This post is based on a visit by myself and husband in December 2024. We booked and paid for this trip ourselves but the post does include (ad) affiliate links. Always check with venues direct for the most up to date information and remember that prices can fluctuate.
I will start by saying we loved this hotel so much. I have actutally booked it again in the Jet 2 sale for December 2025 and I never, ever return to the same hotel two years in a row. That's how much we loved it.
My husband Steve left his employed job of 20 years to join my North East Family Fun business a few years ago and we haven't looked back. His previous job was SO restrictive - ie no holidays allowed in December, holidays need to be authorised a year in advance.....that kind of thing and one of our goals when he joined NEFF was for us to really make the most of a flexible work life balance.
Work hard, play hard is my life motto and we certainly did that in 2024. November and December are crazy busy months for me so I was looking for a spa break to book mid-end December as something to look forward to / a kind of work Christmas party / somthing to celebrate my December birthday and to mark the end of our working year.
But WOW UK Spa breaks are pricey in December if you're looking for something that's 4 or 5*. You're talking £500+ a night for two people at the likes of Seaham Hall / Rockliffe Hall / Ramside Hall if you'd like spa access, an overnight stay, treatments and an evening meal. So I started to look further afield......
I am at a time in my life where I have an adult child who lives at home plus my brother always helps out with house and dog sitting when we go away so I started to look at spa hotels abroad. I remembered when we stayed in Fuerteventura with the kids in October Half Term that the nearby Barcelo Hotel looked stunning and I had made a mental note to return and stay here at some point so I started to do some research.
Barcelo Fuerteventura is a huge resort split into 4 sections. The two sections I would definitely recommend if you're looking for a treat break away with exceptional facilities and service are:
If you stay in Royal Level, you can access all 4 sections, their pools, bars, restaurants, entertainment etc.....
You can also stay at the following sections which is much more like a standard 4* All Inclusive Hotel without the fancy extras. Still lovely but not next level treatment: If you stay at Mar / Castillo, you can access the facilities at both hotels but you cannot access the Royal Level areas.
There are a range of board options from self catering up to all inclusive available.
We originally booked a deluxe suite with an outdoor whirlpool bath at Fuertaventura Mar, but after doing a little more research, decided Royal Level would be more of a treat and it wasn't actually that much more either.
Why Book Barceló Fuerteventura Royal Level?
First of all, there are regular flights from Newcastle. I booked in advance but there are some really good last minute Jet2 fly direct on a Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday in the Winter months making it ideal for a few days away. I've just taken a screenshot of prices below (taken on 21 Jan 2025):
In 2024, I booked our flight separately and booked our room direct with the hotel as they had some discounts available. It was £170 for a deluxe suite for 2 people per night at Barceló Fuerteventura Royal Level Adults Only for 2 adults half board including unlimited spa and gym access and a complimentary stocked mini bar (no refils).
We booked for 4 nights which was perfect.
For our 2025 trip though I have booked a package deal with Jet2 as it was a little cheaper. I have booked all inclusive I'd recommend checking both options.
Other reasons to book Barceló Fuerteventura Royal Level :
- A 10-15 minute cheap and easy transfer from the hotel
- Directly on the beach
- Exceptional service
- Unlimited spa and gym access is included
- Loads of bars and restaurants to choose from right across the harbour - you don't feel like you are trapped in one hotel
- Mini golf / tennis etc.... and loads of activities included
- Breakfast is included and you can choose either lunch or dinner when staying half board including a la carte options for lunch
- Fantastic dining options and food and drink quality
- The hotel is in the heart of Caleta de Fuste and it's very easy to walk to lots of activities, bars and restaurants. Boat trips leave directly outside of the Castillo section of the hotel.
Barceló Fuerteventura Royal Level Check In
Check in was wonderful and a fab start to our holiday. You can privately book a transfer in advance or if you book a package deal with Jet2, transfers are likely to be included. We just hopped in a taxi though. There was one group in front of us in the queue and it took 10 mintes and cost 16euros. We could pay cash or card.
Royal Level has their own area which feels very fancy. There's a little bar area in the Royal Level Reception and you can help yourself to beer / Cava / soft drinks / water / hot drinks etc.......as you check in or to take to your room with you.
As you can see below, there are so many bars and areas to access. It is pretty easy to get your bearings.
Staff were so lush - explained everything to us thoroughly and we were then whisked away in a golf buggy to our room. A member of staff gave us a little guided tour, showed us how to use the safe and air conditioning etc..... and then was on his way.
