This apartment offers a haven of tranquility in the centre of a major beach resort which offers activities to suit all tastes, keeping everyone happy through day and night. It is a perfect option for people who seek a peaceful and relaxing holiday, or those who want somewhere quiet to which they can withdraw when beach life finishes for the day. The building contains only about 20 apartments, all privately owned and used by a few permanent residents and second home owners.

The apartment stands out because of its stunning views of the beach, sea and dunes. It is situated directly on the quiet section of the beach promenade which stretches from the centre of the resort to the Riu Palace. The building has direct access from the pool and sunbathing area to the beach promenade. This makes it perfect for a lazy evening stroll and perfect for access to the main beach. There are steps along the promenade at various points, some gently sloping. The steps immediately outside the complex gate, lead down to the Custom supermarket and the beach bars and cafes on the beach. So within minutes of leaving your apartment, you can be on the beach or having a meal on the beach or sipping a cool beer at a bar on the beach.

There are no tour operators, and so the large groups of holidaymakers that can ruin your sleep in any of the offerings from the tour operator holiday brochures are not found here. To maintain this atmosphere, and to respect the others who have made this beautiful place their home for that reason, we only look for bookings from guests that will respect the need for quiet after 11pm.

The stretch of this expansive resort bordering the beach promenade has a quiet charm and incredible beauty, which is quite remote from the bustling commercial centres. They provide fun and entertainment for all, but away from that, in this part of the resort, the evenings are peaceful. Without doubt, the apartment is situated in the most picturesque area, in the first line to the beach promenade, allowing the many visitors to wonder at the beauty of the Sahara-like dunes, for which the area is justifiably famous.

The beautiful beach of fine, golden sand has all the facilities you would expect from one of the largest resorts in Europe. (Geographically, Gran Canaria is located off the coast of West Africa, but it is part of Spain.) You can walk for miles and miles along the beach, as some do, from Playa del Ingles to the Lighthouse of Maspalomas, passing the oasis, a special reserve noted for its wildlife. Buses ferry everyone between Maspalomas lighthouse and Playa del Ingles (and other parts of the island); the service is frequent and very reliable.

The island will surprise you, if you want it to...

If you want to do nothing more than rest and relax in the pool and on the beach, enjoy a good meal and a drink with entertainment in the evening, then the apartment will be perfect. The main entertainment centres of the Cita and the Yumbo Centres are less than 10 minutes by foot. The Kasbah, Metro and Plaza centres are 10 minutes away. The smaller La Sandia centre is 5 minutes' walk, and then, there is the long stretch of restaurants, bars (some with live music) and cafes situated on the beach itself, below the beach promenade, so just minutes from the apartment.

But take a bus to Las Palmas, the large capital and cultural centre of the island and you will experience a completely different aspect of the island. Or take a trip into the island's centre. Hire a car, or book a trip on a guided jeep tour with an experienced driver, who will take you up the winding roads to the top of the mountains, experiencing spectacular views. Drive to the west of the island, the rugged and wild side. Or take a boat trip to the south west, to Mogan. Relatively few venture beyond the sun and sand of the resort. And who can blame them - with the incredible microclimate enjoyed by the south-east of the island throughout the year. But those that do venture beyond will find plenty of rewarding sights and experiences.

The local representative will meet you at the apartment. On payment of the final balance, you will be given the contact details for the local representative and her recommended airport transfer service (at time of writing: 25 Euros one way, 45 Euros return, compared to 70 Euros for taxi return). Details for hire of equipment, such as cots, will also be provided at this point. Airport transfers and equipment hire do not form part of the contract with the apartment owner of course and you must pay her directly. Detailed arrival instructions are sent to you on payment of the final balance. Note that car hire is really not necessary for this apartment, although there is street parking. It is perfectly located to walk to all amenities. Also, taxis are extremely cheap and readily available in the streets, and the public bus network transports everyone efficiently between the main destinations of the island.

Cleaning and laundry costs (linen, bath and hand towels), at the beginning and end of your stay, are included in the price for all bookings. If you book for a minimum of 14 nights, one additional clean and change of laundry is included in the price you pay. If you wish to arrange additional cleaning and laundry services during your stay, you can arrange this for an additional cost payable locally by contacting the local representative directly in advance of your stay (approximately 15 Euros for laundry and 20 Euros for cleaning). A washing machine is provided in the apartment.

Bookings can now be made for a minimum of 7 nights, although during the period from November to February, preference is given to bookings of at least 14 nights.

Make use of www.travelsupermarket.com to compare flight prices - eg thomsonfly.com have had flights inc tax for £77 recently from UK airports.