Reports about Gran Canaria Resorts

Gran Anfi

Here are my reports for Gran Anfi one from when it opened 2004 and one from this year.

Have just returned from 2 weeks at my favourite resort in Gran Canaria We spent the first week at Monte Anfi there is not much I can say about our stay as have done loads of reports on it before and it was as high a standard as usual..

We got an apartment on the ground level this time which I initially thought Oh No as do enjoy the higher levels with views over the Marina but it turned out to be real handy as was just next to the swimming pool and easy to pop back and fore for drinks etc.. You have to get the outside lift down to the Plaza which is glass so got a beautiful view every time we used it which was a few times daily

The second week we moved to Gran Anfi which is the newest part of resort and still being finished and was the first time we have stayed there so was real excited.. The move was painless we just had to pack and leave our luggage where it was in middle of our room at Monte and book out and they shifted everything to The Gran and then we unpacked when we got the keys

They had told us last year that there would be one of those virtual pools when they persuaded us to change our one bed at Monte for a 2 bed there but No.. No.. that was just a "cunning selling plan" unless they are going to be playing crazy golf underwater as that is what is now being constructed...

Our 2 bed was gorgeous though and on the 6th floor overlooking the sea one bedroom each side with a living room seperating them all with sea views ..

The living area was nice and spacious and decorated in tasteful colours everything the sofa was super and comfy and there was a nice armchair and poufe to match classy pics on the walls and I loved the lighting which was very trendy.

There was a lovely TV you got the usual channels a few Sky ones and BBC1 and ITV and a nice Music Centre .. There was a glass table for evening meals with 6 nice chairs round it and we nearly used it now I did say NEARLY.. I was tempted to cook on holiday for the FIRST time EVER but that moment of craziness passed real quick when Nick said he would go and get a Chinese Takeaway so was saved by the bell!!!

The kitchen was just what I would love at home everything you would need and very compact a nice big fridge freezer, dishwasher, washing machine/dryer loads of crockery glasses in every shape and size pots pans and cutlery, Toaster, Coffee machine, Juicer there was even washing up liquid and sponge and dishwasher tablets and washing powder inside the machine so you don`t have to buy anything like that..

The spare bedroom had twin beds and a nice dressing table and a walk in wardrobe with LOADS of hangers (Tom you would love it) there was also another dressing table opposite this where you could put all your toiletries and then there was a walk in shower which was enormous and would hold about a dozen people and a seperate room with Bath ,Bidet and sinks etc in it..

The main bedroom had a HUMUNGOUS bed much bigger than a Kingsize you could have sleept a whole family in it!!! We had plenty of space so Nick could avoid me pestering him as he says that at home he has forever having to unpeel me off him as I am a cuddler even when sleeping and I make him way to hot So in this bed he was half a mile away had a problem holding his ...Ummm....whats the word I am looking for... Oh Yes... Hand ...lol...

Our dressing table didnt have much space on it though as there was a TV on there instead which was a bit silly as when lying in bed it was too low to see so my one suggestion would be to put it up on the wall like they have done at Monte Anfi..

There was a lovely large Jucuzzi Bath in the corner of the bedroom which had nice powerful Jets and both Marion and Me used it nightly Yes I did manage to get bubbles everywhere when I put in my favourite bath foam but that was half the fun and Marion enjoyed her nightly glass of wine while relaxing in it..

The only time we flooded the room was when I jumped into the Jacuzzi while Marion was still in it and a Tsunami occured and we couldn`t do anything for laughing luckily Nick is a "new age man" and tidies up after me ...

The Bathroom was nice and spacious and it also had its own Power Shower in there smaller that the spare bedroom one though but it was super to wake you up in the Morning..

There is excellent air conditioning thorought the apartment and fans which were real silent so you could leave them on at night without your sleep getting disturbed..

The Balcony was a super long one as ran the length of both bedrooms and the sitting rooms and there was also a lovely large table to sit at if you wanted to eat outside and nice long wicker recliner beds so you could relax and enjoy the sunshine on your Balcony.. Being this time of year the sun was too high in the sky to come in during the day but did so from 5pm - 8pm and was a real sunspot..

Onto the view from our Balcony well it was the nicest one we have ever had of a CRANE !!!! Yes the work is being completed just below our apartment as soon as we walked in I sent Marion a text and said Guess What We are over a building site we just had to laugh as seems to be a common occurance.