The Barcelo App
Once you have checked in you are emailed a link and a code to download and log into the Barcelo app. You technically don't need this but I would recommend as it's super handy. You can access entertainment schedules and see what's on - don't forget you can access all 4 hotels/areas so there are always multiple activities and entertainment to choose from.
You can use the app to order drinks and food to be delivered to your lounger, to book into the gym or spa treatments, for room service, to report a problem, to order a mini bar restock, to book a tennis court - everything really. You can download it before you visit but you won't be able to see everything until you've checked in.
Barceló Fuerteventura Royal Level Adults Only Accommodation
As mentioned earlier, we paid £170 for two people half board for this suite booked direct with the hotel. Next time we have upgraded to all inclusive.This area of the resort is only accessible to Royal Level guests. It's not a hotel as such but rather 129 individual suites / bungalows. Mostly they are ground level but some towards the rear of the complex do have first floor suites too.
Before your stay, if you book direct you are sent a questionaire and you can request a specific room / area (ie quiet or next to the pool). They also ask you to pick a room fragrance and pillow type in advance. Very fancy!
Each suite has it's own terrace with confortable chairs and a table. It feels very quiet, relaxed and peaceful here. We barely saw anyone walking around between rooms.
The grounds are beautifully maintained with flowers, planting, sophisticated lighting and background music.
Each suite has its own living area, bathroom and double bedroom. Two bedroom suites are also available.
The bathroom was fab and modern with decent full size toiletries, a powerful shower, bathrobes, amenity kit, back-lit mirror, excellent hairdryer and pool towels which can be changed at any time.
The rooms are cleaned daily and there is a turn down service in the evening where they leave a little Lindt chocolate on your pillow. Sweet! Fresh bottled water is also left in your room every day.
There is good air conditioning in both the lounge area and bedroom and there is a huge TV with English channels in both the lounge and bedroom too. We appreciated being able to watch Match of the Day after the toon won earlier.
There's a safe, free WiFi, iron and ironing board. Everything you need really.
There's a safe, free WiFi, iron and ironing board. Everything you need really.
The lounge area has a sofa, TV, mini fridge (filled with complimentary drinks - Cava, Beers including some 0% beers, soft drinks and water), desk area and coffee machine. If you need any extra capsules, just pop to the little bar at the Royal Level reception and help yourself or ask housekeeping.
The bed was huge and really comfy - we had ample storage and were provided with pool towels. There were both regular and USB sockets by the bed and hangers were provided.
Could not fault our suite at all - loved it and cannot wait to stay again. We did get invaded with ants around our doorway on one day but housekeeping will spray them and we never saw them again after that. I think this is very common with the Canary Islands. We didn't see any cockroaches or other pests.
Barceló Fuerteventura Royal Level - Spa & Gym
Part of the reason we booked this hotel was because it has a brilliant spa and gym and if you stay at Royal Level, you can visit as much as you like at no additional cost. Now we did indulge with food and alcohol on this break but also wanted to take care of ourselves and make sure we were refreshed and in the best frame of mind for Christmas. For us, going to the gym helps to achieve this.
The gym and spa is all in one building next to the Mar and a short walk along the prom from Royal Level Adults Only.
You are supposed to book a free gym slot via the app which we did but I think it would probably be ok to just turn up if it wasn't busy (it was never busy when we visited). The gym and spa are for ages 16+.
We used to head to the gym in the morning straight after breakfast for around 45 minutes. You're given a gym towel on arrival and there's a water machine.
The gym isn't air conditioned but it felt fairly cool and wasn't uncomfortable at all (outdoor temps were early 20s). It has a very inside out feel with outdoor areas and beautiful views of the spa, beach and sea.
You can also book into quite a few fitness classes including functional and Les Mils - just check the app for details.
We thought the gym was well equipped - the best holiday hotel gym I've ever been in and our morning gym sessions really set us up for the day. Some people say they can't imagine going to the gym on holiday. I used to be that person! But now I'm not and I loved it.
I know swimming caps give some people the ick but they are fairly standard in European spas and every one is in the same boat as you - don't let the fact you have to wear one put you off.
We would visit the spa in the afternoon after lunch for a few hours and it was so nice!
The outdoor pool was absolutely baltic. I genuinely don't know how people managed swimming out here! We managed all of one minute. We did enjoy relaxing on the loungers outdoors though and the whole area was really quiet and a sun trap.
We booked a couple of treatments which you can do through the app - Royal Level guests receive a 20% discount. You can pay before your treatment or it can be added onto your room bill.
Our first treatment was an Aloe Vera scrub and wrap - a signature treatment using products from the island. We booked individualy at the same time but they actually turned this into a couple's treatment which was nice. It was 90 minutes of being scrubbed, moisturised, wrapped up and massaged within an inch of our life. It was bliss and we felt super smooth afterwards. I think this one was around £80 each.
