30/10/10

Maspalomas, Gran Canaria

This postcard is not a report from a recent return from holiday to Magnolias; it more reflects the experience of seven visits to this superb facility over the years, the most recent of which was this Easter 2009.

Jayne and I particularly commend this intimate, well-run naturist resort, which we believe is the best of its kind in the Canaries allowing 24/7 nudity. Indeed having been nude beach goers for many years, Magnolias was the first resort based nude holiday either of us had ever taken. The small, and intimate nature of this very friendly resort is ideal for new naturists; it is not a clothing optional resort as nudity is required. However, after sunset most (but not all) guests dress for dinner.

Magnolias can be booked direct www.canariasnatura.com  ; but it is serviced by the well-known naturist travel companies, if you prefer to delegate the booking. Daily flights to GC are plentiful including Easyjet from LGW; and as a car is not entirely necessary for a full stay, Magnolias can arrange an airport pick-up which costs around € 30.

Magnolias started life as ‘Magnolias Golf’ (to which to this day the taxi drivers know it as), a feeder accommodation to the nearby Campo de Golf; but some 5 years ago was acquired and converted to a naturist resort by Jean the extremely charming Belgian CEO. It is a small development of 28 semi-detached bungalows, in compact but very pretty tropical gardens. There is an excellent and immaculately kept swimming pool, adjoining hot tub, in addition to nude table tennis (our favourite), and a very under-used boules court. There is a well-stocked swap and exchange library.

Magnolias is and was the ‘first and only’ 24/7 naturist resort in Gran Canaria.

Magnolias has an excellent bar and restaurant serving food throughout the day, and Jayne and I have tried all over Maspalomas, but the food in Magnolias is as good/better than anywhere else. Drinks are 20-30% below UK prices despite the €’s efforts to make us all poorer on holiday. Food may be taken on a B&B, HB.FB, or ad hoc basis for those that wish to self-cater. The bar and restaurant is owned on a separate franchise by Richard and Marcel (the very amusing and dry Dutch chef), assisted by a very lively English girl June. Note that as a separate franchise this bill must be settled separately, but they take all credit/debit cards.

The Bungalows are small and simple, but very clean, properly equipped and most comfortable for two. For a three there is a bed sofa, but this is only recommended for those with children and not adult travel companions. A CD player, TV with satellite (only SKY News and CNN for English speakers), a fridge and a two-ring cooking station. WiFi is available but only in the bar area. We believe the accommodation is very good value, is well presented, and cleaned/re-laundered regularly.

The ambiance is very much of peace and tranquillity, (with Maspalomas and Playa Del Ingles only a short distance away for lively night-life). Magnolias does admit children over the age of 12; but this would only be wise for those travelling with siblings or another family-children are infrequent guests, with little in the way of amenities, and boisterous recreation is not encouraged.

One guest amenity is a ‘must do’ at Magnolias; Jayne and I have had massages on vacation on many trips abroad, but none touch the quality of the brilliant and charming Roland Schwarz. Roland is simply the best, and will give you a fantastic naturist massage in the solitude of your bungalow. Roland is bookable either from Magnolias reception/bar or via his website www.kumoki.com . Roland is a highly accomplished artist and has exhibited all over Europe, and his gallery in Maspalomas is well worth a visit.

It may not suit some guests that Magnolias does not boast a beachside location; and the dunes and beach at Maspalomas are world-renowned. It is little disadvantage as there is an hourly free bus service from the gates to & from the beach in Maspalomas. The beach is very high quality with fine pure golden sand (can be a little problem when the wind picks up). The first section is textile, the second mixed nude, and the final section mixed nude/gay (but all are welcome); the second two sections have beach bars which are nude, serving drinks and snacks and providing sun loungers. This naturally beautiful beach has become a little ‘commercial’ in recent years, but it is vast and there is plenty of space.

Some practical tips: -

·         There is a shopping centre (Faro II) with a supermarket, easily walkable from Magnolias. If your shopping is heavy there is a taxi rank return…for all of €3.

·         Taxis are very cheap negating the need for a car (unless you want to tour the island), cabs costing € 3-5 to seemingly go anywhere in Maspalomas/Playa area.

·         If you go out do not drink and drive; sounds obvious but the limit is lower than the UK and there is a major clampdown in Spain, with dire consequences. Cabs are cheap so don’t take the risk.

·         Watch out for scratch card touts…politely decline or you will find yourself in a high-pressure time-share seminar.

Magnolias is a wonderful and intimate naturist resort, which Jayne and I would recommend for novice and experienced naturists alike. It is a very sociable resort, with a mix of nationalities, gay friendly, is good value and above all very tranquil. Guests frequently return as it is so popular and gets booked up very quickly throughout the year…a better endorsement than my words can give.