Gran Canaria's Adults-Only Paradise: Don Gregory by Dunas Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the sun-drenched, adults-only haven that is Don Gregory by Dunas in Gran Canaria! I'm talking a full-blown, warts-and-all review – the good, the potentially-could-be-better, and the absolutely-must-try-this-now kind of stuff. Forget the fluffy, corporate speak; this is the real deal, written by someone who's actually been there. Let's make this a Gran Canaria escape you'll never forget!
First Impressions, or "OMG, I Need a Drink!"
Landing in Gran Canaria, the air already feels like a warm hug. The drive to Don Gregory? Easy peasy. Accessibility is surprisingly decent from the airport, and the hotel itself boasts solid facilities for disabled guests. (Good news, folks with mobility issues!) The exterior is classy, minimalist, and instantly relaxing. That elevator? Thank heavens for it. Seriously, after a long flight, lugging your suitcase up even one flight of stairs feels like a marathon.
Then you walk through the lobby, and BAM! Sea views. That’s the very first impression you get… of a sea of calm. Check-in/out [express] is advertised and even better if you end up using the Check-in/out [private] services. But honestly, it’s the staff’s genuine smiles that really set the tone. This isn't just a hotel; it's a gateway to chill. And, let’s be real, after the travel chaos, that’s the ultimate goal, right?
"Room with a View" Doesn't Even Cut It!
Okay, let's talk rooms. They're… lovely. Clean, modern, and with a balcony practically begging for you to just sit and be. My room (and I suspect all the Non-smoking rooms) was blessed with a stunning ocean vista. Waking up to that sunrise? Epic. Absolute epic.
Now for the all-important details. Air conditioning? On point. Wi-Fi [free]? Yep, and strong, even in the room. Internet access – wireless available everywhere, so you can get your social media fix without any problems. The complimentary tea/coffee maker is a godsend in the morning. The mini bar? Okay, maybe not a godsend for my wallet, but definitely for a late-night craving. The Seating area was great for me to sit around. Extra touches like bathrobes, slippers and in-room safe box? Appreciated. The Blackout curtains worked like a charm. Okay, I am gonna mention some thing about the pillows, they were perfect… That's it, that is the most important thing about this hotel, it has the best pillows ever, I seriously don't know how that could be better. Everything felt fresh and well-maintained. Daily housekeeping kept things spick and span. The place just exudes cleanliness: even the towels felt luxurious which is usually hard to get. Hair dryer, mirror, toiletries, extra-long bed… Check, check, check! All the things you need to make your stay comfortable are available.
But here's a minor, possibly petty, gripe: the TV. Satellite/cable channels are there, of course. But with all this beauty outside, who really wants to watch TV? But that’s just me. The rooms are amazing!
Sun, Sand, and…Spa Day?
Okay, let's talk about the good stuff: relaxation! The swimming pool [outdoor] is something you'll want to spend most of your days. Gorgeous. Stunning. The Pool with view is just amazing, especially if you are on the lower floors.
And then there’s the spa. The Sauna, Steamroom, Spa, Body scrub, Body wrap… I spent a whole afternoon there completely and utterly melting. It was pure bliss. I highly recommend the massage. Seriously, treat yourself. You deserve it. I'm still dreaming about it!
For the more active, the Fitness center is pretty well-equipped. I even tried it once. (Okay, maybe twice). But the real workout? The sunbathing.
Food Glorious Food! (And Drinks, Obviously)
Alright, food. The restaurants at Don Gregory offer a delightful range. The Breakfast [buffet] is a feast. Seriously, I ate everything, from the Asian breakfast to the traditional Western breakfast. There was fresh fruit, pastries, eggs cooked every which way, and a gazillion things I didn't even know I liked.
And the dinner? The A la carte in restaurant is a real winner. The International cuisine in restaurant is worth every penny, and I loved every single meal that I tried. The Vegetarian restaurant is very good for the options you have. The Desserts in restaurant made my soul cry of happiness. And the Happy hour at the Poolside bar? A non-negotiable part of every day. The Bottle of water is a little detail that works to your advantage. The Room service [24-hour] is available if you want some extra snacks or drinks.
