The Bull Hotel Costa Canaria is one of a handful of hotels in San Augustin, and was actually the second to be built in this previously undeveloped area. Back in the day, it hosted a long list of celebrities and politicians from Spain and beyond. And while that splashy history isn’t as evident today, the hotel is still one of the best in town. Its large, airy spaces, white marble floors, and elegant decor -- with cheerful splashes of Spanish color -- create a leisurely upscale vibe and make it feel classier than some of the busy tourist resorts of Playa del Ingles. Combined with free access to countless well-kept facilities, as well as excellent food, it’s a near-perfect self-contained holiday escape that wins over numerous return guests, as well as new converts. 

This is an adult-only hotel, and the lack of children means that the vibe is less chaotic. The extensive grounds include a large pool complex, and a spacious garden stretching all the way to San Agustin Beach. Parts of the hotel are busy and lively -- like the attractive pool area -- but those who prefer a more peaceful atmosphere can retreat to the garden, with only the sound of the ocean and chattering parakeets to disturb guests. We saw mostly mature couples from Germany and Britain during our visit, and the hotel also accommodates plenty of young couples on romantic getaways.

Unlike some of the other hotels in San Agustin, which are tucked away in far corners, Hotel Costa Canaria is at the center of the development and readily visible from the highway. It's on a palm-lined local road where little admittedly happens, though there is a small shopping center across the street and other hotels down the road. San Agustin Beach, with its modest strip of restaurants, is literally at the end of the hotel's garden, where there's direct access to the promenade. Playa del Ingles is a 10-minute drive away and has an endless promenade of restaurants with nighttime entertainment. It's a 20-minute drive to the airport, and the vibrant city of Las Palmas is 40 minutes away by car.

The hotel’s 246 rooms are divided into three different types: standard hotel rooms, poolside units, and beachfront suites. The style is similar and modern across the board, with sleek light-wood paneling and furniture, plus generally neutral tones with lime green accents. All come with air-conditioning, large flat-screen TVs, free bottled water replenished daily, free Wi-Fi, and a paid minibar provided on request. Bathrooms are modern, with either showers or shower/tub combos, and most have bidets. Unfortunately, safes aren't free, and bathrobes for all room types except beachfront suites are only available for a fee.

All standard hotel rooms have balconies, many with either partial or full sea views. The suites are the highlight, though, and are set up throughout the property like cozy villages. Poolside suites are housed in charming, thatch-roofed bungalows decorated with flowering vines. Each has its own pool-facing terrace, complete with patio furniture and loungers, providing a semi-private sunbathing space. 

The beachfront suites -- located at the far end of the garden by the beach -- are significantly more upmarket. They’re housed in modern bungalow-style buildings, and each comes with its own private sunbathing terrace, which houses a private whirlpool and has picturesque sea views. Inside, the lounge area is separated from the bed by a glass screen, and all suites have modern, white-marble bathrooms with massive walk-in rainfall showers. 

This hotel has a wide range of facilities and activities for guests -- and the best part is that it’s almost all free. There are two large pools, one of which is heated, and a small dipping pool with underwater stools and tables for enjoying leisurely drinks while in the water. The popular poolside bar serves drinks as well as a la carte lunches from an international menu. The elegant spa is nearby and has excellent facilities that are free for guests. These include a Dead Sea floating pool with realistic stone cave surroundings, a beautiful hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, and free champagne and apples. Treatments, of course, cost extra. The gym is light, airy, and well-maintained, and has a good variety of cardio equipment and weights. 

The extensive variety of food at the buffet restaurant is also a guest favorite, with plenty of hot and cold options for breakfast. Lunch and dinner are a national and international buffet affair with special themes, and include show cooking. All-inclusive plans are available, and unlike at other hotels on the island, alcoholic drinks include major international brands and there's no cut-off time -- drinks can be ordered at the indoor bar once the poolside bar closes.

A landscaped garden stretches all the way to San Agustin Beach, allowing direct access from the hotel. Recreation options include tennis courts, a half golf green, sand volleyball court, pool tables, ping-pong tables, and even petanque. Everything about the hotel is focused around relaxation and convenience for guests: there are showers placed conveniently at the garden perimeter for those coming back from the beach, and the hotel has a sunbed reservation policy allowing guests to select and keep their sunbeds for the duration of their stay. Claimed sunbeds can also be moved around the property, allowing flexibility and eliminating the stress of an early morning rush to reserve. 

Daytime activities and entertainment are both available. For something tamer, the rooftop sunbathing terrace is a sunny, immaculate space with gorgeous sea views and an infinity whirlpool. The separate nudist section is just as large, with the exact same facilities. There's also an ultra-chic library complete with daily international newspapers, and a small business center with free Mac computer and printing access. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and there's free street parking just outside the property.