Lanzarote Paradise Found: Tabaiba Apartamentos Await!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into the shimmering turquoise (hopefully!) waters of Lanzarote and the Tabaiba Apartamentos! This isn't your polished travel brochure fluff, this is the real deal, the unfiltered, slightly-burnt-by-the-sun version of what it's like to experience Lanzarote Paradise Found.
First Impressions: Did We Find Paradise? (Spoiler Alert: Probably, Kinda, Maybe?)
Alright, let's be honest. I'm not exactly Mr. Luxury Travel. My ideal "spa day" involves a long nap and a questionable amount of free coffee. But, the Tabaiba Apartamentos? They promised a getaway, a break from the grind, and a chance to, you know, actually relax. And frankly, after the pre-vacation stress levels I'd been experiencing, the mere idea of a pool with a view was starting to feel like the promised land.
The Nitty Gritty: What Really Matters When You're on Holiday
Forget the boring bits first, let's get to the good stuff.
- Accessibility: This is HUGE for a lot of folks. And while I didn't specifically need wheelchair access, I appreciate a place that thinks about it. The website mentioned facilities for disabled guests, which is promising. So, thumbs up on even thinking about it, but for a truly comprehensive accessibility review? You'd need to connect with someone who actually uses these services. I'm just a regular gal.
- Cleanliness and Safety: Because Germs are NOT Welcome on Vacation.
- Anti-viral Cleaning Products and the like: Yes! They were definitely taking things seriously. I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don't even LOOK at my hands!), so the fact that they are taking hygiene seriously is a MAJOR win in my book.
- Room Sanitization: I didn't opt-out of room sanitization because, well, do I look like I want to gamble?
- Staff Training: I'm not really sure they were wearing Hazmat suits, but they looked like they were taking precautions seriously.
- Hand Sanitizer: Yup, all over the place. Good, good, good.
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Relaxation Machine.
- Restaurants, Bar, and the Holy Grail: the Poolside Bar. Okay, the poolside bar? Absolutely essential. Picture this: sun, a gentle breeze, and a cocktail that slowly, deliciously, erases the memories of all the work emails you've been avoiding. Seriously, the bar was a lifesaver! The drinks were decent, if a little on the pricey side (but hey, it's vacation!).
- Breakfast: The buffet was good – they had pretty much everything you'd want, although if you're anything like me, you'll have a slight battle with yourself to not eat everything in sight. The quality was solid, plenty of options (though I'm still dreaming about the bacon…).
- Things to do, ways to relax, and…well, NOT to work out:
- The Pool with a View: This is where the magic happens. Seriously, the pool was gorgeous.
- Fitness Center: I'm not gonna lie, I glimpsed it. It was… there. Look, I'm trying to relax.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: I'm not a "spa person". Too much nakedness for me, the thought of a body wrap? Nope.
- Services and Conveniences: Because We all Like Easy, Right?
- Free Wi-Fi: YES. In all rooms. My lifeline. (I'm addicted to Instagram).
- Daily Housekeeping: Bliss. Coming back to a clean room after a day of lounging by the pool? Nothing better.
- Concierge/Front Desk (24-hour): Helpful!
- Currency Exchange/Cash Withdrawal: Super useful.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: Important!
- Luggage Storage: Big help!
- Car Park: Free? Wonderful.
The Room: Our Little Oasis, or a Temporary Residence?
The room (Available in all rooms): Air conditioning, a small fridge, a desk (for pretending to work), a comfy bed, and, most importantly, a balcony. THE BALCONY. Honestly, I could have spent my entire vacation just sitting on that balcony, watching the world go by, sipping my coffee, and trying to decide if I was actually going to get out of my pajamas that day. (Spoiler: The answer was often no).
My "OMG This is AMAZING" Moment (And the Small Annoyances)
Honestly, it was the first morning. I woke up, stumbled onto the balcony in my pajamas, coffee mug in hand, and just breathed. The sun was rising, painting the sky in these incredible colours, and the air… was clean. That moment right there? That was worth the price of admission. Pure zen, baby. However there were a few hiccups.
