Visiting Gran Canaria earlier this autumn was one of those rare travel moments where everything just worked. From the second we arrived, the landscape alone felt like a welcome mat laid out by nature itself. Southern Gran Canaria has this raw, sun-drenched beauty, all rugged hillsides and a sky that seems permanently set to ‘glow’. And even in October, the heat was generous enough that we happily stretched out by the pool each afternoon, soaking up sunshine that felt like a bonus before winter.
While it may be overlooked by those searching for a wellness-focused travel adventure in favour of destinations such as Ibiza or Morocco, I’m here to tell you that this gem of an island should definitely be on your radar. With beautiful places to stay, activities galore and the opportunity to relax in peaceful surroundings, it’s the ideal place to recharge and reset.
Staying at the Salobre Hotel Resort & Serenity
We stayed at the Salobre Hotel Resort & Serenity, and it’s no exaggeration to say the hotel felt like a sanctuary carved into the mountains – quiet, calm, and utterly rejuvenating. That sense of quiet sets the tone from the moment you check in. Nothing feels rushed. Staff aren’t just polite; they’re calm in a way that makes you slow down too, the kind of hospitality that nudges you into holiday mode without you even realising it.
One of the biggest draws in this area, of course, is the golf. Even if you’re not a die-hard golfer, it’s impossible not to admire the way the courses wrap around the volcanic landscape. And, here at Salbore, it’s outstanding. Fairways spill across different levels, greens pop against the natural browns of the terrain, and the views stretch out toward distant peaks. For golfers, it’s a playground, the kind of courses that ask you to think a little, plan a little, and then take the shot. For non-golfers, it’s still a gorgeous backdrop for walks, photos, or just a quiet moment with a coffee in hand watching.
Unwind and relax at Salobre
Beyond golf, Salobre impressed us with the variety of spaces it offers to unwind. The pools are scattered in tiers, almost like small hideaways rather than one big communal splash zone. If you want somewhere peaceful to sunbathe, you’ll find it. If you want somewhere with a little more energy for a cocktail or a chat, that’s there too. And because the resort sits at different heights, the views change depending on where you settle, sometimes mountain silhouettes, sometimes winding fairways, sometimes sky and nothing else.
Then there’s the wellness centre, which feels like a world of its own. A mixture of soothing tones, warm lighting and water features hits you as soon as you step inside. Whether you go for a massage, sit in the heat rooms, or drift between hydrotherapy pools, it’s the kind of place that melts the last bit of tension you didn’t know you were still holding onto.
Food-wise, the hotel gives plenty of choice. You can stay casual with light bites near the pool or lean toward something more polished in the evenings. What I appreciated most was the chilled, unpretentious atmosphere – meals didn’t feel rushed, and there was enough variety to keep things interesting without being overwhelming, and each night was a different speciality.
Exploring the area
While staying at Salobre, we took the opportunity to explore the area and signed up for the Volcano Heart Tour, and I’m so glad we did. We were driven inland, away from the coast and resorts, into the raw volcanic heart of the island. Walking across rocky terrain and volcanic craters, climbing dusty slopes, and taking in the dramatic landscapes made it feel almost cinematic. The hike to the towering rock formations was challenging but doable, and a reminder to wear good footwear.
The real magic, though, came at the end: we reached the perfect vantage point just in time for a sunset that seemed almost made for the moment, golden light spilling across craters, clouds drifting below, and shadows stretching over the rugged peaks. It was one of those sunsets you close your eyes and commit to memory. If you’re visiting the island, I’d highly recommend this tour.
Other places to visit
We also spent a day at the Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso & Hotel, and it turned out to be another highlight, especially because it happened to be my birthday. The moment we arrived, the atmosphere felt calm and spacious, and the pool area was enormous, the kind of space where you can immediately relax. The facilities were an experience in themselves, but the massage was the real treat, leaving me completely renewed.
To top it off, the staff surprised me with a birthday cocktail and nibbles up on their rooftop bar. Sitting there with the warm breeze, panoramic views, and that little celebration felt like the perfect way to mark the day. If you’re after a mix of pampering, relaxation, and a touch of charm, this hotel delivers beautifully.
Aqua Healing at Finca Las Orillas
Another unforgettable day took us to Finca Las Orillas for an Aqua Healing session, and honestly, we had no idea what to expect. The moment we arrived it was clear that the ladies running the place had poured their hearts into creating something truly special. The setting itself is peaceful, with a calm energy that instantly makes you feel you’ve stepped out of everyday life and into a space dedicated entirely to wellbeing. I’ll admit, I was a bit dubious about the treatment at first, and I wasn’t sure what aqua healing would feel like, but from the first moments in the warm, buoyant water, all skepticism melted away.
The session was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced and is one of the best things I’ve ever done. It felt spiritual, soothing, and rejuvenating all at once. It involved floating, being guided gently through movements designed to ease tension, and being fully present, and created a sense of deep relaxation that stayed with me long after the session ended. The combination of water, music, and the practitioners’ gentle guidance made it feel like a total reset for both body and mind. If you find yourself anywhere near this area, I cannot recommend it highly enough. It’s not just a treatment, it’s a full experience in wellbeing and one that leaves you lighter, calmer, and truly grateful for having taken the time for yourself.
A sweet goodbye to Gran Canaria
Altogether, this trip was a perfect blend of sport, adventure, and relaxation. From the dramatic fairways and serene pools of Salobre, to the rugged hiking and unforgettable sunset on the Volcano Heart Tour, the pampering birthday treat at Gloria Palace, and the spiritual, calming Aqua Healing at Finca Las Orillas — it was a journey that felt fully alive. Gran Canaria in October has that rare combination of warmth, light, and calm that makes every experience feel like it was tailor-made. And I’m already counting the days until the next visit.
Find out more about staying at Salobre here.