We also booked a couple's signature relaxing massage which was a special offer during our stay, it was just over £60 each for an hour's relaxing massage with lavendar oil followed by snacks and cava in the relaxation room which was a beautiful area overlooking the pool. We were pretty shocked to find a whole bottle of Cava waiting for us - we just expected a glass each! It felt like a real indulgence and treat. Steve said it was one of the best massages he's ever had.
There are loads of treatments to choose from - just check the Barcelo app.
The changing rooms are communal with huge mirrors, very good hairdryers and lockers (you're given a locker key when you check in). There are lots of individual (private) lockable cubicles where you can change.
The spa here is fantastic and worth booking this hotel for.
You can access the gym and spa when staying at the other Barcelo resorts too. It is included with some room rates or there's an additional charge with others. You can also buy a day pass if staying elsewhere on the island.
Barceló Fuerteventura Royal Level - Bars & Dining
We stayed half board and although we could use most of the restaurants on resort (there are loads to choose from) we just stuck with our restaurant in Royal Level Adults Only as it's so convenient. When we stay All Inclusive next year, lunch is included at some of the nice restaurants around the harbour where you order from a menu so I expect we'll venture our a bit more then.
The Royal Level Adults Only restaurant is just gorgeous! The staff are really lovely and friendly and can't do enough. Service feels exclusive and attentive. You can dine inside or out, we would normally dine outside as loved the view of the beach and sea from the terrace.
With breakfast, the staff will ask what kind of freshly squeezed juice you'd like and for your choice of hot drink. Having a pot of fresh coffee brought to your table plus proper freshly squeezed juice felt like such a treat. Even in other 4* hotels I've stayed at before, sometimes the juice can be a real disappointment. Not here!
There's also a Cava bar where you can serve yourself and this is included for everyone regardless of what dining package you're on.
There's both a choice of buffet and a menu to order from at breakfast and the choices were endless. They were really elevated too - you could order Spanish cheese and truffle on toast for example.
I would usually enjoy fresh fruit, yoghurts, cured hams and breads. There was a large range of cooked items and sweet treats too. The choice was incredible.
We like to go out of an evening so only actually dined for one evening at our hotel. I was again blown away with the choice. I had a fillet steak cooked to order by the chef which was so tasty.
The starters available were so good with lots of local produce. If you're half board, you can order drinks from a menu and they're charged to your room. Prices are reasonable and if you only half drink a bottle of wine, they will keep it for you to enjoy the next day.
If you're All Inclusive, you can order drinks from the menu (including full bottles of wine - and there's a choice) and it's all included at no additional cost.
The starters available were so good with lots of local produce. If you're half board, you can order drinks from a menu and they're charged to your room. Prices are reasonable and if you only half drink a bottle of wine, they will keep it for you to enjoy the next day.
If you're All Inclusive, you can order drinks from the menu (including full bottles of wine - and there's a choice) and it's all included at no additional cost.
We mostly switched dinner for lunch. Again, we could have used some of the other hotel's restaurants but we just stuck with the Royal Level Adults Only section. Just let staff know at lunch if you'd like to switch.
You can sit at a table in the bar and order from a menu for lunch - salads, burgers, club sandwiches etc...... or visit the buffet. We tended to visit the buffet as I absolutely loved their hummus and sushi options. So nice!
The bar area at Royal Level Adults Only is so good. It's next to the pool and overlooks the sea. They have firepits lit in the evening.
It's table service - take a seat and a member of staff will be over to take your order. The service is SO good. If say you order Gin & Tonic, they'll bring a tray over with a selection of Gins and different tonics. Ask which one you'd like and free pour at your table until you say stop. They serve cocktails and spirits etc.... too. Some people were having trays of Whisky brought to their table and deciding which one to try.
If you're All Inclusive, this is all included. With half board, you sign for your drinks and they are added to your room bill. You can check your bill at any time during your stay at reception. Some people pay it every day, others wait until the end.
*Cough cough if you're nice and maybe leave a little tip, sometimes the staff seem to forget to add drinks to your room.
Our bar had live acoustic singers playing in the evening to the backdrop of the beach which was lovely. If you ventured into the other Barcelo hotels in the resort, you'll find stages with big productions, mini discos for kids and a choice of other live music. You could never be bored here!
If you're all inclusive, the drinks at all of these bars will be included however the service isn't as good - it's busier and you may have to queue at the bar (I know - there are worse things!).
