In December 2024, we decided on a spontaneous winter escape, booking a Jet2 package holiday to Sentido Aequora Lanzarote Suites just 10 days before departure. Flying from Manchester, we were eager for a break from the cold and a chance to enjoy some much-needed family time in the sun. While the trip offered many positives, we also encountered some limitations due to our halal dietary requirements. Here’s a full review of our experience!
Booking & Travel Experience
Jet2 made the booking process smooth and stress-free, even on short notice. Their package included flights, hotel accommodation, transfers, and baggage, making it a hassle-free option. We flew from Manchester, and true to their promise, Jet2’s service was efficient and family-friendly. The flight had a slight delay but the onboard staff were welcoming. While Jet2 doesn’t offer halal meals, we brought our own lunch and snacks to keep things simple.
Upon arrival at Lanzarote Airport, the included transfer to Sentido Aequora Lanzarote Suites was straightforward and quick, taking about 15 minutes. The hotel is located in Puerto del Carmen, a prime location for families wanting a balance of relaxation and activities.
First Impressions & Hotel Facilities
Sentido Aequora is a modern, well-maintained resort with a focus on families and couples. The check-in process was smooth, and we were given a spacious family suite, which was clean, stylish, and comfortable.
The resort features:
✔ Five outdoor pools (including a kids’ splash area and an adults-only pool)
✔ A kids’ club and evening entertainment – The kids’ club offers supervised activities, games, and crafts, making it a great option for families looking for some downtime while keeping little ones entertained. Our 5 year old went everyday for 1-2 hours!
✔ Spacious, modern rooms with balconies
✔ Proximity to the beach (5-minute walk)
✔ On-site restaurants
✔ Well-kept gardens and a relaxing atmosphere
✔ Accessible rooms available upon request – The hotel has no lifts so if you’re travelling with children I would definitely request an accessible room at booking.
Food & Halal Considerations
One of our biggest challenges was the lack of halal food options at the hotel. While there was a variety of dishes available at the buffet, none were specifically halal. This meant that we stuck to vegetarian, seafood, and dairy-based meals. The hotel staff were helpful in guiding us on ingredients, but options were somewhat limited for a fully halal diet.
For those in a similar situation, we recommend:
✔ Self-catering options – The hotel rooms have mini-fridges, which helped us store essentials.
✔ Nearby halal-friendly restaurants – Arricife has a handful of halal eateries but some restaurants offer seafood and vegetarian dishes which we took advantage of when not eating at the hotel.
✔ Supermarkets – We visited local supermarkets to pick up snacks and always checked the ingredients.
✔ Communicating with the hotel in advance – While they couldn’t provide halal meat, they were accommodating in helping us find suitable options.
Exploring Lanzarote
Despite the food limitations we hired a car from the hotel and explored, Lanzarote itself was fantastic! Some highlights of our trip included:
✔ Playa de los Pocillos – A beautiful, quiet beach just minutes from the hotel.
✔ Timanfaya National Park – Stunning volcanic landscapes and unique geothermal demonstrations.
✔ Jameos del Agua – A fascinating cave attraction with a natural lagoon.
✔ Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park – Great for kids, featuring animal encounters and a splash park.
✔ Marina Rubicón – A scenic spot with markets and lovely sea views.
Mosques & Prayer Facilities
For Muslim travelers, Lanzarote has a small but welcoming Muslim community. We were able to pray Jummah at a mosque on Calle Bélgica (link to Google Maps location) which was a great experience. The mosque is simple but provides a space for daily prayers and Friday congregational prayers. It’s always worth checking prayer times in advance and reaching out to the local community if needed. Jummah was at 2pm when we visited in December 2024.
Additionally, there are other mosques on the island, including:
✔ Mezquita Alhuda in Playa Blanca
✔ Mezquita Nur de Arrecife – Located in the capital city, this mosque is a convenient option for those staying nearby or visiting Arrecife.
Final Thoughts
Our last-minute Jet2 holiday to Sentido Aequora Lanzarote Suites was a wonderful winter escape, offering warm weather, great hotel facilities, and plenty to do for families. However, for halal-conscious travelers, dining options were a challenge, and self-catering or seeking seafood/vegetarian meals was necessary.
Would we return? Yes, but with better meal planning or staying somewhere with self-catering facilities. If you’re considering a trip to Lanzarote with dietary restrictions, this destination is still doable with some preparation!
Have you traveled to Lanzarote with halal requirements? Let me know your tips in the comments!
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