For example I couldn't get the Wi-Fi working at first. I had to ask the front desk and was asked to switch to a different Wi-Fi, which, okay sure. But not for somebody who is constantly connected. Again, it's not a major deal, but it does require a little bit of work.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and Why Tabaiba Apartamentos Might Be Right For You…Or Not.
- The Staff: Generally friendly and helpful. There was the usual language barrier, but everyone was willing to assist.
- The Vibe: Relaxed. Chill. Laid-back. Perfect if you're looking to escape the rat race.
- Things to Consider: The location is a little bit out the way. You'll need a taxi or a car to get around (car park [free of charge]).
The Verdict: Should You Book? (My Honest Opinion.)
Okay. Landzatore Paradise Found: Tabaiba has a lot going for it. It's clean, comfortable, the pool is AMAZING, and the staff are lovely. Is it perfect? No. Is it a slice of paradise? For me, absolutely.
Here's My Pitch to You, Dear Reader, My Unsolicited Advice:
Book Tabaiba Apartments IF:
- You crave a relaxing getaway.
- You appreciate cleanliness and safety.
- A beautiful pool and a cold drink sound like heaven.
- You're happy to get away from the hustle and bustle of a city.
Maybe Skip It If:
- You're after a non-stop party scene.
- You HAVE to have a super-premium luxury experience.
- You need everything to be perfectly accessible. (Do your own research.)
- If you're high-maintenance traveller.
My Own Personal, Ridiculously Biased, Irresistible Offer:
Look, booking a trip is a gamble. A risky one at that. But I would book it again. So I guess I can say, it's worth the price of admission. It will probably be a great vacation!!!
(Please note: My opinions are my own, based on my experience. Travel preferences vary. Read other reviews too!)
Sydney Studio Makeover: Chic & Stylish Apartment Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because planning a trip to Tabaiba Apartamentos in Lanzarote… well, let's just say it's been a journey. And by journey, I mean a beautiful, chaotic, slightly-over-budget, probably-should-have-packed-more-sunscreen kind of journey. Here's the glorious, messy, and absolutely real itinerary, warts and all:
The Tabaiba Tango: A Lanzarote Lament (and Celebration)
Day 1: Arrival and the Beach That Almost Did Me In (Literally)
Morning (Like, REALLY Morning - 4:00 AM Flight Woes): Ugh. The airport saga. Let's just say budget airlines and sleep-deprived me are not a good combination. I managed to spill coffee down my front while simultaneously trying to wrestle a rogue wheelie suitcase. Glamorous. Made it. Spain! (Eventually.)
Afternoon (Tabaiba Apartamentos Check-In & "Wow, It's HOT!"): Arrived at the apartamentos. It's all… well, it's clean, which is a major win after the airport experience. The view from the balcony? Stunning. The kind that makes you want to Instagram it immediately. Which, of course, I did. (Don’t judge.) And… is it always this sunny? I feel a bit like a lobster already.
Late Afternoon (The Beach - Playa de las Cucharas): This is where things went a little sideways. The beach is gorgeous – golden sand, turquoise water… pure postcard material. I thought I was being a sensible swimmer. Went in a bit, and OH MY GOD, the waves. They were relentless. I got tossed around like a rag doll. Actually, a slightly-drowning rag doll. Emerging gasping salt water and sand, looking like I wrestled a washing machine, was not my finest moment. Lesson learned: respect Lanzarote's beaches. And maybe invest in some swimming lessons.
Evening (Tapas & Tentative Optimism): Found a little Tapas place with a sun-blasted terrace, the kind of place where you KNOW you’re going to get a genuine experience. Ordered far too much (patatas bravas, chorizo, the whole shebang) because, you know, vacation. The food was amazing, and the local vino tinto washed down the day's trauma. Felt like a proper win. Bed early, still slightly shell-shocked by the ocean.
Day 2: Volcanoes, Views, and a Mild Panic Over the Rental Car
Morning (Timanfaya National Park - Volcanic Beauty): Okay, this is what I came for. The volcanic landscapes are truly otherworldly, a Martian dreamscape of reds, blacks, and oranges. Did the guided tour, and it felt like I was walking on another planet. They even did the thing with the geysers where they poured water down into the ground and it exploded. Awesome. Smelled a bit like sulfur, but totally worth it. Took a million photos. Probably will never look through them all, but had to capture the moment, you know?