. Nick got so fond of this crane that he was going to take a photo of it to show the lads Offshore and see if it would pass their Health and Safety Checks somehow he thought not... I never needed my alarm clock as we were woken up nice and early around 7sh by the workmen but the real noise started around 9sh luckily I was out by the pool by then and not back till 8pm so the noise didn`t really bother me at all...

Fingers crossed all the work shall be finished this year so when we return next year we shall be able to enjoy the view accross the sea and Nick shall be able to sit and read his book on the Balcony in peace or just enjoy the view when he comes in for an hour at Lunchtime as he could not do that this time he went every 2nd day to the Gym onsite so has returned home with a 6 Pack (not beer) and Super Fit and didn`t gain a lb in weight so is feeling rather smug with himself...

All in all we had a fantastic 2 weeks with just 2 days of cloud in the middle but even then it was real warm.. Nick made the error of forgetting to book a car online before going and did it here in person so paid through the nose for it and of course it never occurred to him to book online from here and then collecting it from the Airport (Chris the rep we knew told him he should have done that when we were at lunch on Sunday)as even that would have been a cheaper option but never mind hindsite is a great think and Nick said he had grown fond of his wee Renault which just putted along had holes in the exhaust and he didn`t think it would make it up the hills but it did as we all held our breath... Yes the bloke saw Nick coming and parted him with his cash with a big smile on his face on saying that it got us to the Airport where we were told just to leave it on top level of Carpark not to lock it and keys under the drivers seat which did seem a little strange to me..

I have already booked Monte Anfi for May next year but may need to change those dates as Nicks shifts may be changing as his Rig has to go in for a Big Check and Equipment Update before next lot of contracts shall tell you if I have to give them up incase any of you would like to book them instead..

Oh nearly forgot about the Reps we did have our B/fast one morning with our rep who was Finnish a nice Lassie but was on a loser with us from the outset as I had been warned not to be swayed by the offers and I behaved myself and wasnt tempted at all!! I made an excuse to leave and left Nick with her and then she brought out the Big Guns Manager to try and part him with his cash but Nick thinks he rubbed him up the wrong way as when he said "I have this fantastic deal for one day only" Nick laughed as thought he was taking the Mick and having a joke but Nope he was serious and was miffed at being laughed at..

Chris told us that this year has been their worst ever so far for sales and that people seem to be tightening their belts He did say that our Sunterra Points are the best value ones to exchange with II specially if you want to return there every year like we do as you are only allowed to come one year in 4 if you exchange an actual timeshare but they don`t have this rule with points.. He said they had been talking of stopping points users coming yearly but have been saying that for last 5 years and he also said they had been talk of Monte Anfi coming out of the II exchange but that has also been said for years so shall just have to wait and see We did look to turning our apartment we own at Gran Anfi into their Points System but he was also honest with us and said this would only be benificial if we owned 2 weeks and not one ...

There is a nice walk along the Beach all the way to Arguiniguin which we did one cloudy Morning and then found a lovely restaurant overlooking the sea where we stopped and just daydreamed for a while with a nice drink it was just magical.. That was the total of my sightseeing apart from our meal at Mogan in a wee local restaurant where we had a nice lunch as chose a selection of food from vast menu and they put it in middle of table like a Meze

Sid the black pudding is famous and real tastie you would love it... I didn`t enjoy the trip home though as road along cliff overlooking sea and I just closed my eyes as Chris had been on Large Vodka and Tonics and he was the driver and well lets just say that I was praying we got back safe and sound.. It was worse for Marion she was on side overlooking the Sea!!

One of the Highlights of our holiday was our Anniversary Meal on 17th May which also just happened to be Norwegian Day and as the owner of the Anfi Resorts is from there we witnessed a super firework display at Midnight from the Aquarella Restaurant Terrace and Nick was joking with the Norwegains that he had organised the show just for me they just laughed at him though thinking he was some sort of nutter..

We got the most fantastic view the owner said that there is the most stunning display at New Year and he is usually booked out as has the best views in the whole area if I am still not working we shall have to try and go there one year ..

We enjoyed a few lovely meals both there and at Rimini`s Italian Restauarant at Playa del Ingles where we took Anna and Pete on the Sunday evening who were great company and I wish we had been able to spend more time with them as were such fun to be with ...

