Lopesan Baobab Resort

Firstly I want to say that the architecture and atmosphere remain amazing, as well as the overall hospitality. I just want to note I thought it was disappointing that the Volcan Pool (our favourite) turned out to be closed for the whole month of september because of an Audi event without any prior notice.

That being said, we specifically returned to Baobab a second time because of their excellent allergy policy. I have celiac disease (severe gluten allergy) and have several other food allergies, so eating safely while travelling can be difficult. They use a red card clearly listing my allergens, and I would previously receive an allergen-friendly menu in the morning to choose from. In the evening, this meal would be prepared immediately upon arrival, separately in the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination. This meant my partner and I could eat at roughly the same time. It was the first hotel where I could eat safely without getting sick, because I wasn't expected to eat from the buffet.

Sadly, a couple of days into our stay this year, the policy was abruptly changed. This caused a lot of confusion among both the staff and myself. Under the new policy, I was expected to eat from the buffet, with waiters (who also seemed more avoidant to help me out of confusion) pointing out which dishes supposedly didn't contain my allergens. However, a buffet is inherently not safe from cross-contamination, so I had to explain to multiple people every evening that I could not eat from it. The options they offered on the buffet were also extremely limited and those few trays with vegetables and plain rice looked the same every day.

For the first time in my life, I filed a complaint. I have sadly gotten used to receiving my food way later than my partner in restaurants and being very restricted in variation, but I couldn't accept being expected to eat unsafe food when it was previously done so well it was our reason for coming back. It turned out guest relations wasn't even aware that the policy had changed. Once it was confirmed, I was told to ask for a manager every evening so that something could be prepared safely in the kitchen. Honestly, this was a real hassle compared with the previous system, but when manager Malika (or Marcos) was there, they genuinely tried their best to give me a proper meal like last year, and I truly appreciated their efforts!

Unfortunately, they weren't always there. On those evenings, I often felt helpless and like a burden while trying to get something safe to eat. After finding someone to help, asking and explaining, and then waiting up to 40 min, I would end up with boiled vegetables, dry rice and some plain chicken, or gluten-free pasta with plain tomato sauce. At that point, I would simply give up and accept that this was my dinner. It made dinner feel like a gamble and made me nervous and stressed about going.

So, for anyone with severe food allergies: please be aware that the current system requires a lot more asking, explaining and advocating for yourself than before. If cross-contamination isn't a concern for you, this may be less of an issue. However, be aware that the listed ingredients at the buffet are not always accurate either, if it's listed at all.

We had booked a "Unique" Junior suite with Jet 2. Unfortunately our balcony was on an internal corner and due to the heatwave ,{36 Degrees }, it was stifling. However we talked with reception about the option for upgrading to a senior suite. This was a very positive experience and the ladies handling it were superb. After a discussion with the manager we were offered a discounted deal to upgrade to a senior suite, and once we viewed the room , we were delighted to make the change. This suite was considerably larger with a large open balcony and superb view. The overall level of service from every member of staff throughout the hotel was exceptional., but a special mention to Ainhoa on the front desk who went above and beyond. This is a great hotel in a superb location within a wonderful resort.