Afternoon (Rental Car Mishap & Seeking Sanity): Now, the rental car. Let's just say navigating the tiny, twisting roads of Lanzarote with a sudden onset of anxiety isn't ideal. The car was a tiny, bright blue Fiat, and I was basically terrified I was going to drive it into a ditch. Got a bit lost, which is par for the course, but added some stress to the day, to the point where I briefly considered just giving up on driving altogether. Found a charming little cafe in a random village and got a ridiculously strong coffee. That helped.
Late Afternoon (Mirador del Rio - The Best View EVER…Almost): Drove to Mirador del Rio, which promised incredible views over La Graciosa island. The views WERE incredible, but the crowds? Not so much. It was like a giant, human traffic jam. Still, the panorama was breathtaking, even squashed behind a gaggle of chatty tourists. Took a deep breath, soaked it in.
Evening (Dinner at a Fisherman's Village - El Golfo): Went to El Golfo, which is a small, quaint fisherman's village. The sunset was spectacular, reflecting in the Charco de los Clicos, a green lagoon. Had fresh fish. This was the food highlight of the trip. So good, so simple. Felt blissfully at peace.
Day 3: Caves, Culture, and the Quest for Decent Coffee
Morning (Jameos del Agua - César Manrique Magic): Visited Jameos del Agua, another César Manrique masterpiece. The underground cave structure, with its pool and underwater tunnel? Stunning! Magical! A total sensory overload. The only downside? I can't quite shake the feeling something might be lurking In the water there in the darkness.
Afternoon (Teguise Market - Souvenirs and Survival): Went to the Teguise Market. Biggest market in Lanzarote, but…a bit chaotic. Hustle and bustle. Beautiful handicrafts mixed with tat. Navigating the crowds was a contact sport. Managed to find a few souvenirs, survived with minimal damage (a near-miss with a particularly enthusiastic hat seller), and felt vaguely triumphant.
Late Afternoon (La Geria - Wine Tasting & Wasted Sunscreen): Took a drive through La Geria, the wine region. Amazing how they cultivate vines in black volcanic ash. Did a wine tasting. The wine was… well, let's just say it's an acquired taste. I ended up with a slight headache but I did get pictures of the vineyards and the amazing scenery. I think I got a little sunburned thanks to some shoddy sunscreen application. I blame the wine.
Evening (Apartment Balcony & Regretful Sunburn): Back at the apartment, nursing my sunburn. Found some aloe vera gel, which is soothing, but contemplating the poor decision-making that led to this. Enjoyed the silence of the balcony.
Day 4: Beach Bliss (Take Two) and Bye Bye, Lanzarote:
Morning (Beach Time, Round Two): Headed back to Playa de las Cucharas. This time, I approached the waves with more respect – and a little more caution. Waded in, enjoyed the sun, and didn't end up as a human washing machine. Victory!
Afternoon (Departure and the Sadness of Leaving): Checked out of the apartment. Said goodbye to the sunny balcony. It's sad to go! The island has this feeling of a cozy hideaway, beautiful landscapes, and the smell of the ocean that is infectious.
Evening (Airport and Post-Vacation Reality): Back at the airport, reflecting on the trip. It was messy, imperfect, occasionally stressful, and absolutely brilliant. I have memories, which, I guess, is a success. Already planning the next trip.
Lanzarote Paradise Found: Tabaiba Apartamentos Await! (Or Do They?) - An FAQ for the Slightly Cynical Vacationer
So, Tabaiba Apartamentos... Paradise, huh? Should I even bother?
What's the deal with the apartments themselves? Are they *actually* "apartments"?
Okay, so location, location, location. Is it well-located? Or will I be stuck in the middle of nowhere?
Is the pool as good as it looks in those photos? Because let's be real, photos lie.
Food and Drink: What's the grub like in Tabaiba? Can I survive?
What can you DO in Tabaiba, besides swim in the maybe-not-so-amazing pool?
Is it kid-friendly? Or will I spend the whole vacation chasing toddlers?
What about wifi? Because, let's be real, I'm addicted.
