There’s something about stepping off a plane and feeling that first blast of warm air. It hits you — the sunshine, the smell of salt, the sense that you’ve finally escaped the routine.

That was us. We’d just landed in Fuerteventura for our very first proper family beach holiday.

Ben, my husband, would happily call a week camping in Wales a holiday, but for me, the real thing involves sunshine, a plane journey, and that lazy beach rhythm where you forget what day it is. So when we booked our family holiday in Fuerteventura through First Choice, I was thrilled. We were heading to the Club Jandia Princess Hotel, about ten minutes from Jandia and right beside Esquinzo beach.

This trip was a long time coming — six years since Ben and I had taken a holiday like this. We booked it a year in advance, picked a family-friendly resort, and went all-in with the all-inclusive package. After years of working and raising little ones, it felt like the treat we all needed.

Why we chose Fuerteventura

We’re no strangers to travelling with the kids. We’ve been to Germany five times to visit Ben’s family, but those trips are different — familiar and lovely, but not quite the same as a break that’s truly your own. This time, we wanted somewhere warm, relaxing, and easy with children.

Fuerteventura stood out for its beautiful beaches, short flight time from the UK, and reputation as one of the quieter Canary Islands. The mix of family resorts, natural beauty, and that slow island pace sealed the deal.

First impressions of the resort

Arriving at Club Jandia Princess, the first thing that struck me was how beautiful it looked. Whitewashed buildings, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and a sparkling sea view in the background. It felt instantly calm.

The check-in, though, was a bit of a test. A long queue of tired families, ours included, after a late flight. The kids hadn’t eaten properly since lunch, and it was pushing 8pm. Thankfully, staff walked around offering free drinks — wine for the adults, Fanta for the kids. A small gesture, but one that helped.

Once checked in, we found our room quickly, though the restaurant was trickier to locate (no signs outside, which caused a few frustrating loops with two hungry children in tow). Eventually we found it — up some stairs by reception — and made it just in time for the last of the buffet. The kids tucked into dinner, and peace was restored.

The hotel layout and surroundings

The Club Jandia Princess is split into two main areas: one for families, one for adults only. We stayed on the family side, surrounded by paths lined with cacti, colourful flowers, and lanterns that glowed softly at night. It’s genuinely pretty — the kind of place that feels well cared for.

You can see the sea from many parts of the resort, and the grounds themselves are full of character. The palm trees, white walls, and blue sky backdrop make every corner feel photo-ready.

Our room

Our room was clean, simple, and comfortable — though not perfect. The biggest downside was the kids’ sleeping setup: one creaky old sofa bed for both of them. We knew before arriving, but it still felt unfair when the children were charged adult prices. It made the room quite cramped too, since the bed stayed down all week.

Still, everything else was great. The bathroom was large with an amazing power shower, plenty of towels, and regular cleaning. The housekeeping team came daily, made the beds, and kept everything spotless.

We had a little balcony with a table and chairs, perfect for a quiet evening sit-down — though, truthfully, we were always too tired after the kids went to sleep.

Sleep quality

We were in the family zone, so it was peaceful at night. The only noise came from what sounded like an extractor fan somewhere outside our room. I noticed it the first night, then got used to it.

The proper beds were really comfy, but the sofa bed… less so. I tried sleeping on it with Bella one night and learned my lesson. Luckily, she and her sibling didn’t seem to mind for the rest of the week. The blackout blinds were brilliant though — you could sleep in total darkness, blissfully unaware of what time it was.

WiFi and work

WiFi cost €19 per week per device, which felt steep, but it did work most of the time. I even managed to connect from the beach one day.

Being self-employed, I can’t fully switch off, so I worked an hour or so in the evenings while the kids slept. It actually felt lovely — typing away on the balcony with the sound of the waves in the background.

Eating at the resort

When you read Club Jandia Princess reviews, food always gets a mention, and I can see why.

We mostly ate at the main buffet restaurant, which offered something for everyone. I eat vegan, Ben avoids meat and dairy, and the kids are vegetarian, yet we never struggled to find something suitable. There were always fresh salads, vegetables, potatoes, fruit, and bread. For those less plant-based, the choice was huge — from pizzas and pasta to roasts and seafood.

Breakfast was great too: pastries, fruit, cereals, pancakes, and a full cooked section with grilled vegetables. The staff were friendly and efficient, always clearing plates quickly and offering coffee and juice.

By the end of the week, I did crave something from home (mainly a roast dinner and vegetable pizza), but overall, the food quality was high for an all-inclusive.

La Choza snack bar

Near the pool is La Choza, a smaller restaurant with sea views. It’s a more casual option that serves burgers, nuggets, chips, salads, and desserts. It’s ideal for lunch or a quick bite between swims.

There wasn’t much choice for vegans, but it worked for the kids — and honestly, sitting there with chips, sea breeze, and sunshine felt like the definition of holiday simplicity.

Pools and family fun

The resort has two big family pools and a smaller, shallow kids’ pool. The larger pools are supposed to be heated, but they were freezing during our stay! The kids didn’t seem to care, but I lasted about ten minutes. The smaller pool, however, was like a warm bath — perfect for little ones.

There are plenty of loungers, though as always, people reserve them early despite the rules. We managed fine, but I imagine it’s harder in peak season. The pool area is clean, spacious, and sunny all day.

I spotted a few Balinese beds overlooking the ocean too — available for an extra fee and worth it if you fancy a quiet day of luxury.

Entertainment and kids’ activities

We didn’t make much use of the hotel entertainment. Our days were full, and the kids were usually shattered after dinner. Still, there’s a packed schedule of activities for adults and children, plus evening shows for those who want them.

One of the highlights for our two was the small animal area with ducks, goats, rabbits, and chickens. It’s tucked away in a quiet corner and feels a bit like a mini petting zoo. Even Bella, who’s usually cautious around animals, loved it. She’s been asking for a pet rabbit ever since.

Exploring beyond the hotel

We didn’t venture far this time — the kids were happy enough swimming and exploring the beach — but Fuerteventura has plenty to offer if you want to explore. Nearby Jandia has a relaxed vibe with shops and cafes, and the beaches stretch for miles. The island is known for its dunes, natural parks, and surf spots too.

If we return, I’d love to hire a car and see more of the island. For now, though, our week of sea air, sunshine, and family time was exactly what we needed.

Final thoughts on our Fuerteventura family holiday

Looking back, the Club Jandia Princess Hotel was a great choice for our first family beach holiday abroad. It’s clean, beautiful, and well run, with a few small niggles that didn’t take away from the experience.

The setting is incredible, the staff friendly, and the food surprisingly good for such a large resort. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the more popular family hotels in Fuerteventura.

Would I go back? Yes — but next time, I’d choose a room with more space for the kids. And maybe, one day, Ben and I will return just the two of us to try the adults-only side.

Fuerteventura was everything I’d hoped for — calm, sunny, and full of those simple family moments that stick with you. If you’re thinking about a Canary Islands family holiday, this island is a wonderful place to start.