You’ve probably seen the brochure shots of Lanzarote’s white-washed villages and volcanic coast, and wondered which resort actually delivers on that promise. Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort in Playa Blanca is one of those places that tries to be a one-stop family base without feeling like a giant hotel block. With its own spa, kids’ club, and a free shuttle to Playa Dorada beach, it’s worth a closer look if you’re planning a Canary Islands getaway with the whole family.
Distance to Playa Dorada beach: Approximately 800 meters (10-minute walk) ·
Distance to Lanzarote Airport (ACE): 30 km (about 30 minutes by car) ·
Location: Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, Canary Islands ·
Resort category: 4-star all-inclusive resort
Quick snapshot
- 4-star property in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote (Official Hotel Site (hoteleselba.com))
- 800 meters to Playa Dorada beach (Hotels Playa Blanca (accommodation booking partner))
- 30 km from Arrecife Airport (Hotels Playa Blanca)
- Exact shuttle schedule frequency (may vary seasonally)
- Specific price variations for all-inclusive vs half-board
- Current guest reviews beyond sampled feedback
- Year-round destination with average 22°C temperature – peak season June–September (Official Hotel Site (hoteleselba.com))
- Check package availability from TUI and On the Beach for best rates
- Book early for family suites – limited availability in school holidays
This table captures the six details that most influence a family’s decision when booking this resort.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Star rating | 4 stars |
| Distance to nearest beach | 800 meters (Playa Dorada) |
| Distance to airport (ACE) | 30 km |
| Rooms | Junior Suites with separate living and sleeping areas |
| Kids club | Yes, Pepeland |
| Spa | Yes, on-site |
How far is Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort from the beach?
Walking distance to Playa Dorada
- The resort is about 800 meters from Playa Dorada, one of the best beaches in Playa Blanca according to TripAdvisor reviews (aggregated guest feedback). Most guests report a 10-minute stroll.
- Flamingo Beach, used by locals for fishing and often quieter, is 1000 meters or about 10–15 minutes on foot (Hotels Playa Blanca).
- Playa Blanca’s town centre is 900–950 meters, a 5–10 minute walk via a pedestrian pathway that passes parks and sports courts (TripAdvisor (guest experience summaries)).
Families who prefer instant beach access will rely on the free shuttle rather than a direct sand-front position. The walk to Playa Dorada is manageable in flip-flops, but with young children and beach gear, the shuttle becomes the smarter call.
The implication: The resort forces a small compromise on beach proximity, but the shuttle largely mitigates it for most families.
Shuttle bus service to the beach
- A complimentary daily shuttle runs from the resort to Playa Dorada. According to Hotels Playa Blanca (accommodation booking provider), the journey is about 5 minutes.
- Exact frequency is not published – it likely varies by season and occupancy.
The implication: The shuttle bridges the distance but adds a schedule constraint. Early birds and afternoon nappers might prefer a resort with direct beachfront.
How far is Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort from the airport?
Transfer time from Arrecife Airport (ACE)
- Lanzarote Airport (ACE) is 34 km from the resort, according to Hotels Playa Blanca.
- A taxi takes roughly 30 minutes. The official site states the airport is 30 km away (Official Hotel Site (hoteleselba.com)), a minor discrepancy likely reflecting different route options.
Taxi and shuttle options
- Pre-booked shuttle services, rental cars, and taxis are the main transfers. TUI and other operators include coach transfers in package holidays (TUI (major UK tour operator)).
- Rental car desks are available at the airport; driving yourself gives flexibility for day trips to Timanfaya National Park or Papagayo beaches.
Why this matters: A 30-minute transfer is ideal for families – long enough to settle in, short enough to avoid travel fatigue after a flight.
What is there to do near Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort?
Playa Blanca town center attractions
- The resort sits within a 10–20 minute walk of Playa Blanca’s main strip, which has shops, restaurants, and the Marina Rubicón harbour (TripAdvisor guest feature summary).
- Marina Rubicón is a short taxi ride or long walk – known for its sailing boats, seafood restaurants, and a Sunday market.
Water sports and boat trips
- Playa Dorada and Flamingo Beach offer pedal boats, kayaking, and parasailing. Papagayo Beach, 5 km away, is consistently voted as Lanzarote’s best sand (Jet2holidays (holiday package provider)).
- Boat trips to the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura depart from Playa Blanca harbour.
Day trips to Timanfaya National Park
- The volcanic park is about a 40-minute drive. Many visitors combine it with a stop at the César Manrique Foundation in Tahíche.
- Local buses and organised excursions can be booked through the hotel’s tour desk.
The pattern: The resort acts as a quiet base camp – you’ll need to venture out for the island’s signature lava landscapes and water activities, but everything is within a 15-minute radius.
What is the vibe like at Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort?
Family atmosphere and kids activities
- The resort is designed as a mini-village with white-washed walls, volcanic rock, and cobbled streets – mimicking a traditional Lanzarote settlement (TripAdvisor guest reviews).