Outside of Royal Level, we visited a few other Barcelo bars. There was this Sports Bar in front of the harbour where you could ask them to put any game on and it had lovely views of the marina. It serves drinks, cakes and ice creams. Chargeable if half board of included if Royal Level All Inclusive.
This area was a 5-10 minute walk around the promenade from our room so kind of felt like we weren't even in our hotel and were just visiting a regular bar (non-residents can visit here too and do).
Then there were a couple of other cocktail bars, ice cream parlours and restaurants overlooking the beach. These are a brilliant spot for sunset. We enjoyed some fantastic cocktails here. Chargeable if half board (around 6euros) but all included if All Inclusive Royal Level.
These bar/restaurants serve lunches too where you order from a menu - things like salads, toasties, pizzas, pasta..... and again, included with all inclusive. We'll be back to try lunch here next year. Oh and it's a proper ice cream parlour where you choose scoops of ice cream - again included with All Inclusive Royal Level. Amazing.
After a game of mini golf one day, I was dying for a drink so we popped to the bar at the Mar Hotel which is just next to the mini golf course. You just use your keycard to open the hotel gate.
This bar and pool reminded me of a normal 'nice' all inclusive and didn't have the elevated feel - ie drinks served in plastic cups and everyone forming a huge line at the bar. I did go to pay for our two drinks though and the barman just said they were on the house so that was canny! I noticed this bar had slushy margaritas behind the bar so later this year, I'll be popping in for one of those after mini golf.
This bar and pool reminded me of a normal 'nice' all inclusive and didn't have the elevated feel - ie drinks served in plastic cups and everyone forming a huge line at the bar. I did go to pay for our two drinks though and the barman just said they were on the house so that was canny! I noticed this bar had slushy margaritas behind the bar so later this year, I'll be popping in for one of those after mini golf.
For us, half board was around £120 cheaper per night when we booked in 2024. I just didn't think we would spend that on additional food and drinks (and we definitely didn't) so I didn't think the All Inclusive upgrade was worth it. Especially as a lot of our drinks were actually just given on the house anyway.
However, I think the fact that we were Half Board rather than All Inclusive did restrict us a bit - for example we probably would have had lush proper cocktails watching the sunset every night, we would have visited the other restaurants for lunch overlooking the beach and definitely would have enjoyed more wine with dinner.
I don't think All Inclusive offers better value but it does really feel like an indulgence here and I like that because the resort is so big and some bars and restaurants line the harbour, you don't feel like you are trapped at one hotel bar. I also like that bottles of wine, premium spirits and fancy cocktails are included which is why I've booked All Inclusive next time.
Barceló Fuerteventura Royal Level - Pool, Activities & Entertainment
If you check the Barcelo App, there is always some kind of activity to choose from, especially as you can join in the activities across 4 areas. From sunrise yoga to arts and crafts, Spanish lessons, cocktail lessons, paddleboarding, foam parties and team games - you'll never be bored. Most of these activities are based at the other hotels though - Royal Level Adults Only is pretty chill with the odd Yoga session and aqua aerobics.
We caught some paddleboarding yoga and a violinist at the Mar Hotel one morning.
There's a mini golf course at the Barcelo Hotels just next to the spa - it's 5euros (ish) for most guests or the wider public but you can play as much as you like if you're Royal Level. We enjoyed a few games across our stay - there are 2 x 18 hole courses to choose from.
Included with Royal Level is PickleBall, Tennis and various other sports too - you can hire a court and equipment for free via the app or at reception. In the Sports Bar there are chargeable games such as pool tables and table football.
Just outside of the Castillo Hotel is the main marina where you'll find a range of boat trips, boat hire, glass bottom boats, jet ski hire, paddleboarding, pedalos and more. There are also sea lions here who you can feed and have your photo with - not something I particularly agree with. This harbour section is not part of the hotel and managed by external operators.
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There is a nice beach right outside the hotel but the sand is kind of course. Loungers can be hired here, there are public loos and lifeguards and the sea is nice to swim in. There are also camels you can ride (again, not something I'd particularly encourage).
Personally, I prefer to walk a little further along (face the sea and turn right) and visit the beach outside of the shopping centre. It's perfect fine sand here and much quieter.
You can visit any of the Barcelo pools and there's a pool for everyone including a splash area with slides for little ones. The Royal Level Adults Only Pool is perfect though with loungers around the pool and facing the beach and the bar right next to you. We were always able to find a lounger.
The pool is heated and they bring complimentary snacks around at intervals. You can also order drinks and snacks through the app to be delivered to your lounger (chargeable for Half Board, included with All Inclusive).
Honestly this pool is just so relaxing and feels very luxurious.
We caught some paddleboarding yoga and a violinist at the Mar Hotel one morning.
