the Yorkshire Premier Airport Lounge.
The Yorkshire Premier Lounge (YPL) is the perfect way to start a trip from Leeds Bradford Airport; offering a relaxing lounge experience for passengers travelling both for business and leisure. The YPL has a delicious snack menu, a selection of drinks and unlimited superfast free Wi-Fi. To book, visit www.leedsbradfordairport.co.uk