In 2017 there were some real showstoppers in terms of hotels, featuring stunning sea view backdrops, exciting outdoor activities, multiple pools with swim-up bars and taste bud tantalising cuisine.
Cape Verde captured holiday goers’ hearts as the number one hotel hotspot, but right behind it was Mediterranean favourites like Tenerife, Costa Blanca, and further afield Turkey, the Caribbean and Mexico.
Now as this year is wrapping up, lets take a look at our most popular hotels in 2017.
Riu Touareg, Boa Vista, Cape Verde
TripAdvisor crowned this hotel one of the best in Cape Verde, and we tend to agree. Riu Touareg doesn’t cut corners on their facilities, in fact, it does everything on a larger-than-life scale, including six massive pools with a main splash zone overlooking a beachfront setting.
But it’s not just the pool scene that has grabbed our attention, guests also have their pick of numerous restaurants. There’s Cape Verdean and Asian themed joints, a buffet restaurant serving dishes poolside and a gourmet a la carte for those in the adults-only section – do we need to say more?
Sol Dunas Resort, Sal, Cape Verde
The massive complex of Sol Dunas Resort was one of the top places to bring the family in 2017. Location-wise it won’t disappoint, considering its only a 15-minute walk to the beach and a five-minute drive from Santa Maria in Cape Verde. The hotel itself is jam-packed with family activities starting with the splash park, loaded with slides and fun water features.
It also has a large outdoor playground with swings, slides, ropes and a climbing wall, as well as an action-packed programme full of age-appropriate games run by their first-class activity team.
Clubhotel Riu Karamboa, Boa Vista, Cape Verde
2017 was a year for epic expanses and gorgeous seaside resorts in Cape Verde. Clubhotel Riu Karamboa ticks all the sun-loving boxes, with a prime beachfront setting right next to Praia de Salines’ white coastline and rolling sand dunes.
Visitors staying here will be transported to a desert oasis, where food and drink is at your every beck and call. The hotel’s massive pool twists and turns throughout the grounds, giving guests amazing views over the water, rolling sands and pristine gardens. But it’s not just views this pool offers, it also has sunken loungers, a built-in whirlpool bath and a swim-up bar.
Clubhotel Riu Bachata, Bahia Maimon, Dominican Republic
For seclusion and relaxation, no one does it better than Clubhotel Riu Bachata in the Dominican Republic. This hotel is located in the middle of Bay of Maimon, with a gorgeous stretch of golden sand right at your fingertips.
Staying here is an escape from everyday life, where each aspect of the resort aims to help you unwind and de-stress. The hotel’s two pools look out over the water, with coconut-thatch parasols and cushioned sunloungers for optimal relaxation.
Catalonia Punta Del Rey, Las Caletillas, Tenerife
For best value for money in 2017, Catalonia Punta Del Rey surpasses them all. This family-friendly hotel is located on Tenerife’s north east coast with the island’s capital Santa Cruz just a 15-minute drive away.
The entertainment is top notch across the board, often packed with flamenco performances, acrobatics, live bands and show-cooking. Active teens and kids are well covered too at Catalonia Punta Del Rey, with sports like tennis and squash as well as snooker, ping pong and even scuba diving lessons in the swimming pool.
Flamingo Oasis Hotel, Benidorm, Costa Blanca
Benidorm has always been a popular holiday destination for Brits, but in 2017 Flamingo Oasis Hotel surpassed all expectations. Not only does it come with a prime address close to shops, bars and restaurants, but Levante Beach is just a 15-minute walk away.
This hotel was also the ideal sightseeing base in 2017, and also got the thumbs up from holidaying kids thanks to its palm-covered islands that criss-cross the main pool, splash zone, playground and kids’ club run by TUI Family Life during the summer.
If that wasn’t enough, the activity list just keeps growing, with aerobics, rifle shooting, tennis, football and mini-golf.
Gran Sirenis Riviera Maya, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Paradise arrived in 2017 in the form of Gran Sirenis Riviera Maya. This 5* hotel is located right on Mexico’s white sand is overflowing with endless amenities – so you don’t even have to leave the resort if you don’t want to.
Three pools with a swim-up bar, in-water loungers, waterside whirlpool, and lazy river complete with inflatable rings, now we’re talking. This Mexican resort came out on top, and it was mainly down to its cuisine. With two buffet eateries and eight a la cartes, serving a range of international menus including Brazilian, Italian, Japanese, Mexican and Mediterranean, your options are endless.
Riu Vallarta Hotel, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
Entertainment, good quality food and activities took centre stage at Riu Vallarta Hotel in 2017. This hotel certainly knows how to impress, with two larger-than-life pools with whirlpool baths, swim-up bars and slides for the little ones.
The evening’s entertainment is well taken care of with Pacha nightclub’s resident DJ, and quieter low-key music in the lounge bars. Holidaymakers have tons of choice when it comes to activities, from windsurfing, to catamaran sailing, kayaking and bodyboarding in the Bay of Banderas.
There’s also plenty to do in the surrounding area including an 18-hole golf course and horseback riding trails through the Mexican jungle.
Sensimar El Dorado Seaside Suites and Spa, Riviera Maya, Mexico
2017 was not only a great year for family-friendly holidays, but it was also a top year for adult-only hotels. Sensimar El Dorado Seaside Suites and Spa in Riviera Maya puts the focus back on the adults, with glasses of fizz on arrival and poolside waiter service.
This 5* hotel was listed as one of the most romantic hotels in the world by Forbes Magazine, and 2017 only continued that tradition. Luxury is their key word, with hot tubs in every room, four-poster sunloungers by the pool, and five a la carte restaurants with menus created by world-class chefs.
Sensatori Resort Fethiye, Fethiye, Dalaman Region
Turkey is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and luxurious 5* hotels, including Senstatori Resort Fethiye. Edged by the Mediterranean Sea and lush mountain ranges, 2017’s best hotel line up wouldn’t be complete without this stand out resort.
Not only are guests positioned right on the water, but there’s also the chance to take part in yoga and pilates classes while enjoying the view. Food-wise this hotel has outdone themselves, with six restaurants including Traditional Turkish fare, Asian, Italian, European, Grill and the popular buffet.
To round it off, you can also take advantage of the health and beauty spa, with tranquil treatments including massages, body scrubs and facials.
2017 is coming to a close, but there are plenty of other hotels ready and waiting to be booked in 2018. Where will you be heading?
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