SBH Crystal Beach

My stay at SBH Crystal Beach Hotel & Suites Adults Only was so enjoyable that I've already booked to return in November.

From the moment we arrived, we were made to feel genuinely welcome. We checked in quite late, but the hotel had thoughtfully prepared cold plates of food for us, and our room had bottled water and tea and coffee making facilities waiting. It was such a warm and appreciated welcome after travelling.

I'd especially like to thank four members of staff who made our holiday even more memorable. Eunice at the bar was absolutely brilliant – funny, welcoming and always had us laughing. Samuel on reception was fantastic, so friendly and approachable that you instantly felt comfortable. Bruno and Victor were equally wonderful, always smiling and happy to help. They are a real credit to the hotel.

The location is incredible. From the pool area, you simply walk down a few steps and you're on one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever visited. There are sun loungers and parasols available to hire, and a beach bar serving drinks and good food that you can enjoy there or take back to your lounger.

We stayed on a half-board basis. I'm quite a fussy eater, but every breakfast and dinner I found plenty to enjoy. There was always a good variety of food, and the fresh fruit selection was exceptional – especially the watermelon! I'd also like to mention the lovely lady who greeted guests at breakfast and dinner. She was so kind and welcoming and made every meal feel special.

The room was spotless, the housekeeping team did a fantastic job throughout our stay, and we were lucky enough to have a huge terrace, which was a lovely bonus.

If you're looking for a lively party hotel, this probably isn't the place for you. However, if you want somewhere peaceful, relaxing and adults only, it's perfect. The atmosphere is calm, guests are respectful, and it's an ideal place to unwind without the noise that often comes with family resorts.

Thank you to everyone at SBH Crystal Beach Hotel & Suites for such a wonderful holiday. I can't wait to come back in November!

Hotel The hotel is located in Costa Calma, the very south of the island, roughly 1h10m drive from the airport and is a typical Canarian hotel. The resort of Costa Calma is smaller than others on the island and a great option if you’re after a quieter area. Unless you have an arranged transfer, I would HIGHLY recommend getting yourself a hire car to get to the hotel; my research before the trip found only 1 bus service which ran once every 1-2 hours, therefore not very helpful. The area, unlike other resorts on the island, such as Caleta de Fueste and Corralejo, has a higher rate of German tourists compared to Brits. The hotel itself is a bit dated, very 90s decor, but it’s all clean and maintained well. Upon arrival you are handed information pamphlets which detail all key information for your stay including check out, dinner times. One arrangement I had never encountered was a refundable deposit to have pool towels (10€ per towel). If you’d like your pool towels changed, that incurs a 1€ fee. There were plenty of tables within the restaurant and more than enough sun loungers in both the pool area and the “beach area”. There is a pool area just outside the bar with plenty of loungers, chairs and tables. Down a few flights of stairs, you will find a second sun lounger space which is their “beach” area (this area you can then walk through to get to the actual beach). The hotel is very much beach front; you can walk to the water from the hotel in 2 minutes. If you’d like to use the loungers on the actual beach, make sure to bring some cash as they are 18€ for two and a parasol (they’re owned by the council not the hotel). The reception is 24hour and attended to by staff who speak a mixture of Spanish/Castilian, English and some German, I have a pretty good level of Spanish so only spoke that with staff. Nearby you will find a minimarket selling standard drinks and food items (bottled water, crisps, etc) however, if you are able to, I would recommend you take yourself to a Mercadonna instead (there is one about 15 minutes from the airport and another about 10 minutes from the hotel).

Room We booked one room for two people and were given two double beds. In the room was a mini fridge, a tea/coffee station, two wine glasses and two mugs, a wardrobe, a tv, a chest of drawers, a bedside table, a safe and a huge balcony with outdoor furniture. The safe nor the tea/coffee were free to use and instead came with charges. The room had a bathroom with a toilet, bidet, shower and a sink. In the bathroom, amenities included a shampoo/shower-gel in the shower, a hand soap, toilet roll, a plastic shower cap, a hairdryer and a pack of tissues. Only thing that I would have appreciated would have been a bar of soap. The bathroom itself was a bit tired, but clean. The hair dryer, for example, was cracked, but still worked, and the shower seemed to have old fixings still attached to the wall which were rusting and probably due removal. The room was always clean and made up perfectly.

Food/Drink We were on the half board option which meant we had breakfast and dinner included each day. Breakfast and dinner are buffet style. At breakfast, you are free to attend any time within the slot yet, at dinner, you are given a dedicated table within one of the two time slots (which you can choose to change). At both meals, you have a choice of both local Canarian cuisine and dishes but also some more “international” options. At breakfast, tea, coffee, juices, smoothies and water is available for free. At dinner, you have a choice of soft drinks, wines, beers, etc, at a charge. I did think it slightly harsh that not even water was free at dinner however. The food was always all lovely and staff were very attentive. Myself and my boyfriend were always quickly to be served (possibly due to my Spanish lol). There is also the option of two speciality restaurants, one within the hotel and another in a neighbouring hotel but we never visited. The bar serves cocktails for about 8-9,50€ each.

Things nearby Of course, you’ve got the beach. On the beach is one bar, Beach Bar Horizonte, which sells some great tapas and drinks. Myself and my boyfriend went twice and were recognised by staff when we returned (again, my Spanish was doing us favours!) About a 10min walk from hotel is a surf themed cocktail bar, Rapa Nui, which serves some delicious cocktails and often has a live DJ. As implied earlier, Costa Calma isn’t a very big place so we often had a drive out to see other sights around the island, but if you’re happy sunbathing by the pool and beach every day, you’re good.

Overall Definitely would come back to this hotel, think it was good value and staff were always friendly.