Barcelo Fuerteventura Castillo

Title: Relaxed, friendly all-inclusive stay – useful tips for future guests

I had a really enjoyable solo all-inclusive stay at Barceló Fuerteventura Castillo. The setting feels safe, relaxed and very easy to settle into, with a lovely laid-back Canarian holiday feel rather than a big, hectic resort atmosphere.

Reception gave a warm welcome and the whole complex is in a great location. There are two shopping areas nearby: one around five minutes’ walk away, and another about 15 minutes along a really pleasant coastal path. Planes do pass overhead as the airport is close, but I found them more of a passing distraction than a nuisance.

My superior bungalow was comfortable and perfectly adequate. The air conditioning was excellent, the shower was very good, and there were enough hangers for one person (though perhaps not generous for two). The kitchenette was useful, but I would take or buy washing-up liquid, a dishcloth and some bottled water for the fridge. I took my own herbal teas; tea and coffee can be bought from the shop, and there are also supplies around the bar area if needed.

Housekeeping was very good: the bed was made and floors mopped daily, with a mid-week towel change. A few bits of furniture were chipped and could do with refreshing, but nothing that affected the stay. Bungalows are fairly close together, so patios are not especially private, although it never felt busy or intrusive when I sat outside.

The Castillo pool area has a chilled daytime vibe: low music, lots of different nationalities and a quieter feel than the neighbouring Mar hotel. The pool is saltwater rather than chlorinated and lovely for a refreshing swim or float. However, it did look a little tired by September; there were some pieces of path/bridge wood in the water and marks on the pool walls that could have been dealt with better. It did not stop me swimming, but it is worth mentioning.

There were always sunbeds available if you looked around, even when some people had reserved beds early. By early afternoon many had cleared for lunch or gone out. Avoid the small paddling-pool side if you want the quietest spot. The beach is nearby, but do not go expecting free hotel loungers: two beds and an umbrella were around €10 when I was there.

Food was a real strength. Lunch and dinner offered plenty of choice, including fish and meat, with a cooked-to-order fish and meat option on most evenings. I am not sure vegans or vegetarians would find the variety as strong, so I would check menus in advance if that matters to you. Lunch staff could occasionally seem a little grumpy when taking drinks orders, but the food selection was very good.

Breakfast is simply walk in, find a table, help yourself to food, coffee and juices. Fresh omelettes are worth queuing for. At lunch and dinner, food is buffet-style and a drink is brought to the table; wine, beer and sangria are available at meal times. The self-service coffee and water machines are behind the bar. The pool bar offers a broader range of local spirits and cocktails, so a midday sangria is very easy to embrace!

If your all-inclusive package includes access to the Mar hotel, do visit. Its pool and surrounding space feel newer, but it is busier, louder and felt more British than Castillo. It may suit families or guests wanting more activity, while Castillo was my preference for calm. Mar also has a handy daytime snack room beside the Breeze bar, with snacks plus free-flowing soft drinks and beer on tap if you do not want a sit-down lunch.

Book the speciality restaurants early. As a seven-night all-inclusive guest, I had one free visit to the Mexican and Brazilian restaurants. Mexican was fine: the buffet starter was excellent, but the main was quite carb-heavy. Brazilian was brilliant and definitely the one to book, even if only a later table is available. You start with rice, beans and salad, then the meat trolley keeps coming until you turn your token over. The beef, pork, chicken and turkey were all beautifully cooked—do not save too much room for dessert.

Evening entertainment at Castillo was pleasant rather than spectacular, with different singers each night. You could have a leisurely dinner at 7pm and still find a table outside for the 9pm start. It finished around 10.30pm, which felt just right. Mar has a later, indoor show-style atmosphere if you want more going on.

A few final tips:

• Your wristband colour is what staff look for, so keep it visible.
• Take a cover-up for lunch.
• Book the gym through the app—it is free, adequate for a weights workout and quiet from mid-morning onwards, but it was not air-conditioned during my stay.
• There are yoga, Pilates, water polo and aqua-aerobics if you want activities.
• I skipped excursions completely and had a lovely rhythm of breakfast, pool, reading, gym and dinner.

Overall, this is not ultra-luxury and some parts could do with a refresh, but for a relaxed, friendly and very easy all-inclusive break, I would happily return to Castillo.

Hotel stay was really nice. From the reception staff to the caterers etc, were all very friendly and helpful. Really good variety of food and didn't have one bad meal. Especially liked the sushi. Always had a variety of fish, meat, salads, cheeses and meats and plenty of desserts. Also catered for people who like chicken nuggets , chips and burgers.

Don't leave your valuables in the draw. Either lock them in your case or find a safe.