Lanzarote isn’t what it used to be. Not in a bad way, mind you, but the island has shifted. While many resorts are pivoting toward that sleek, minimalist "boutique" vibe that feels a bit sterile, Sands Beach Resort Costa Teguise is still doing its own thing. It’s an sprawling, slightly chaotic, and deeply charming complex that sits right on the edge of the Atlantic. Honestly, if you’re looking for a marble-clad lobby where nobody speaks above a whisper, this isn’t it. But if you want to walk out of your room and have your toes in the sand within thirty seconds, it’s hard to beat.
Costa Teguise itself is a bit of a wind-swept marvel. Built largely under the influence of the legendary César Manrique, the area avoids the high-rise eyesores you see in other parts of the Canaries. Sands Beach fits right into that low-slung, whitewashed aesthetic. It’s massive. Like, genuinely easy to get lost in for the first twenty-four hours. It’s split into six distinct "plazas," each with its own pool, which means the vibe changes depending on where your room is located.
The Beach That Isn't Quite a Beach (But Better)
Here is the thing about Sands Beach Resort Costa Teguise that trips people up: the private lagoon. It’s a saltwater lagoon linked to the ocean, and it’s basically the heart of the resort. Because it’s protected from the notorious Lanzarote trade winds, the water is still. You can paddleboard or kayak right there without worrying about being swept off to Morocco.
It’s weirdly perfect for kids. Most of the natural beaches in Costa Teguise, like Las Cucharas, are world-class for windsurfing precisely because they are, well, windy. The lagoon at Sands Beach acts as a massive natural swimming pool where you don't have to fight the Atlantic swells. It’s lined with actual sand, so you get the beach experience without the "red flag" days that often plague the more exposed coastlines.
Choosing Your Plaza Wisely
Where you stay within the resort matters more than the brochure lets on.
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Plaza Verde is often the go-to for people who want quiet. It feels tucked away. Then you have the beachfront areas which are obviously more expensive but give you that "I’m on vacation" dopamine hit every time you look out the window. If you end up in the back of the resort, it’s a bit of a hike to the main restaurant, but you get a lot more peace and quiet.
The rooms are "apart-hotel" style. This means you get a kitchenette. Is it a five-star Michelin kitchen? No. It’s a two-ring hob and a fridge. But in a place like Costa Teguise, where the local supermarkets (look for the HiperDino) are actually great, having the ability to make your own coffee and eat breakfast on the terrace is a game changer. It saves a fortune. It also makes the whole experience feel less like a hotel and more like a temporary home.
The Sports Scene is No Joke
A lot of people think Sands Beach is just for families. They're wrong. It has become a massive hub for triathletes. You’ll see them at 7:00 AM, wiry people in expensive spandex, heading out for a 100km ride or doing laps in the 25-meter heated pool.
The resort has a partnership with specialized cycling groups and frequently hosts training camps. Lanzarote is basically the Hawaii of Europe for Ironman training. The terrain is brutal—lava fields, steep climbs like Tabayesco, and relentless wind. Sands Beach has leaned into this. They have a dedicated bike center where you can rent high-end carbon frames that probably cost more than your first car.
If you aren't an athlete, don't worry. You won't feel out of place eating a burger by the pool while a pro-triathlete sips a protein shake next to you. It’s a very "live and let live" atmosphere.
What Nobody Tells You About the Food
Let’s be real: all-inclusive buffet food can be depressing. Sands Beach Resort Costa Teguise offers various meal plans, but I’d argue the "bed and breakfast" or "self-catering" options are the way to go.
The onsite restaurant, La Hacienda, is decent. It does the job. But you are a ten-minute walk away from some of the best food on the island. Costa Teguise has evolved. It’s not just "British Pub Food" anymore. If you head toward the Pueblo Marinero—a beautiful square designed by Manrique—you’ll find places like El Maestro or Ikarus.
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- Pro Tip: Find a local "Teleclub." These are basically social clubs for the villagers, but they serve massive portions of local goat stew or papas arrugadas (wrinkly potatoes) with mojo sauce for a fraction of resort prices.
The Mai Tai pool bar at the resort is the social anchor. It’s built on a little island in the middle of the lagoon. It’s classic. It’s the kind of place where you end up talking to a family from Düsseldorf and a couple from Manchester at the same time.
The Reality of the "Older" Resort Label
You will read reviews saying the resort is "tired."
Let's address that. It was built a while ago. It doesn't have the glass-and-chrome finish of a brand-new Marriott. Some of the tiles might be a bit wonky, and the plumbing can occasionally be "Spanish." But there is a soul here that the new builds lack. The staff, many of whom have worked there for decades, actually remember people.
The resort has been undergoing phased renovations. Some rooms are very modern; others are still rocking the 90s Canary Island vibe. When booking, it’s worth asking specifically for a renovated unit in the beachfront plaza if you’re picky about decor. Personally, I think the slightly weathered look fits the island. Lanzarote is a volcanic rock in the middle of the ocean; it’s supposed to look a little rugged.
Getting Around: Don't Stay Stuck
While you could stay inside the Sands Beach Resort Costa Teguise for a week and be perfectly happy, you’d be missing out.
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- Rent a car. Seriously. Public transport is okay, but a car gives you freedom.
- The Jameos del Agua. It’s a volcanic tunnel turned into a concert hall and restaurant. It’s about 20 minutes north.
- Teguise Market. Not Costa Teguise, but the old capital, Teguise. Go on Sunday. It’s crowded, yes, but the architecture of the old town is stunning.
- Famara Beach. Go here to watch the sunset. The cliffs (Risco de Famara) turn pink and orange. It’s spiritual.
Logistics and the "Breeze"
One thing to keep in mind is the wind. Costa Teguise is the breeziest part of the island. In the height of summer, this is a godsend. It keeps the temperature at a perfect 28°C when the rest of the island is sweltering. In the winter (December to February), you might want a light hoodie for the evenings.
The resort is about a 15-to-20-minute drive from Arrecife airport (ACE). Taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap, usually around €25-€30. If you’re flying in, don't bother with the shared shuttle buses—they take forever and stop at every single hotel in the resort town. A taxi gets you to the bar much faster.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book Sands Beach, don't just click "reserve" on the first site you see.
Check their direct website first. They often run "Direct Booking" perks like late check-outs or spa credits that the big booking engines don't offer.
Secondly, join the "Sands Beach Fans" groups on social media. It sounds nerdy, but these groups are filled with repeat guests who know exactly which room numbers have the best views of the sunrise. They’ll tell you if the pool in Plaza Sol is currently being painted or if the entertainment team has changed.
Finally, pack a decent pair of walking shoes. The promenade that runs from the front of the hotel all the way into the center of Costa Teguise is one of the best coastal walks in the Canaries. It’s flat, paved, and follows the ocean the whole way.
Sands Beach Resort Costa Teguise isn't trying to be a luxury sanctuary. It’s a massive, friendly, active, and slightly salty resort that represents the best of Lanzarote's "middle ground." It’s comfortable enough to relax, but active enough that you don't feel like a potato. If you go in expecting character rather than corporate perfection, you’ll probably end up coming back every year like everyone else there.
Essential Checklist for Arrival
- Request a map at check-in. You will get lost. It’s okay.
- Locate the nearest HiperDino. Stock up on water and local Malvasia wine (the stuff grown in volcanic ash).
- Book any sports equipment early. The good road bikes go fast.
- Don't skip the lagoon. Even if you're a "pool person," the lagoon is the unique selling point of this place. Use it.