I also want to mention the staff again because some of them are extremely great, and they're very attentive. The Coffee/tea in restaurant is perfect but there are some options for the Coffee shop available.
A note on cleanliness and safety: Don Gregory takes this very seriously. The Anti-viral cleaning products used, Daily disinfection in common areas, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and Staff trained in safety protocol all add up to serious peace of mind. The Hand sanitizer available everywhere is a nice touch. And the Safe dining setup really puts you to ease.
What's There to Do? (Besides the Obvious)
Okay, so Don Gregory isn't exactly a base-camp for non-stop activities. But that's the point. It's about slowing down. However, there are some Things to do:
- Relax – That's the primary activity, duh!
- Explore – Rent a car (they have Car park [free of charge]!), and zip around Gran Canaria. The beaches are gorgeous. The mountains are stunning.
- People-Watch – Grab a drink, and sit and watch the world go by.
For the Slightly Geekier (But Still Important) Stuff
- Internet: You're covered. Wi-Fi in public areas. Internet access.
- Business Facilities: There are Meeting/banquet facilities if you absolutely must work.
- Conveniences: Currency exchange, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, and Laundry service.
Accessibility and Safety, Because It Matters
- Wheelchair accessible, is crucial for the safety of all the guests.
- CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property for extra security.
- Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], and the Front desk [24-hour] gives you peace of mind.
- Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Safety/security feature, are available.
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, are available.
The Final Verdict: Should You Go?
Absolutely. Yes. A thousand times, YES!
Don Gregory by Dunas is the perfect escape. It’s a place to recharge, to unwind, to reconnect with yourself (and maybe a partner). I left feeling refreshed, relaxed, and already plotting my return. It's not perfect – nothing ever is – but the overall experience is outstanding. They really think of every single detail.
So, How About a Special Offer?
Ready to escape to paradise?
Book your stay at Don Gregory by Dunas, and get:
- 15% off your room rate by using the code "GRANCANARIAESCAPE" at checkout.
- Complimentary breakfast for the entire stay!
- A free spa treatment (your choice!) to melt away the stress.
- Free upgrade for your room.
This offer is only valid for a limited time, so don't miss out! Click here to book your adults-only getaway, and experience the magic of Don Gregory!
Don't just dream of paradise. Live it.
Escape to Paradise: Villa Sabrina Awaits in Italy's Hidden Gem!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, ‘cause you're about to dive headfirst into my potential (and probably slightly chaotic) Gran Canaria adventure… at the Don Gregory by Dunas, no less! This isn't your perfectly polished travel blog; this is the unfiltered, slightly-caffeinated, and occasionally-whining version of me trying to chill out on the Atlantic. Here goes:
Day 1: Arrival & Pre-emptive Procrastination (aka, Ocean Views and Existential Dread)
- 8:00 AM (Give or take an hour, because, airplanes): Touchdown at Gran Canaria Airport. This is where my carefully curated "organized traveler" facade usually crumbles. Luggage carousel roulette – will my bag survive? Will I trip walking out? Will the sun be blindingly, beautifully cruel? These are the pressing questions.
- 9:30 AM (Ish): Taxi transfer to Don Gregory. God, I hope the driver isn't one of those guys who treats a minivan like a Formula 1 car. My stomach isn't ready for that yet. First Impressions: The lobby… sleek, minimalist, and probably screams "affluent relaxation." My internal monologue: *“Are you *sure* you belong here in your slightly-wrinkled linen shirt, Susan?”*
- 10:30 AM (More or less, depending on checking-in and the availability of the all-important key card): I make a beeline for the room. Unpack? Unlikely. The immediate objective: Balcony reconnaissance. Is that the ocean? Does it look inviting enough to just stare at for hours? (Spoiler alert: Yes.)
- 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: "Procrastination with a View": This is crucial. This is where I settle in. Maybe order room service – a glass of local white wine and some olives seems entirely justifiable. Staring at the ocean, I begin to reflect on the meaning of life and why I can't seem to master the art of parallel parking. The first time I've had such a beautiful view of such a perfect ocean, I felt the kind of awe that makes you appreciate the very small things.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lunch – The 'I Probably Should Eat Something’ Stage: Hit up the hotel restaurant. My expectations are low, because I'm always wary of hotel restaurants. Fingers crossed for something besides lukewarm buffet food. Emphasis on local flavors. If I see a dodgy-looking paella, I'm out. Probably overthink the menu before finally settling on something safe-ish, like grilled fish.
