Canaria is real Gran
It is our nearest guaranteed winter sun. Read more..
Good Holiday reporters have for decades trawled the world for sunny escapes from the dull, low skies of Britain in winter and finally plumped for a favourite destination for rich Victorians – the Canary Isles.
Having tried all the islands we chose Gran Canaria, a year-round paradise hewn out of a giant mass of volcanic rock and nurtured into a dream escape for millions of Europeans, particularly sun glutton Scandinavians, who see less sun than most in winter.
And the island’s biggest resorts have been devoloped by Norweigan Bjorn Lyng, who had the vision to build up the Anfi group to five giant holiday complexes and a wonderful Arizonan golf course just open.When we first discovered Gran Canaria some 40 years ago it was tiny, underdeveloped and cost some £500 to get there via a stop at Madrid and terminal change.
Nowadays Norwegian, the low-cost Scandi Carrrier got me there and home for less than £300 return – and unlike easyJet and some mainline carriers, the flights were always on time – and on new jets.
Because Anfi is so dominant in the Mogan region they had a pick-up waiting at midnight top whisk us to Ani del Mar, 40 minutes away.
It is not just the island’s infrastructure that has improved but our apartment in the Anfi complex was brilliantly fitted out and boasted a large balcony overlooking beach, Anfi’s own private island and a promenade with a large amount of restaurants and tourist shopping – and right next to the region’s port.
Next morning we ignored the apartment’s fabulous free welcome pack of goodies and essentials and breakfasted al fresco on the private island, then slumped into a spacious un lounger and did not move till you had to wave to summon the waiters, who we noted were all friendly locals, and pleased to be serving Brits (the BBC fake Brexit scare stories had been alarming them).
We spent most of the week loafing on the island, staggering from sun lounger for a lunchtime snack, or occasionally walking back to the hotel to cool off in the well-heated pool below the hotel.
Other days we rented a car and meandered round the island, visiting the capital Las Palmas, a quite wonderful Lopespan spa in nearby Costa Meloneras. Another lazy day was spent on Anfi’s own yacht, which took my wifed and I on a leisurely cruise up the island’s west coast – and it was interesting to note that Anfi are still building – such is their success in this market.
COSTAS –
Flights return from Norwegian £299
Week in 2-bedroom apartment with breakfast – £395pp.
Car rental 1-day free.
Meal on waterfront – approx. Eu 30 per person with wine.
Anfi Group, Europe’s leading resort based in Gran Canaria, has launched a new Ambassador Experience Package in honour of its sports Ambassadors – footballer David Silva, six times World Champion Windsurfers’ Daida and Iballa Moreno, and World Rally Champion Mads Østberg.
The package was launched by Anfi with help from the sporting champions at the Anfi Emerald resort on 29 May 2017 and will be available to book on various dates throughout the year to those staying for seven days or more in the Anfi Tauro Opal Villas.
The Ambassador Experience Package brings together the sports enjoyed by the Ambassadors and will include:
- Windsurfing classes
- Go-Karting
- A visit to a football match OR Tinkoff Bike Academy OR 18 holes of Golf at Anfi Tauro
On introducing the new sports experience package, David Silva said: “Having grown up in Mogán, I know just how great Gran Canaria is and I still love to escape here to relax away from the world of football. Gran Canaria has so much to offer sports fans and I am very pleased to be launching a special sports experience package for Anfi guests so that they see more of what my Island has to offer.”
Mads Østberg said: “My family and I have holidayed on Gran Canaria for 15 years and the charm of the Island delights on every visit. Not only is it a great place to relax and spend time with loved ones, but it provides the perfect terrain for rally driving. This new package from Anfi brings my two favourite things together – holidaymakers can test their skills on the track in between relaxing by the pool.”
Daida and Iballa Ruana Moreno said: “The Gran Canarian coast offers some of the best windsurfing conditions in the world and training here has helped us to develop as sportswomen. We love it when others want to try our sport and we’re thrilled that the new package from Anfi allows their guests to learn to windsurf in our precious water.”
Carved out of the volcanic rock on the island’s south-west coast of Mogán, the Anfi resorts are composed of five clubs, a beautiful white sand beach and marina. The ethos behind Anfi is to provide you with the luxury you deserve combined with a home from home feel – your little piece of heaven where the sun always shines and this new package will enhance any holiday on the Island.
Packages are dependent on date and time booked* and can be arranged through the Anfi vacation team after booking at least seven-days stay at Anfi’s luxury accommodation.
*Indicative prices are available on request.
To book:
Tel: 0034 928 152 990 – option 4
Email: specialoffers@anfi.es
Anfi Facts
Tel: 0034 928 152 990 – option 4
Email: specialoffers@anfi.es
- · Anfi del Mar is a members-only resort, but you can rent at Anfi Opal.
- · The experience packages are available to members and renters.
- · Membership from £17,100 (list price) for a one bedroom unit.
SPORTY ANFI
New this year from Anfi group is an sporting scheme in honour of its sports Ambassadors – local-born footballer David Silva, World Champion windsurfers’ Daida and Iballa Moreno, and World Rally Champion Mads Østberg.
The Ambassador Experience includes
- Windsurfing classes
- Go-Karting
- A visit to a football match OR Tinkoff Bike Academy
- OR 18 holes of Golf at Anfi Tauro
Manchester City ace David Silva told us: “Having grown up in Mogán, I know just how great Gran Canaria is and I still love to escape here to relax away from the world of football. I will love showing Anfi visitors around.”