There's a mini golf course at the Barcelo Hotels just next to the spa - it's 5euros (ish) for most guests or the wider public but you can play as much as you like if you're Royal Level. We enjoyed a few games across our stay - there are 2 x 18 hole courses to choose from.
Included with Royal Level is PickleBall, Tennis and various other sports too - you can hire a court and equipment for free via the app or at reception. In the Sports Bar there are chargeable games such as pool tables and table football.
Just outside of the Castillo Hotel is the main marina where you'll find a range of boat trips, boat hire, glass bottom boats, jet ski hire, paddleboarding, pedalos and more. There are also sea lions here who you can feed and have your photo with - not something I particularly agree with. This harbour section is not part of the hotel and managed by external operators.
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There is a nice beach right outside the hotel but the sand is kind of course. Loungers can be hired here, there are public loos and lifeguards and the sea is nice to swim in. There are also camels you can ride (again, not something I'd particularly encourage).
Personally, I prefer to walk a little further along (face the sea and turn right) and visit the beach outside of the shopping centre. It's perfect fine sand here and much quieter.
Personally, I prefer to walk a little further along (face the sea and turn right) and visit the beach outside of the shopping centre. It's perfect fine sand here and much quieter.
The pool is heated and they bring complimentary snacks around at intervals. You can also order drinks and snacks through the app to be delivered to your lounger (chargeable for Half Board, included with All Inclusive).
Honestly this pool is just so relaxing and feels very luxurious.
Barceló Fuerteventura Royal Level - Out & About
This hotel is really well located with lots to do within walking distance. As mentioned earlier, there are boat trips, pedalo hire, paddleboarding and jet skis at the marina and activities on the beach too.If you fancy going further afield, there is a zoo at Fuerteventura and they put a free bus on (I've never tried this). You can also catch a bus to the larger resort of Corralejo where there are more shops and boat trips to Lanzarote (again, I've never tried this).
We visited in December which is a fantastic time to visit - the temps were around 23C during the day and we didn't feel like we needed a coat at night (although do keep in mind, we are Geordies).
I loved seeing all of the Christmas decorations and Christmas Trees in Caleta de Fuste and there was a small Christmas Market there during our stay too. There is a larger (regular) market up the hill on Saturdays and Tuesdays if markets are your thing.
There are your typical Brits abroad restaurants in Caleta but also some gems too. My favourite is Fado Rock Steak House. I've visited twice now and love it. The service is fantastic and they make the best flambed strawberries at your table.
I also really like Bar Oliver Fly which is a rooftop tapas and cocktail bar and literally across the road from the hotel. They serve fantastic cocktails and sometimes have live DJs playing.
There's lots of entertainment in Caleta de Fuste and the live singers in the larger bars are generally excellent.
We caught a rock band in one bar who were brilliant and a West End singer who was performing songs from the musicals in another. Singing along to my face Les Mis songs on holiday was just the best. Oh and as it was Christmas, this particular evening ended with a Christmas Disco with our new holiday besties.
I wouldn't say Caleta de Fuste was 'lively' - don't expect crowds of people walking down a strip. The bars are busy though and there's something for everyone from rooftop cocktail bars to live singers and live sport. I always feel safe here and would be happy to walk around in the evening as a solo female.
There are lots of electric scooters around to hire. We did this one morning and scooted along the coastline to the island's salt mines / museum which was really interesting and worth a visit. You can also walk for 20-30 minutes to the main shopping centre where there are shops, a cinema (with English films) and a bowling alley.
The coastline in front of the hotel and if you face the sea and turn right is nice and sandy but if you turn left and keep walking, it gets really rocky.
It's nice for a walk and to watch the waves. It feels really wild! Some people fish here and you might see some little chipmunks running about the rocks. Keep walking and you'll come to a stunning natural swimming pool too - check the tide times though and make sure you visit when the tide is out.
Barcelo Fuerteventura Royal Level Adults Only isn't a place that completely has my heart - I am not head over heels in love with the place like I am Lake Garda and Venice or Ibiza.
I think the reason for this is because the resort of Caleta de Fuste isn't authentically Spanish enough for me.
However, it ticks all of my boxes for a luxury short break in the sun in winter - great food and drinks, exceptional service, gorgeous coastline and beaches, short transfer time, excellent spa and gym and plenty of things to keep us entertained as well as places to relax. I think we will probably book to stay here every December for a few nights now. For what I need at that time of year, it's just perfect.
Find out more and book: Book Barcelo Fuerteventura Royal Level Adults Only.
When planning this holiday, I found this group super helpful: Barcelo Fueteventura Beach Resort Facebook Group
Great review
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