Where to Stay & What to Do!
CLUB MANCHA – Yumbo Centre
Club Mancha has been open for 2 years. The resort located just opposite the Yumbo centre prides itself on its customer service, it’s gay-men only policy, it’s value for money and of course it’s enviable location just opposite the Yumbo Centre.
All these aspects are spot on. The resort consists of 11 Bungalows, all with separate Bedrooms, Bathrooms & Lounge with Kitchenettes. They each have a terrace with direct access to the pool.
The complex also has a great little café bar serving breakfast all day from 9.30am and if you’re cheeky they’ll even arrange for Breakfast in your Bungalow for you! There’s a great little menu which has just undergone a revamp and they serve all the drinks you could wish for. The pool bar closes around 11pm daily but can stay open later if guests require.
The pool is a lovely little addition to the complex located right in the middle of the complex and gets the sun all day long. There are sets of pool games so active use is encouraged!
Club Mancha is a clothing optional resort so you can get rid of all your white bits if you wish. It isn’t a cruising resort (that’s round the corner!) The clientele are varied from gym-bunny to Gay Professional and the age range is equally as varied, from late-teens to retired. The cosiness of the resort can mean that you meet some really interesting people!
Let’s not forget that there is now also Club Mancha 2, the younger brother to Club Mancha. Number 2 is located on the edge of Playa Del Ingles & Maspalomas just a short 10 minute walk if that to the Yumbo Centre. Mancha 2 has 8 Bungalows, all recently refurbished and boasting air-conditioning. The resort is smaller than Mancha 1 and does not have a bar, but its ideal for those who want to be far enough away from nightlife for peace and quiet but close enough to stagger home! It’s a perfect chill-out resort.
Los Almendros
After almost a few weeks closed Los Almendros reopened in May 2009 under new ownership.
Los Almendros is located in Playa Del Ingles opposite the Cita Centre and offers an exclusively gay environment that's close to the beach but still only 5 minutes' walk from the Yumbo Centre and today is a very sociable complex, perfect for those of you who don't necessarily want to be right on top of the action but don't want to miss out on a minute's fun in the sun.
Los Almendros has a total of 30 bungalows, set in private grounds, which have been sympathetically planted with local flowers, shrubs and trees. Entrance to the complex is through secure gates, ensuring privacy & safety at all times and maintaining the calm and peaceful atmosphere that this resort is renowned for. Once inside the complex, you can't fail to miss the pool. Large enough for a refreshing swim is surrounded by a good supply of sun-loungers - ideal for working on that all-over tan. And don’t forget the large, outdoor hot tub.
Gran Canaria Night-Life:
For a typical night out to hit the bars when they’re at their best I’d recommend the following “schedule” for the evening!
Head out for dinner around 9pm: there are several reasonable restaurants in the Yumbo Centre and many surrounding it. The Gaucho Grill is a favourite, but if you want something special try Sam Sari in Meloneras – it brings a touch of class to an otherwise “Blackpool on Acid” Yumbo Centre.
Around 11pm the bars start to get busy, typically in the Yumbo start on the ground floor and as the night goes on move on up. Bar Desire, The Gallery, Nestor are the best on the Ground Floor – With Open The Box game at Pub Nestor on Wednesdays & Sundays. Then move onto Construction or Coco-Loco around half-midnight.
As time approaches 2am head on up to the 4th floor for Tubos, Mykonos bar clubs, they’re very busy but always a good laugh and next door is Mantrix which is open from 3am and of course there’s the legendary Heaven nightclub too. Watch out in the clubs for the darkrooms, they’re often next to the toilets so make sure you know which one you’re going into! If you do decide to venture in watch out for thieves who have developed a great technique of robbing your phone and wallet while they drop your pants down! It’s not a common occurrence but be careful.
You don’t have to limit yourself to just Playa Del Ingles, if you fancy being cultural you try out Las Palmas, the capital of the Canary Islands, for a day and a night. You can stay at the AC Hotel Las Palmas for 100€ per night. There is a small but lively gay scene there, mainly for the locals, and some really cute bars like Victor Coppas. The restaurants in Las Palmas are again more for the locals and as they’re not tourist havens, you’ll find the prices much more reasonable and the food more traditional.
Things you should be very wary of are safe sex and drugs… all the Yumbo bars have free condoms in but the clubs don’t so don’t forget! Also if you are going to do drugs bear in mind it’s illegal in Gran Canaria just as it is here. Be VERY careful who you get them of don’t go for Moroccans at all as the stuff they sell will probably put you in hospital!
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