- Pepeland kids club, multiple pools (including freshwater lagoons and saltwater options), and dedicated children’s areas create a lively daytime buzz (Official Hotel Site).
Evening entertainment and relaxation
- Evenings bring shows and live music, but the vibe is relaxed rather than party-centric. Couples and families can retreat to the spa (over 16s only, no children under 6 without supervision – Hotels.com (OTA policy details)).
If you’re after loud pool parties and clubbing until 4am, this isn’t the resort for you. But families who value a contained, safe village setting with daytime pool fun and mellow evenings will find it hits the sweet spot.
Is Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort all inclusive?
What the all-inclusive package includes
- The resort’s official site describes the all-inclusive option as offering a “sensational gastronomic offer” (Official Hotel Site). Meals, drinks (local brands), and select activities are covered.
- Snacks and drinks are available throughout the day at pool bars and the buffet.
Dining options: buffet and a la carte
- There are four restaurants: Yaiza (buffet), La Nonna (Italian a la carte), and two additional themed venues (Hotels Playa Blanca).
- A la carte meals typically require advance booking; buffet dining is walk-in.
The catch: All-inclusive covers most needs, but premium branded drinks and some speciality restaurants may carry supplements. Read the fine print before booking.
The three dining venues serve different needs, from quick snacks to sit-down Italian.
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Included in AI |
|---|---|---|
| Yaiza | International buffet | Yes |
| La Nonna | Italian a la carte | Yes (may require reservation) |
| Pool bar / snack area | Light meals & drinks | Yes |
Upsides
- Free daily shuttle to Playa Dorada
- Pepeland kids club with organised activities
- Six pools including saltwater and freshwater options
- On-site spa for grown-ups
- All-inclusive covers meals, drinks, and snacks
Downsides
- No direct sandy beach – 800m walk or shuttle needed
- Evening entertainment is low-key, not a party strip
- Some a la carte restaurants may have supplements
- Shuttle schedule not publicly posted – may vary
Confirmed facts vs what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort is a 4-star property in Playa Blanca (Official Hotel Site).
- Distance to Playa Dorada beach is about 800 meters (Hotels Playa Blanca).
- Distance to Arrecife Airport is 30 km (Official Hotel Site) / 34 km (Hotels Playa Blanca).
- Official website: hoteleselba.com.
- TUI offers packages for this resort (TUI (UK tour operator)).
- On the Beach offers deposits from £19pp/€10pp (On the Beach (UK OTA)).
What’s unclear
- Exact shuttle schedule frequency (likely seasonal).
- Specific price differences between all-inclusive and half-board.
- Current guest sentiment beyond sampled reviews.
What guests say
“The grounds are beautiful and well-kept, location is great, and the staff are very helpful. The kids had a fantastic time at Pepeland.”
— Guest review on TripAdvisor (community review platform)
“A great shout for families – plenty of pools, restaurants, and the free shuttle to Playa Dorada makes beach days easy.”
The pattern: Both sources reinforce the family-friendly, self-contained village message. No one is calling it chic or exclusive – it’s a reliable, all-inclusive base for a stress-free holiday.
Summary
Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort delivers exactly what it promises: a self-contained family village with a kids’ club, multiple pools, and a free shuttle to Playa Dorada. The trade-off is a quieter evening scene and a walk to the nearest sandy beach rather than direct access. For families weighing Lanzarote resort options, the choice is clear: if you prioritise daytime pool fun, easy beach access via shuttle, and a calm residential setting, this resort ticks the boxes. If you want a lively nightlife strip or instant sand outside your door, Playa Blanca’s quiet layout might feel too subdued – consider a resort in Puerto del Carmen instead. Families who book here get a contained, predictable holiday base without surprises.
For a detailed breakdown of room types and dining options, families can refer to this comprehensive Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the check-in/check-out time at Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort?
Standard check-in is from 14:00, check-out by 12:00. Early check-in may be available on request.
Does the resort have free Wi-Fi?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in public areas and rooms.
Are pets allowed at Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort?
No, pets are not permitted.
Is there a shuttle to Playa Dorada beach?
Yes, a complimentary daily shuttle runs to Playa Dorada. Frequency depends on season.
What water sports are available near the resort?
Playa Dorada and Flamingo Beach offer pedal boats, kayaking, parasailing, and jet skiing. Papagayo Beach (5 km away) is a top spot for snorkelling.
Can I book excursions through the hotel?
Yes, the hotel’s tour desk can arrange trips to Timanfaya National Park, boat excursions, and island tours.
Is there evening entertainment for adults?
Yes, there are shows, live music, and themed nights, but the atmosphere is relaxed rather than a late-night party.
Arthur Oliver Howard Fletcher is a staff writer for NationalReport.uk, covering UK national news, politics, the economy and public services. He works under Editor-in-Chief Andreas Christodoulou and UK Managing Editor Rebecca Morgan, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.