Club La Santa Lanzarote is the world's largest active holiday resort, spanning over 75,000 square meters on the rugged northwest coast of Lanzarote. If you're looking for an active getaway rather than a lazy beach lounge, this resort offers more than 80 sports and 500 weekly activities included in the standard stay price. From Olympic-size swimming pools and carbon road bikes to tennis courts and guided fitness classes led by the resort's famous Green Team instructors, it's designed to keep athletes, families, and casual fitness enthusiasts moving from dawn until dusk.
Planning a trip here requires understanding how the booking system works, what gear is free to borrow, and how to avoid common pitfalls like over-booking your schedule or getting caught out by wind conditions on the coast. Whether you're training for an upcoming ironman or just want to try padel tennis for the first time, knowing the layout and rules before you arrive saves you time and frustration. Let's break down everything you need to know to get the most out of your stay at Club La Santa.
Resort Overview and Layout
The property sits directly on the waterfront near the village of Tinajo, sheltered by volcanic hills and the Atlantic Ocean. The architecture features modern suites and apartments facing either the lagoon, the ocean, or the interior plaza. At the absolute heart of the resort is Sports Booking, the central hub where you pick up equipment, sign up for tournaments, and manage your daily activities.
Unlike traditional all-inclusive resorts that focus on buffet lines and lounge chairs, Club La Santa is built around performance and community. You'll find guests ranging from age three to eighty-three, including Olympic triathletes, weekend warriors, and families with young children. The atmosphere is casual and encouraging. You don't need to be an elite competitor to fit in, because every class and activity has options for multiple skill levels.
Sports Facilities and Equipment Access
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is that almost all sports facilities are free to use once you've checked in. You won't pay extra fees every time you step onto a tennis court or borrow a yoga mat.
What is Included in Your Stay
- Access to an Olympic-size 50-meter pool, a leisure pool, and dedicated children's splash zones.
- Use of 10 tennis courts, padel courts, squash courts, and badminton courts in the indoor sports halls.
- Fully equipped indoor fitness center with cardio gear, free weights, and weight-lifting machines.
- Athletics stadium featuring tracks for running, long jump, high jump, and throwing events.
- Access to the 18-hole putting green, chipping range, and driving range.
Equipment Rental Rules
You can borrow standard sports gear from Sports Booking using a token system. Each person in your apartment receives tokens on their key card. If you stay as a family of four, you get four tokens to exchange for rackets, yoga mats, climbing shoes, or pool training aids. You get your tokens back immediately when you return the items. Balls for tennis, padel, and squash must be purchased separately at the shop, along with shuttlecocks for badminton. For high-end carbon road bikes, you'll need to rent them through the Bike Centre for an additional fee.
The Points System and Activity Booking
Managing your daily schedule at Club La Santa relies on a digital points system designed to keep court and class availability fair for everyone.
- Check-in Activation: You can start booking activities via the mobile app or at the physical kiosks one hour after checking into your room.
- Point Allocation: Every guest receives a fixed balance of points to reserve classes, courts, and equipment. Popular sessions with limited space cost more points, while open-access facilities cost very little or nothing.
- Automatic Refunds: Once an activity finishes, your points automatically return to your balance. If you cancel a booking at least 30 minutes before it starts, your points are refunded instantly.
- Advance Window: You can book activities up to 14 days in advance while staying at the resort.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned travelers make mistakes during their first visit to this sports mecca. Avoiding these common errors ensures a smooth holiday.
- Overbooking your schedule: It's tempting to sign up for four classes a day, but the Lanzarote sun combined with intense physical exertion can lead to quick burnout. Leave time for rest and recovery by the pool.
- Ignoring the wind: The northwest coast of Lanzarote is famous for strong coastal winds. If you plan to go windsurfing or road cycling, check daily weather forecasts before committing to long outdoor routes.
- Forgetting to buy balls: Remember that while racket rentals are free using your tokens, tennis and padel balls are consumable items that you must purchase at the shop.
- Restricting yourself to the resort: While the facilities are massive, don't miss out on exploring the surrounding volcanic landscapes, nearby beaches, and local villages outside the complex.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can beginners join the sports classes?
Yes. Every class led by the Green Team is adapted for all levels. Instructors provide easier modifications for beginners and advanced challenges for experienced athletes.
Is food included in the booking?
Club La Santa offers various board options, ranging from room-only with kitchenettes to half-board and full-board packages at their on-site restaurants. You can also self-cater using your apartment kitchen.
How do I get from the airport to the resort?
Arrecife Airport (ACE) is about a 40-minute drive away. You can arrange airport transfers directly through the resort or rent a car at the airport terminal.
Are children looked after while parents work out?
The resort runs a supervised children's club for kids aged 3 to 12, offering age-appropriate sports, games, and creative activities while parents attend fitness classes or train.
