Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso & Hotel positions itself as a wellness-focused retreat on Gran Canaria’s southern coast, pairing thalassotherapy facilities with family-friendly amenities and a beach-adjacent location. This guide breaks down verified distances to nearby beaches, the scope of the all-inclusive programme, and how the property compares to sister resorts in the area.
Last checked: 2026-05-22
Compare the lowest rates and guest reviews. Many options with free cancellation.Check rates
Bundle flight + hotel and compare deals and rewards in one place.Check ratesThis link contains affiliate advertising. Prices and availability may change on the destination site.
Property name: Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso & Hotel · Location: San Agustín, Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Spain · Star rating: 4 stars · Beach distance: Adjacent to Playa de San Agustín · Thalassotherapy centre: One of the largest in Europe
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-05-22.
Sources reviewed: Official property website, Jet2holidays listing, KAYAK hotel overview, SanAgustinHotels page, Travelmyth listing, Rome2Rio transport guide, TripAdvisor guest reviews.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification.
Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso & Hotel – Key Facts at a Glance
- 4-star resort hotel (verified across official listing and aggregators)
- About 600 m from Playa de las Burras; around 800 m from Playa de San Agustín (Jet2holidays, KAYAK)
- One of the largest thalassotherapy facilities at a Gran Canaria resort, featuring natural seawater pools and pressure-jet circuits (Jet2holidays)
- 4.5 / 5 on Jet2holidays’ aggregated review system; 8.6 / 10 on Travelmyth (Travelmyth)
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Property name | Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso & Hotel |
| Location | Las Margaritas, S/N, 35100 San Agustín, Gran Canaria, Spain |
| Star rating | 4 stars |
| Beach distance | Approximately 600 m to Playa de las Burras; around 800 m to Playa de San Agustín |
| Thalassotherapy centre | One of the largest in Europe |
| Check-in / Check-out | From 14:00 / Until 11:00 |
| Airport distance | About 24 km from Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) |
| Complimentary shuttle | Four daily departures to Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas |
Is San Agustín in Gran Canaria Nice?
San Agustín sits within the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana on Gran Canaria’s southern coast, roughly 2 km north of the more internationally recognised resort of Playa del Inglés. Unlike the commercial strips of its neighbour, San Agustín has a quieter character — a smaller beach promenade, fewer high-rise developments, and a pace that skews towards relaxation rather than nightlife. Jet2holidays describes the setting as “peaceful” and “overlooking the ocean,” language echoed across multiple aggregator listings.
The beach itself, Playa de San Agustín, is a dark-sand cove flanked by rocky outcrops. It draws a mixed crowd of locals and tourists, and tends to be less crowded than the vast stretches of sand at nearby Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas. The area has a handful of restaurants, a shopping centre around 500 m from the hotel, and a relaxed evening scene with bars that close before midnight — a meaningful contrast for travellers who find the higher-energy resorts overwhelming.
The proximity to the Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso & Hotel shapes the neighbourhood’s identity to a degree: the hotel’s thalassotherapy facilities, complimentary shuttle connections, and all-inclusive options make San Agustín a practical base rather than a pure party destination. Families and older couples gravitate toward this stretch for the reduced noise levels and the ease of reaching the beach on foot.
What this means: San Agustín offers a middle ground between the developed resort corridor and quieter coastal villages. For travellers prioritising beach access and spa facilities over nightlife, the area delivers a workable balance.
Is Gloria Palace All-Inclusive?
Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso & Hotel does offer all-inclusive packages. According to the property listings on Jet2holidays and KAYAK, the hotel operates two restaurants — one buffet-style and one à la carte — alongside five bars including cocktail, lobby, pool, and snack bars. All-inclusive rates cover meals and selected drinks, though the specifics of what is included may vary by room category and package type.
TripAdvisor reviewers who booked on an all-inclusive basis have noted some nuances worth flagging. A detailed 2015 guest review — still cited in discussions of board-basis expectations — mentioned that certain cocktails carried an extra charge and that men were required to wear long trousers at dinner. These details reflect historical package inclusions; travellers should confirm current terms directly with the hotel or their booking platform, as all-inclusive policies may change.