- 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Beach Exploration This is the "actually do something" part. I'll wander down to the immediate beach area. It's probably going to be crowded. I'm good at finding a quiet spot. I might try to swim, but I don't want to put too much pressure on myself.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Sunset and Aperitivos (If I'm feeling social) or Preemptive Netflix Binge (If I'm not): If I'm feeling brave, I'll head to a bar for a pre-dinner drink. I feel like they have the best drinks, maybe even people-watching. Maybe I'll even attempt to translate some Spanish phrases I've "studied," and likely butcher them. Or, I might hunker down in my room, order room service for dinner, and watch something comforting on Netflix. The lure of the couch is strong, let's just say.
- 8:00 PM onwards: Dinner and Nighttime Ocean Stroll (Maybe, if I’m not snoring): Dinner at the hotel or explore a local restaurant in the area. Possibly a good time to actually attempt to read my book. Or, you know, doze off halfway through it. A post-dinner walk along the ocean is in the cards if I have the energy (and haven't eaten too much). Then, collapse into bed, blissfully exhausted.
Day 2: Culture Shock (or, How I Accidentally Become a Tourist)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up and look with awe at the Ocean. I'm going to stare from my balcony. It's going to be pretty.
- 10:00 AM: Coffee and Planning: My usual morning caffeine ritual, while I attempt to plan out the day. This could involve reading a guidebook, scrolling through TripAdvisor, or more likely, re-contemplating my existence and if I should really be on vacation.
- 11:00 AM: Explore San Agustin. I will probably get lost. I'll try to find a quiet cafe and people-watch.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch, again. I'm going to find a Tapas place. I will pick them. It's really going to be up to my cravings.
- 3:00 PM: Beach relaxation. I've got to. I'm on vacation.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner, maybe? Find some good local food.
- 8:00 PM onwards: Evening stroll. I don't really feel like doing much. I'll just see where the night takes me.
Day 3: The "Deep Dive" – Feeling all the emotions with the ocean again.
- 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Lazy morning. Let's face it, I'm probably going to be a little lazy.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Beach time. I'm going to get comfy, and let all my troubles drift away.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch. I will see what I actually feel like.
- 3:00 PM onwards: The Hotel's best Features. I'm going to use all of them: The gym, the sauna, it all makes me happy.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. Last dinner. Maybe it'll be perfect.
- 8:00 PM onwards: Evening. I will probably just look at the ocean.
Final Day: Departure – With a Pinch of Regret and a Mountain of Laundry.
- 9:00 AM: Final Ocean Stare. One last look at the majestic view. I'll make a promise to come back.
- 10:00 AM: Pack. Oh, the dreaded packing, even though I'm only there for a few days, it's a lot like the work-related things that people do…
- 11:00 AM: Check-out and Airport. And then, the long, slow march to the airport. Sigh.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to change. Or completely ignored. Or, honestly, whatever my mood dictates. The key is to, you know, try and enjoy myself. And maybe remember to put on sunscreen. That's essential.
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Don Gregory by Dunas: Your Adults-Only Paradise (Probably. Maybe. Honestly, I'm still processing it)
Okay, the brochure promised "Adults-Only Paradise." Did it...deliver?
Alright, so "Paradise." That's a loaded word, isn't it? Think perfect weather, pristine beaches, and the blissful silence of no screaming kids. And hey, Don Gregory *mostly* delivered on the no-screaming-kids part. Let's just say the only tantrums I heard were from yours truly when I realized I'd forgotten sunscreen the first day. My face? Tomato-level red. Lesson learned: pack more sunscreen than you *think* you need.
It was definitely a relief to walk around without dodging rogue toddlers, I will admit. But the "paradise" part? Well, sometimes paradise is a little...boring. Or maybe I'm just easily bored. I spent a lot of time staring at the sea. Beautiful sea, granted. But still.
Is the pool situation as glorious as the photos suggest? Because, let's be honest, pools can be make-or-break.