Think that about covers everything hope you found it enjoyable.. Lots of Love Mo xxx P.S. After all this eating and socialising I am now back on a STRICT liquids only diet before our meal at Thurnham or I shall be coming as one of the Roly Poly`s and the only thing to fit me shall be a Bed Sheet we could make it a fancy dress meal ...(Mo Celli May 2005)



Our first stay at the mammoth Anfi complex was thanks to the invitation of Maureen and Nick Celli who asked us to accompany them in the 2 bed apartment they own on the seventh floor [of eleven!] We were there for a week in early October and the weather was hot and sunny nearly all the time.

Anfi, for those who don't know it, is a Norwegian owned complex of four resorts on the same bay north of Argueniguin between Maspolomas and Puerto Rico. Monte is high above them all on the top of the cliff; Puerto is next to the marina and the Beach Club [best for families] is by the small but fine imported beach. We stayed in the newest, Gran Anfi, which is the most luxurious and next to an excellent mini-golf course. In front of all of them is a small promenade with several quality but expensive shops and restaurants plus a small Spar supermarket. The sea road is still being built and should enhance the area and improve access once complete.

Being Norwegian, the resorts have quite a collection of different nationalities from northern Europe not the usual German/British crowd. This made absolutely no difference to us as all the staff spoke good English.

Our two bed unit was excellent with a large living room and huge balcony [with four sunbeds and four soft chairs and table] that extended across both bedrooms and living room. One bedroom had a king size bed plus jacuzzi bath IN the bedroom and en suite with shower off that. The second bedroom had twin beds with large en suite that encompassed a large walk-in shower and toilet separate from the twin basins, and a separate walk-in wardrobe. Towelling robes were provided free [but made for size 8s!] and the maid service changed and cleaned every day. The main TV had many channels including BBC1,2, C4 and Sky News and Sky Sports. The kitchen was fully equipped [dishwasher, washing machine etc] and they even left you some tablets for both plus washing up liquid.

All these things show class but must be very expensive for management fees!

We had a wonderfully relaxing week but did have a hire car [parked in the hotel's underground car park, but €25 a week!] We had a couple of days touring the island, one around the whole coast [Mogan, Aldea, Puerto de los Nieves, along the new north coast autovia and back via Las Palmas] where the fish lunch as Puerto de los Nieves was the highlight, and the other up the Barranco de Guayadeque [for the cave dwellings], by the Caldera de Marteles [super volcanic crater], onto the island's highest point at Pico de los Nieves and back via Roque Nuble and Fataga. Apart from those days out we had half days at pretty Puerto Mogan and Maspalomas [with coffee at the stupendous Gran Hotel Meloneras] to justify the car hire [excellent value at £80 for a Seat Cordoba from AutoReisen].

We also visited Cala Blanca to great disappointment. We had stayed there on our last holiday on GC ten years ago before Sunterra bought the complex and it has not improved: the Taurito area is far too crowded now and CB itself seemed rather small, tatty and hemmed in between other hotels [or was it just in comparison to Anfi?]

All in all, a lovely week of R&R with some sight-seeing stimulus added in. Many thanks to Mo and Nick for the invite and the hospitality. (Ron & Jen Creer October 2006)



Thanks for the glowing report there Ron and all the kind remarks am blushing but delighted that you enjoyed your week of R@R in luxury. You got me thinking what the management fees can honestly say I have no idea what they are (can see you laughing at that) but think they were under £300 for the year shall look later once I can get into the study which is full of everything from the kitchen and siterooterie.

Ray we bought at Gran Anfi through an unusual route as we bought a one bed first at Monte Anfi through World Wide Timeshare then we upgraded to a 2 bed deluxe at Gran Anfi when it was in the process of being built 3 years ago so it was a real bargain, mind you it did help that they actually gave us the full price for the apartment we were selling (that is the price the original owner paid which happened to be £14,000 and then a good a discount off the new one at Gran Anfi; we found out from someone who had just bought a 2 bed like ours that they are now asking £29,000 to buy the same unit but you can beat them down to £25,000 but thats still 4 times more than we paid, we spoke to loads of folk and they have all bought from the resort we seem to have been the only ones who went through the 2nd hand timeshare route, I would recommend Worldwide Timeshare they were very efficient and do all the checks for you that the unit is paid for and no loans due on it.:rolleyes: I haven't seen any of our units on the 2nd hand market but have spotted one beds for sale there. I have to admit though that my fav is still Monte Anfi but this is purely for sentimental reasons as we went there on our honeymoon so have fond memories and we try and go there for a week every year using our points.

I have already booked next year as was lucky enough for a week to come up in July and have added my week at Gran Anfi onto it so am there for a fortnight. The only reason we sold our one bed at Monte was that we can go there with II using our points and you cant get to any other Anfi resort this way so we thought it the best way of having a 2 weeks holiday.

