Gran Canaria: A week of five-star luxury at the Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort Spa & Casino

Having stayed in many lovely four-star hotels over the years, this Gran Canaria break was our first real five-star experience and I wondered how much that extra 'estrella' would bring. We were not to be disappointed.

Leaving our luggage outside with the concierge to be brought up to our rooms, we walked into the hotel's imposing reception and main bar area, the grandeur of which was only topped by the vista which greeted us on the other side as we ventured out onto the plaza.

Overwhelmed was the word as we spun 360 degrees and took in the sight of the hotel's clients enjoying the 25 deg C sunshine and views of the Atlantic as they sipped drinks, some occasionally looking up at the massive main stage screen which signposted many of that day's activities around the hotel (and which would become for many the focal point as it played host to all the World Cup football matches).

With over 1100 rooms, this was most probably the largest hotel complex I have ever stayed in, and once we had found our accommodation we began to notice the little details a five-star hotel brings.

For starters, there was the 50-inch-plus TV - somewhat bigger than the usual flatscreen fare - though I do have to add that I would have liked to have seen more channels in English.

Fixtures and fittings are high end, and a proper king-sized bed (not two singles pushed together) ensured a week’s worth of comfort, space and contented sleep.

The ultra-modern bathroom has a walk-in wet room with two shower heads, and the sink console was home to not just the usual freebie soaps and shower caps but welcome details like body lotion and vanity boxes containing cleansing pads and cotton buds.

Bathrobes were hanging in the two wardrobes, and an electric kettle (unusual for a non-apartment in my experience) sat atop a mini-bar and a drawer containing mugs, spoons, creamers and every type of tea imaginable. Strangely no coffee, but luckily we had brought our own!

Light switches and plug sockets, complete with USB charging points, are conveniently situated by the side of the bed and a high-powered hairdryer is located in the bathroom.

Venturing out then proved a dilemma: Which way to go? Which pool to try? There are so many exciting areas at this sprawling resort you can try a different bathing experience every day, all accessed by buggy and wheelchair-friendly wide paths, with a plethora of palm trees and rugged rocks and more open areas depending on your preferred choice of sun and shade.

Four main pools await - an infinity lake complete with its own pebble beach, the meandering lazy riveresque Rio with picturesque waterfall (and yes, I did detect a slight current helping swimmers along) a slightly warmer pool with water-spouting statue dogs and last but not least the complex's latest addition, the get-away-from-it-all Premium pool.

For me our half-board basis dining experience was arguably the highpoint of the holiday. Rather than the usual serving trays with large spoons, food is apportioned to its own tiny tureen, wee wok, petite pan or fun-size frying basket.

And I have to say, this was probably the finest food I have ever tasted from a self-service buffet restaurant. There are some 13 different serving areas with talented chefs working hard to provide a fantastic and abundant array of these mini masterpieces.

Drinks prices are reassuringly reasonable for a five-star hotel too, with a decent bottle of chardonnay costing 18 euros (c£15.50) and a pint of local beer 4.60 euros, or just under £4 whether in the restaurant or in the many bars in and around the hotel. For an extra price there are other a la carte restaurants on the complex too if you fancied that extra special meal.

Entertainment was excellent with sporting , fun and fitness activities during the day, details of which appear on your room TV on switch-on. While we didn't see many children on our term time trip, the hotel has a kids club providing entertainment for youngsters.

We chose to relax during the day, but availed ourselves of the wonderful evening's entertainment, with live bands, magic and specialist circus acts and flamenco artistes to mention just a few, all performing outside in the beautiful balmy evenings on the prettily-lit plaza, a seamless transition seeing the support act ending just as the headliners on the main stage began.

A nice sandy beach is on the doorstep with a pretty promenade, complete with impressive lighthouse, lined with restaurants and bars and big name shops from Hugo Boss to Ralph Lauren, as well as handy supermarkets for sundries and duty free. The resort of Maspalomas is just around the corner if you want to venture farther afield.

As its full name suggests, Lopesan Costa Meloneras is home to one of Europe's largest spas, The Om Spa, which offers customers over 3500 m2 of impeccable facilities, including the extraordinary and renowned 'Spa Experience' circuit, consisting of enticing treatments and areas that work with spring water at different temperatures. This is not included in the price but may well put the icing on the cake on your break.

To sum up, this was an amazing, luxurious and opulent experience to live long in the memory and one which ended all too soon!

Fares to Gran Canaria with Jet2.com start at £66 one way including taxes. Package holidays with Jet2holidays to the Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort Spa & Casino, start from £869 per person for seven nights' bed and breakfast accommodation, departing from Leeds Bradford on 9th May. Price includes a 22kg baggage allowance, return transfers and free resort flight check in.

To book flights visit www.jet2.com or for package holidays visit www.jet2holidays.com or call free on 0800 408 5594.

An introduction to Gran Canaria