Hotel & Spa Occidental Roca Negra

Opened in 2010, the Hotel Occidental Roca Negra is the perfect solution for travellers craving an unspoilt location away from the busy tourist resorts, but who also seek an excellent level of comfort, contemporary styling and access to a state-of-the-art wellness centre. The Occidental Roca Negra is perched on a rugged volcanic cliff top - hence its name, which translates as Black Rock - in a quiet residential area just a short walk from the fishing village of Puerto de las Nieves and less than 2 km from the traditional village of Agaete. From this vantage point you can enjoy splendid views along some of Gran Canaria's most dramatic coastline and across the ocean to the distinctive peak of Mount Teide on Tenerife.

Following a comprehensive refurbishment and expansion in 2018, the Occidental Roca Negra comprises 142 guestrooms, so whilst it feels peaceful and relaxing, it is large enough to offer a good range of facilities, including a well-equipped gym, a squash court and a 600-m² spa complex. The main spa pool has various bubble hammocks and massage jets, whilst other options include a "Dead Sea" pool, Finnish Sauna, Turkish bath, a range of experience showers and various massage, health and beauty treatments. An entry charge applies to the spa, with additional charges for treatments; minimum age 16 years, advance booking is required.

The rooms themselves are stylishly decorated and comfortably furnished, and are large enough to have a sitting area with a sofa, which converts into an extra bed for a third person if required. All the rooms benefit from air-conditioning, mini-bars, direct dial telephones, safety deposit boxes, flat-screen satellite TV (limited English-language channels), free WiFi, and modern en-suite bathrooms with hairdryers. All rooms have good-size balconies or terraces; rooms with sea views are available at a supplement, as are a limited number of larger Junior Suites.

In the mornings, an extensive buffet is served, and a varied buffer-style dinner in the main dining room is also included in the hotel's half board package. The pool and lounge bar offers light snacks at lunchtime and drinks throughout the day and evening.

Outside on the spacious terrace guests will find an enticing swimming pool and a children's pool. A steep path leads down from the hotel to natural rock pools where you can swim in calm weather, and walking a few minutes further you will reach the village's volcanic beach, sheltered by the harbour wall and backed by a cluster of delightfully unpretentious fish restaurants. Those simply seeking a relaxing holiday in peaceful and rather luxurious surroundings can therefore easily get by without a hire car, although for anyone keen to spend at least part of their holiday exploring the island we strongly recommend the reduced-rate car hire option offered if you pick up your hire car on arrival at the airport.