The Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort turns the typical resort formula on its head: where most Playa Blanca hotels stack rooms into high-rise blocks, this property scatters low-rise, whitewashed buildings across cobbled pathways that echo genuine Canary Islands village architecture. With 4,238 Tripadvisor reviews and 735 verified Booking.com reviews, guests have thoroughly tested whether the design delivers in practice.

4 related posts

Location: Playa Blanca, Lanzarote · Beach Access: Shuttle to Playa Dorada · Family Features: Pepeland kids activities · Room Style: Junior Suites with terrace · Inspired By: Canary Islands village architecture

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Resort sits in Playa Blanca tourist centre
  • Free shuttle to Playa Dorada beach
  • Three restaurants on site
  • Adult pool rated highly by guests
2What’s unclear
  • Exact shuttle duration to the beach
  • Whether every booking includes Aqualava Waterpark entry
  • Full breakdown of all-inclusive drink brands
3Family pedigree
  • 4,238 reviews on Tripadvisor
  • 735 verified Booking.com reviews
  • 8.6 Excellent on Expedia
4Booked via
  • TUI, On The Beach, British Airways
  • Deposit from £19pp or €10pp

The table below consolidates the essential details gathered from guest reviews and booking partners.

Detail Information
Type Resort & Spa Hotel
Architecture Lanzarote village style
Location Playa Blanca centre
Deposits £19pp or €10pp
Booking Partners On The Beach, TUI, British Airways
Target Guests Families
Restaurants 3 on site
Beach Shuttle Free bus to Playa Dorada

How far is Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort from the beach?

Distance to Playa Dorada

The resort operates a free shuttle bus to Playa Dorada, a stretch of golden sand and clear water that guests consistently praise. A YouTube reviewer who stayed in July/August 2024 described the location as walking distance to the waterpark and Playa Blanca beach itself, suggesting the resort sits comfortably within the tourist zone rather than at its edge. The shuttle fills a gap that some guests might otherwise find awkward to negotiate in the Lanzarote heat.

Walking access to beaches

Another video reviewer confirmed short walks to Playa Beach, Flamingo Beach, and proximity to the Lasal shopping complex and Rubicon Marina. For families who prefer not to wait for the shuttle, that walking flexibility matters. No precise shuttle timing is listed on booking partners, so callers to TUI or On The Beach should ask directly before confirming.

Bottom line: Families staying at the Elba Lanzarote Royal Village gain access to the heart of Playa Blanca’s tourist area with a free beach shuttle and multiple coves within walking distance — but those with young children should note the nearest sandy beach requires the shuttle.

What is there to do near Elba Lanzarote Royal Village?

Local attractions in Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca’s appeal lies in its waterfront promenade, marina, and the Aqualava Waterpark that’s within walking distance. Jet2holidays advertises packages that include Aqualava entry, though this inclusion varies by booking and season. Tripadvisor reviews note guests exploring the marina area for evening meals, and the Rubicon Marina itself hosts shops and boat excursions.

Nearby villages and sites

For guests with a car or transfer arranged, Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes and Timanfaya National Park are roughly 30 minutes away. The resort’s design draws from that island identity — low-rise, whitewashed buildings with terracotta accents that would look at home in a local village rather than a purpose-built resort zone.

The catch

Even with the shuttle, Playa Dorada is the nearest sandy beach. The rocky coves closer to the resort work for walking but aren’t ideal for families with young children.

How far is Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort from the airport?

Distance to Lanzarote Airport

Lanzarote Airport sits approximately 35–40 km south of Playa Blanca, with the drive taking 40–50 minutes depending on traffic. Transfer times aren’t listed on booking partner pages, which is a gap worth filling when you call to book. A Tripadvisor reviewer who visited in summer 2024 flagged that the drive “feels long” after a flight, particularly in heat.

Transfer options

Booking partners including TUI and On The Beach typically offer airport transfers as add-ons. British Airways packages may bundle transport depending on the fare class. Guests booking independently should note that taxis from the airport will cost more than shuttle services bundled with package holidays.

Bottom line: Visitors arriving at Lanzarote Airport should plan for roughly 45 minutes to reach the resort, and confirming transfer timing with tour operators before arrival prevents unwelcome surprises after a long flight.

Is Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort adults only?

Family vs adults facilities

This resort is not adults-only — it leans strongly family. Tripadvisor reviewers consistently describe it as “very family friendly,” with staff interacting positively with children at breakfast and dinner. The layout deliberately mirrors a Canary Islands village, but the atmosphere is built around kids zones and activity schedules rather than serenity.

Pepeland for children

The Pepeland kids area is the standout feature for families. Expedia mentions a kids’ pool and activities, while Booking.com reviewers praised staff for keeping children engaged “so parents could relax.” The entertainment team, particularly Costa and colleagues, receive specific mentions for foam parties, water inflatables, and organized games. Tripadvisor reviewers flag that the kids club exists but say they didn’t use it, so details on age-specific programming remain limited.

The trade-off

If you’re after a quiet poolside read without pool noodles and splash zones, this isn’t the venue. For families with primary-school-aged children, the setup is a genuine selling point — but couples seeking peace may want to look elsewhere.

What drinks are all inclusive at Elba Lanzarote Royal Village?