They are really pushing sales at the new complex at Taurito which is heaven for the golfers and the Spanish Open is taking place there in 2008 but its def not for me as if you don't golf there is nothing there and its very isolated, as for Cala Blanca I am ever so pleased we didnt book a week there before going to Anfi this year as I would have been ever so disappointed it looks as it if needs some TLC and loads of money spent on it to bring it up even to what I would call 3* standard, we spent a week at Palm Oasis instead which is another lovely resort come to think of if I have still to do my resort report for Palm Oasis shall try and do that later. (Mo Celli October 2006)

Monte Anfi

Now this is my favourite resort and I am always raving about it as just love coming on holiday here, so have done a long report on it.

We first stumbled upon in 1999 when looking for a holiday in May and when I phoned the lassie told me that there was a half point week there 26 points and £80 exchange fee and it was a Super place so after a chat life story from girl and laugh I booked it .. We arrived at 11pm and when the taxi pulled up at resort I thought they had taken us to the wrong place it was so Posh and could not believe our luck all this luxury for so few points

A doorman whisked our luggage away as we booked in the reception staff very efficient and friendly ..they got a nice box of shortbread during our stay ...and by the time we got to our room luggage was already there. On opening the door I was Gobsmacked it was a whole Suite and larger then my "weee hoosie" in Lossiemouth ...I was like an excited bairn running from room to room shouting "Nick come and see this and that" Nick was his usual nonchalent self and I got a "Yes it`s nice" which is a HUGE compliment his standards

The living area was approx 20ft x 12ft and marble floors throughout walls cream and lovely large Pics on walls very tastefully done. Kitchen lovely had everything you could ask for in it such as Dishwasher Washing Machine/Dryer juicer toaster etc and I had to laugh cause when I was sunbathing after a week ...another holidaymaker said to me "Isnt the cooking facilities great the cooker and pans etc are just so good ...I replied Do we have pans ??? She looked at me in total amazement and burst out laughing "Have you not looked in your Kitchen Cupboards " ...No I replied Why would I be rummaging in the Kitchen when I am on holiday I don`t even cook when I am at home !!!...

This really tickled her..and caused laughter round pool so I did look on my return to the room and Yes everything was in my cupboard sparlking clean ...I have still never tried it out though .. The living Area was very airy and spacious a Super large Dining Table with Glass top and wooden surround and chairs lovely and comfy The Sofa also a Bed Settee was real nice very Aztec Style and there was also a comfy Chair .. Marion said sofa bed was comfy .. and No I have never tried that either.

Nice T.V with English Channels such as Sky News and CNN Euro Sport and There was Nickleodeon Cartoon Chanell and aslo 2 Good Movies Channels which is handy for the kids .. There was a lovely Hi Fi Centre to play your CDs on and if you wanted there was access to the Internet Don`t know what charges were though Nick drew the line there and I was banned from taking Laptop with me ..he is a real meanie.. Luckily there was an internet cafe attached to resort and I got to know lassie so well that I have her mobile No and helped her celebrate her Birthday last Month xxx

The Bedroom was just amazing I wanted to take it home with me was about 12` Square .. There was a lovely King Sized Bed Nick now grinned as plenty room for him to escape me clinging onto him during the night ..he likes his space ..I like to wrap myself around him.. There was a lovely Jacuzzi in corner of bedroom surrounded by glass and was also Marble it had an Ice Bucket in the Corner for those romantic evenings..I used it every evening by the way ..No shock there ..but nice to relax while watching the telly with glass on Asti The wardrobes were nice and large and plenty room for all my dresses, I allowed Nick a wee corner for his one pair of trousers and shirt ..lol.. there were are nice deep drawers for my 14 Bikinis ,Yes take one for every day!!! The safe was located in the wardrobe and it was electronic and free There was also a TV in the Bedroom high up on the wall

Off the Bedroom there was a Very Spacious Bathroom with Toilet, Bidet and double sinks again the wall all glass and nice shelf to put all your toiletries on ...most impressive There was a lovely walk in Power Shower which I also wanted to take home with me we always had lovely hot water ..I by this time thought I was in Heaven ... The towels were not changed daily as you had a Washing Machine and Dryer provided and they also included Washing Powder so they changed them every couple of days Beach Towels were also left in the room and these were nice and so were the Dressing Gowns.

