After hearing whispers of its underrated wellness scene, Living360 editor Anna Evdokimou ventured to the oldest Canary Island to find out what the fuss is all about.
Greeted by soft blue waves that gently push forward to meet a bed of white sand, I tug open the curtain to continue ogling the view from my room.
The rising sun emits an amber hue, illuminating the skin of the early birds already on the beach, eager to make the most of the rays. Must be Brits, I think, as I draw the curtain closed.
I checked into the recently renovated Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace last night and fell asleep within the first 30 minutes of my arrival. It was only a four-hour easyJet flight, but travelling tends to defeat me.
Now, however, I’m rested enough to notice the delicate, terracotta interiors of the room, where wicker detailing has been complemented by hues of blue and green. The design, it seems, echoes the shades of the island.
If I’m being honest, I’d never intended to visit Fuerteventura.
It’s not that I harbour a longstanding dislike for the isle. The archipelago is widely known for delivering long bouts of sunshine at a distance not too inconvenient from the UK, which — for a sun-worshiper like me — sounds like a dream. But the Canaries have always felt somewhat too predictable, too obvious — and admittedly, too touristy — as a choice for a holiday. We know there’ll be sun, we know they’ll be sea and we know there will be superb resorts. But surely, we want more from our sojourns, right?
This was the philosophy I prophesised up until a few months ago, when I received an invitation to travel to Fuerteventura and experience its ‘renowned wellness scene’. Coloured intrigued, I scrolled through the oasis of the internet to uncover more about the supposed self-care sanctuary, and it was then that my fascination began.
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What’s Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace like?
My first steps into the hotel see me engulfed by lush greenery, as though I’d stepped outside rather than in. Vines dangle from the reception’s ceilings, potted plants stand idly by low wicker chairs and I’m greeted with a lime-coloured iced drink, which I greedily gulp down. It’s November, but the temperature here rarely dips below 20 degrees.
“What’s in this?” I ask Anna, the hotel manager, having emptied the glass. She answered that it’s a combination of aloe vera, cucumber and lemon. Aloe vera, she explains, is championed throughout the hotel, as well as the island in general. “It’s our secret weapon,” Anna says deliberately, gesturing to the spiky-edged plant illustrations decorating the walls.
It might be known for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters, but Fuerteventura isn’t quite regarded as a wellness destination, yet. That title is bestowed upon the likes of Switzerland and the Dolomites, or perhaps Thailand and Bali. But while the Canaries may be better known for an abundance of sun-loving Brits rather than detoxifying retreats, it seems that the island has somewhat of a hidden advantage in its midst.
Aloe vera — I learn — grows in abundance here. So much so that plantations and farms are one of the island’s largest sources of income. Grown in Fuerteventura’s unique, volcanic soil, the plants are sustainably farmed to produce healing products such as shampoo, lip balm, body cream, soap and even massage oils for ‘aloe therapy’ — which is exactly what tempted me to the isle in the first place.
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What’s wellness in Fuerteventura like?
Beach yoga is the first port of call on my itinerary, an activity that the hotel hosts daily.
Laying out our mats on the white sand, it feels surreal to bask in the warm, rising sun when I know just how cold it is back at home. Our instructor guides us slowly through the movements, pausing momentarily to invite other beachgoers to join and allow a flock of surfers to pass by. Suddenly, it feels as though I’m on a retreat in some far-flung, exotic destination, long removed from the chatter of Brits and grapples over sunloungers.
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But while I’d love to stretch out in the sunshine for a little while longer, I’m itching to try out the famed aloe-therapy treatment, which is exclusively available on site at Iberostar’s Spa Sensations.
Inspired by the local environment, treatments here are unique to the island and include products that feature native plants and herbs — from chocolate to seaweed — but aloe vera is truly the shining star.
Lying on the massage bed — with my eyes covered by a warmed towel, I’m initially alarmed by the cool gel that I’m being covered in. “Aloe vera and honey,” my masseuse tells me, as I let out a shiver. I’m smothered in the mixture from head to toe, then promptly wrapped tightly in plastic film, so my body can ‘soak up the nourishment’.
Winters spent in London can be cataclysmic, with my hands often resembling the sands of the Sahara. But lying here, looking like a sushi roll, it’s hard to deny how good this feels for my skin.
No amount of moisturiser can combat the cold of the UK, so I let myself bask in the restoration of it all. It feels symbolic — just as the aloe vera is repairing my skin, Fuerteventura is soothing my spirit.
What else is there to do in Fuerteventura?
Outside the resort, mountains await exploration — something else I didn’t expect. Groups of hikers trail these peaks, walking miles as they take in the raw nature, coastal winds and complete silence.
On my penultimate day, we take an excursion to Cofete — a remote beach on the southwestern coast of Fuerteventura — which is framed by Pico de la Zarza, the island’s highest peak. Here, you need only stand and gaze out at the waves for a while to feel like you’re on a holistic retreat, proving that wellness really doesn’t require forking out thousands.
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When it comes to dining, alMar proves to be my favourite spot. I enjoy a tapas lunch of prawn salad, anchovies, local fish and goat’s cheese, which feels rustic and healthy, and the views of Iberostar’s surrounding outdoor pools provide the perfect background.
Should you go on holiday to Fuerteventura?
For an island that I felt reluctant travelling to, Fuerteventura has completely taken me by surprise. I had no idea how vital aloe vera is to life here — from the products to the scenery — nourishing visitors inside and out. I leave feeling as fulfilled as I do in peak summer and considering we’re in a bleak winter back in the UK, the trip has been quite magical.
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Those seeking sunshine and luxury should visit for the hotel alone, as the coastal resort presents a soft, unhurried pace of life, where you can expect extensive buffet breakfasts, sunrise yoga, guided island walks and days spent lazing on the decadent decks.
And for those seeking a wellness escape, Fuerteventura presents a great alternative to its more expensive counterparts, allowing you to enjoy the restorative benefits of nature, on an island where one of the world’s most healing of plants chooses to grow.
How to plan a trip to Fuerteventura
Where to stay
Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace
Set on Jandía beach with breathtaking sea views, the Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura boasts 437 rooms inspired by nature and the island’s relaxed way of life.
Board options: all-inclusive or half board only
Rates from: £181 depending on season
Bookable on the Iberostar website and easyJet holidays with flights included: Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace, Playa de Jandia. iberostar.com
How to get there
Book direct flights to Fuerteventura with easyJet holiday packages at Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace. easyjet.com
easyJet holidays packages include:
- Return flights
- Hotel
- 23kg baggage allowance per passenger
- Transfers (included on beach breaks
Feature image: Anna Evdokimou