All-inclusive details

Expedia confirms the resort offers all-inclusive options covering poolside drinks and Mediterranean dishes across three restaurants. Pool bar self-service snacks include crisps, nuts, and ice creams, which guests flag positively on Tripadvisor. The all-inclusive package is the norm for package holiday bookings through TUI and On The Beach, though some guests report upgrading to full board mid-stay for better restaurant access.

Food and drink options

Food variety earns consistent praise: Spanish nights, tapas evenings, and specialty restaurants with good value. Trip.com reviewers highlight the daily food selection as a strength. The one recurring criticism is limited dessert variety in adult restaurants. Tripadvisor reviewers mention bar queues of 5–10 minutes during peak periods and occasional restocking gaps. The October 2024 Booking.com review described the food as “ok” and staff as “friendly,” which suggests experience-dependent quality.

Editor’s note

The all-inclusive offering covers the basics well, but heavy demand at the pool bar can test patience during busy periods. Visitors who want drinks without queuing should consider timing visits outside peak lunch and afternoon windows.

Upsides

  • Canarian village layout is distinctive and photogenic
  • Free shuttle to a sandy beach with clear water
  • Entertainment team praised for keeping kids engaged
  • Spacious rooms with outdoor patios and sun beds
  • Good food variety, especially Spanish and tapas nights
  • Short walk to Aqualava Waterpark and Rubicon Marina

Downsides

  • Pool bar queues can reach 10 minutes at peak times
  • Limited dessert options in adult restaurants
  • Housekeeping consistency flagged as inconsistent
  • Not suitable for guests seeking a quiet, adults-only environment
  • Exact all-inclusive drink selection not publicly listed
  • Airport transfer takes roughly 45 minutes

The specs table below summarises key resort features for quick reference.

Category Detail
Resort Type Family resort, spa hotel
Design Low-rise Canarian village layout, cobbled walkways
Restaurants 3 on site, Mediterranean and themed nights
Pools Adult pool, family pool, kids’ pool, water slide
Spa Yes, free entry on some full-board upgrades
Kids Zone Pepeland activities, kids’ pool, entertainment team
Beach Access Free shuttle to Playa Dorada, walking to other coves
Reviews 8.6 Excellent (Expedia), 735 verified (Booking.com), 4,238 (Tripadvisor)
Booking Partners TUI, On The Beach, British Airways
Deposit £19pp or €10pp

Excellent hotel for couples and families, rooms spacious and well maintained.Trip.com reviewer

The staff were amazing in keeping the kids engaged, which meant parents could in return have some well deserved relaxation time.Booking.com reviewer

Entertainment – excellent. Costa and the team were brilliant with the kids!Tripadvisor reviewer

The pool area is lovely but sometimes cold, and queues at the bar can reach 10 minutes during busy periods.Tripadvisor reviewer

Related reading: Bahia Principe Sunlight Costa Adeje – Family All-Inclusive Review · Where’s Hot in October – Best Sunny European Spots

Additional sources

expedia.co.uk, tripadvisor.com, youtube.com, tripadvisor.com, youtube.com, jet2holidays.com

The free shuttle to Playa Dorada beach opens up nearby luxury options like Dreams Lanzarote Playa Dorada Resort & Spa, perfect for sampling more all-inclusive amenities in Playa Blanca.

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Frequently asked questions

What facilities does Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort offer?

The resort has three restaurants, an adult pool, family pool, kids’ pool with water slide, a spa, Pepeland kids area, and pool bar with self-service snacks. Guests describe the layout as a mini Canarian village with low-rise buildings and garden paths.

What are the room options at Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort?

Junior Suites with terrace solarium are the primary room type. Reviews describe them as spacious with outdoor chairs and sun beds. Family configuration options are available, though specifics vary by booking package.

Is Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort family friendly?

Yes, heavily. The Pepeland kids zone, multiple pools, entertainment team (Costa and colleagues), and shuttle-accessible beach make it a strong choice for families with children. It is not adults-only and is not suitable for guests seeking a quiet resort environment.

What food is available at Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort?

All-inclusive covers Mediterranean dishes across three restaurants. Themed nights include Spanish and tapas evenings. Specialty restaurants offer good value per guest reviews. Dessert variety in adult restaurants is the main criticism, and bar restocking can lag during busy periods.

Which hotel did Jane McDonald stay in Lanzarote?

Research did not confirm a specific Jane McDonald stay at Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort. This claim appears in search suggestions but hasn’t been verified in available reviews or official sources.

How to book Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort with TUI?

Visit TUI.co.uk or call your local TUI store. Packages typically include flights, transfers, and accommodation. Some Jet2holidays packages include Aqualava Waterpark entry — confirm this before booking as it varies by operator and season.

What are guest reviews for Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort?

The resort holds an 8.6 Excellent rating from Expedia, with 735 verified Booking.com reviews and 4,238 Tripadvisor reviews. Common praise: family atmosphere, spacious rooms, good food variety, entertainment team. Common concerns: pool bar queues, inconsistent housekeeping, limited desserts.

For UK families weighing a Playa Blanca package holiday, the choice comes down to priorities: this resort delivers on family activity and island character, but guests who prioritise food consistency and pool quietude may want to compare options in the same resort zone before committing. Call TUI or On The Beach to confirm current package pricing and ask specifically about waterpark access and deposit terms.