The airconditiong was great and a Godsend when weather was very hot You stepped onto Balcony from Large French Windows from Lounge and it was excellent loads of Space another table to sit at and 2 Giants Sunlungers made of wicker and super fat cushions to sit on so you could sunbathe there if you go the sun during the day . We had our Brekkie out there every morning very civilised and the rooms all face the sea I am sure they do.

We were on the 7th Floor so Views were amazing looking over the Sea and the wee Marina that is my favourite memory of Monte Anfi I just love its position High Up and in the evening you can see the villages lights all sparkling.. I love the outside Glass lift which zooms up and down the building and always used it again it was because of the lovely views.

The grounds were immaculate and well tended and there were 2 Large Swimming Pools and a Childrens Pool which I sunbathed next to as sun was there from 8am-8pm so I did not need to move myself just rotated tound the pool. The main pool was very hot Marion loved it Nick didn`t he said it was too warm and he likes a Cold Shower or needs one so to speak (Sorry couldn`t resist that one)... There were 2 Super Jacuzzi beds in the swimming pool which bubbled when you sat on them great fun.. You could also use the pool is Peurto Anfi below monte and the one at Gran Anfi next door which was beautiful and Nick would go there as water much cooler and more refreshing.

There was also a nice large outdoor Jacuzzi which was also warm The Kiddies Club was excellent all ages went and was very well supervised and they had activities on all the time from drawing to face painting to Water Polo matches every afternoon where we would cheer them on and what a laugh they would be as well the kids really got into it and lots of laughter.

Adult activities were even better usually 3 on in the morning and 3 in the afternoon from Archery , Shooting, Darts, Shuffleboard, TableTennis, Bingo , French Bowls and a few more unusual ones . There was also Aqua Gym daily if you were feeling energetic .. I watched them all but did not participate but supported the fellow Scots you won things from Champagne to T/Shirt I was the lucky mascot for one couple as each time I supported them they won something and came home with about a dozen T/Shirts and same amount of Bubbly.

HAPPY HOUR was from 5pm till 6pm next to where we sunbathed and they had a Different Cocktail on daily which Me and Marion had to partake in as would have been rude not to ..lol.. They were lovely by the way

In the Courtyard of Resort there is the main shops where you can buy groceries and newpapers etc there are some lovely designer shops and eating places as well..There is also entertainment on most nights .. There is a lovely "wee island" you can walk around with all the boats bobbing next to it so is very pretty and a small bridge you cross over to get onto it there are loads of fish in the water and we would feed them daily when we went for our lunch of cheese and ham coissant in Havana Bar they were lovely and the Fresh Orange the best I have tasted ...we would keep some of the food to feed the fish on our way back to sunbeds.

My favourite Restaurant is The Aquarella in The Aquamar Hotel the food is just out of this world it always closes for the month of June to give all the staff their holidays ..this is in Arguiniguin just a 5 minute walk nightly. There is a daily Taxi Boat that goes to Port Mogan and nearby villages so it is worth a trip for those who like to sightsee.

Nick went on a Jeep Safari and had a Super Time and would recommend the experience ...Before you ask NO I did not go ..He did point out on his return that he was the only one who did not have his partner with him ..Did I feel guilty ..NO ..I told him he is a big boy and does not need me to hold his hand.. He laughed and said I would have hated it as would have been sick within 15 mins as very bumpy and get thrown around the Jeep and I get car sick on a straight road ...I stayed at pool and read my book

The REPS were no problem at all and just the usual initial meeting but no hassle if you did not want to attend their attitude is that the place is so nice it sells itself ...we had actually to hunt our one down and told him we wanted to upgrade as he never got in touch with us.

He was just lovely as well a real character called Chris and he took a shine to me and would appear out of the blue next to me daily for a cuddle and took us out for a Super Free evening and included Marion and we could hardly walk back to our apartment for laughing we were doubled up with tears streaming down our faces ..Nick disowned me for being too noisy !!!! Chris is going to take us out again when we return in September I told Nick I would leave him behind this time ..He just laughs at me though and never takes anything I say seriously ...

We were so impressed that we bought a week and upgraded it to a 2 bedroom in the new Gran Anfi next door last month so shall have 2 weeks there next year and Marion and Mike are smiling as they have Baggsed to be our guests ..I just do as Big Sis tell me ...

Think that is about it hope I have not bored you too much and that I have given you an insight into why it is my favourite resort and why I am counting the weeks till we return in September ..6 weeks on Monday to be exact...

Lots of Love Mo