Hotel Riu Oliva Beach Resort is one of the big, sociable all-inclusive resorts of the north. It stands on the Avenida Grandes Playas in Corralejo, about a minute’s walk from the beach and facing the long, pale sands of the Corralejo Natural Park. The property is a three-star resort with 814 rooms, so expect the energy and scale of a large holiday hotel rather than the hush of a boutique stay. The all-inclusive plan covers buffet meals, snacks and drinks, and the resort has four restaurants and two poolside bars, two outdoor pools, a separate children’s pool with sun loungers and umbrellas, and a kids club. Evenings bring live shows and a nightclub, there is a gym with fitness classes, and guests can play volleyball or rent bikes. Guests rate it very good, at 8.2 from about 874 reviews, which is a solid score for a resort of this size. It suits families and groups who want everything on site and a short walk to the sea.
Location and getting around
The resort sits on the Grandes Playas road, a few kilometres from Corralejo’s harbour, so the dunes, beaches and the water sports are on the doorstep, while the town’s restaurants and the ferry port to Lobos and Lanzarote are a short drive, taxi or bike ride away. The airport is about forty minutes away by road, so allow time for your transfer, and note that the north is the best-placed base for the dunes, Lobos and the surf and windsurf schools. Hiring a car makes it easy to explore the north coast and El Cotillo.
Food and entertainment
The buffet-based all-inclusive plan keeps costs predictable, with snacks and drinks included. With four restaurants and two pool bars there is variety, though a resort this size can be busy at peak mealtimes, so go a little early or late. Evening entertainment includes live shows and a nightclub, which suits sociable guests but can be noisy for light sleepers, so ask for a room away from the entertainment area. The kids club and children’s pool take care of younger guests, and the gym and volleyball suit those who like to stay active.
Who it suits
Families with children, groups of friends and couples who enjoy a lively atmosphere and want an easy, all-inclusive holiday near the dunes. It is not the right choice for anyone who wants an adults-only retreat or a small, quiet hotel, and those guests should look at the adults-only resort further along the same road. Good to know: the wind blows on most days, so ask for a room with a sheltered terrace and bring a windbreak for the beach.
Free WiFi covers the public areas, and a safe is available at the front desk. The winter season is busy, so book early for November and December, and read recent reviews on rooms and food before you choose a room type.
Why stay here
- ✓All-inclusive buffet meals, snacks and drinks
- ✓Two outdoor pools and a children’s pool
- ✓Kids club
- ✓Four restaurants and two poolside bars
- ✓Live shows and a nightclub
- ✓Gym with fitness classes
- ✓Volleyball and bike rental
- ✓About a minute’s walk to the beach
Good questions
How far is Riu Oliva Beach from the beach?+
It is about a minute’s walk from the sand on the Grandes Playas strip, facing the Corralejo Natural Park dunes.
Is it good for children?+
Yes, it has a kids club, a children’s pool and plenty of space and activities, though it is a large, lively resort rather than a quiet one.
How far is it from the airport?+
About forty minutes by road, so allow time for the transfer. The north is the best base for the dunes, Lobos and surf lessons.