The pool situation… hmm. The photos ARE pretty. Like, postcard-worthy pretty. And yes, it's nice. Clean, well-maintained, lovely views. But here's the catch: people. They stake their claim on those sunbeds like it's a land grab! I witnessed a full-blown sunbed war one morning. I swear, there were towels flung, passive-aggressive sighs… it was better than daytime TV. I eventually secured a spot by the afternoon, but only because I camped out and strategically placed my book (I needed a break from the drama!) and my towel. Moral: If you want a good sunbed, be prepared to play the game. And bring a good book. Because you'll probably be waiting a while.
The food. Tell me *everything* about the food. My stomach is already grumbling just thinking about it.
Okay, the food. This is where things get interesting. Breakfast was a triumph. Honestly. Fresh fruit, pastries, the whole shebang. I ate my weight in croissants. No regrets. Lunch... well, lunch was a buffet. Buffets are a tricky beast. Sometimes amazing, sometimes… meh. I found myself gravitating towards the same safe choices every day. The gazpacho was consistently good, though. And one day they had paella! It was gone in about five minutes. Seriously. People swarmed. It was like a feeding frenzy. Dinner? More of a mixed bag. Some nights were fantastic, others felt a bit… predictable. I'm not a massive foodie, I admit it, but after a week I was definitely craving something other than chicken and potatoes. And the desserts? Let’s just say they were plentiful.
There was one night, though, where they had a themed night – Spanish Tapas! Oh my GOODNESS. They had the most amazing gambas al ajillo (that's garlic prawns to you and me). Absolutely heavenly. I ate, I think, about three plates. I almost forgot to take a photo because I was too busy stuffing my face. I might have even elbowed someone out of the way to get the last portion of chorizo. Don't judge me! It was *that* good.
What about the drinks? Are we talking weak cocktails or something more… potent?
Drinks. This is important. I'm not a fussy drinker, but a holiday without a decent cocktail is a sad holiday indeed. The bar staff were lovely. Really friendly, really efficient. And the cocktails? Decent. Solid. Reliable. NOT exactly mind-blowing, but perfectly acceptable for poolside enjoyment. The sangria was dangerously drinkable. Like, you-think-you'll-have-one-glass-but-suddenly-you've-had-three kind of drinkable. I had a few… or maybe more… nights where I vaguely remember wandering back to my room giggling. So, yeah, the drinks are good. Beware of the sangria.
Is the entertainment… actually entertaining? Or are we talking bingo and cheesy karaoke?
Alright, let's be honest. I'm not a huge fan of entertainment on holiday. I’d rather read a book! But, the entertainment... it was actually... alright. Nothing out of this world amazing, no world-class performances, but definitely not bingo and karaoke every night (thank goodness). There were a few live music performances (a jazz band, a singer crooning some classic tunes), some of which were genuinely enjoyable. I even found myself tapping my foot at one point! The other nights the hotel just played music by the pool, which suited me just fine. It allowed me to do my own thing without an external distraction. You know, like staring at the sea again (see! I do have different activities to do!)
The room! Was it swanky and luxurious? Or did it feel like a slightly nicer motel?
The room. Okay, so the room was good; well-appointed, comfortable, and definitely no motel. The balcony was the best part, with a lovely view (sea view, of course!). Waking up and sipping coffee while looking out at the ocean was a blissful experience. The bathroom was clean and the bed was comfortable. Although, I was a bit disappointed that the minibar was empty. I like to keep some snacks around and not have to rummage through my suitcase when late-night munchies hit. The decor was a bit… sterile, if I'm being brutally honest. A splash of color wouldn't have gone amiss. But hey, the important things were there: a comfy bed, a clean bathroom, and that balcony view. That view made up for a multitude of sins.
Would you go back? Be honest!
Hmm... Would I go back? That's the question, isn't it? Part of me says yes. It was relaxing, the weather was beautiful, and the food was mostly good. And the no-kids thing? Definitely a plus! Another part of me is already itching to explore somewhere new. Maybe somewhere with more… excitement? More… tapas? More things to do? I'm on the fence. It really depends what I'm looking for. If I want a chilled-out, sun-drenched week of doing very little, then yes, I'd consider it. But if I'm craving adventure, maybe not. But that tapas... I will never forget those tapas...
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