Breakfast is served daily as a buffet, and the Principal restaurant — the à la carte option — provides an alternative for guests seeking a more formal dining environment. The pool bar and lobby lounge handle daytime and evening drinks service respectively.
What to watch: All-inclusive packages at this property have historically included restrictions on premium beverages and enforced dress codes. Confirm the current policy on drinks and dining expectations before booking, especially if these factors influence your decision.
How Far Is Gloria Palace San Agustín from the Beach?
The hotel is approximately 800 m from Playa de San Agustín itself, according to Jet2holidays’ distance breakdown. Playa de las Burras — a second beach option in the immediate area — sits about 600 m away (under 2,000 feet), as confirmed by both KAYAK and grancanaria-hotels.com. Neither beach is directly accessible from the hotel lobby; reaching either requires a short walk of several minutes on foot.
For guests planning to explore further south, a complimentary shuttle bus runs to Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas four times per day, per Jet2holidays and corroborated by an independent YouTube review mentioning free transport to these destinations. Maspalomas Dunes are listed as roughly 5 km away, while the resort centre of Playa del Inglés sits around 2 km from the property.
The hotel also lists direct beach access as a facility, which may mean there is a dedicated path or entrance connecting the grounds to the coastal strip rather than guests needing to use public roads. KAYAK describes the property as within easy walking distance of Las Burras Beach, consistent with the sub-10-minute walk implied by the distance figures.
What this means: Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso & Hotel is not technically beachfront to its namesake beach, but the distance to usable sandy coastline is short enough to be walked comfortably by most guests. The free shuttle extends the practical beach options significantly for those willing to travel south.
What’s the Nicest Resort in Gran Canaria?
No single resort holds an uncontested crown as the “nicest” on Gran Canaria — the answer depends heavily on what a traveller values. Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso & Hotel competes in a set of Gloria Palace-branded properties, each with a distinct positioning:
- Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso & Hotel: thalassotherapy focus, quieter San Agustín location, family and wellness crossover
- Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel: Amadores Bay location, often cited for its cliff-backed beach and slightly more upmarket dining scene
- Gloria Palace Royal: generally positioned as a higher-star property, tending toward adult-oriented clientele
The thalassotherapy centre at the San Agustín property stands out as a differentiating feature across this set. KAYAK and Travelmyth both highlight the heated pool with massage stations, bubble hydromassage, swan necks, water jets, and microbubble beds, alongside Turkish bath and dry sauna facilities. The Double Thalasso Rooms with Sea View include one thalasso circuit per adult per day in the ‘Get in Shape’ pool, plus access to the wellness relaxation pool — an inclusion that guests on spa-focused trips often cite as a primary reason for booking.
For beach proximity alone, the Amadores location tends to score higher with reviewers, as Amadores Beach is consistently ranked among Gran Canaria’s best. For wellness travellers and families who want a thalassotherapy component alongside childcare facilities and multiple pools, the San Agustín property holds a specific advantage.
The implication: “Nicest” is subjective. The Gloria Palace set covers different bases — thalassotherapy and quiet location at San Agustín, better beach at Amadores, a higher tier at Royal. Choosing among them requires matching your priorities against each property’s documented strengths.
Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso & Hotel – Property Specs
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Address | Las Margaritas, S/N, 35100 San Agustín, Gran Canaria, Spain |
| Star rating | 4 stars |
| Rooms | 241 rooms (official site); 448 rooms (KAYAK — figures vary by source) |
| Check-in / Check-out | From 14:00 / Until 11:00 |
| Outdoor pools | 3 (2 saltwater, 1 freshwater; 1 adults-only); splash park for children |
| Restaurants | 2 (1 buffet, 1 à la carte Principal restaurant) |
| Bars | 5 (cocktail, lobby, pool, snack, rooftop terrace) |
| Spa | Full-service thalassotherapy centre; solarium, sauna, Turkish bath, jacuzzi, massage, beauty treatments |
| Beach distance | ~600 m to Las Burras; ~800 m to Playa de San Agustín |
| Airport distance | ~24 km from Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) |
| Parking | Free on-site parking |
| Wi-Fi | Free throughout the hotel |
| Accessibility | Non-smoking rooms; wheelchair-accessible rooms and facilities; disabled-friendly infrastructure |
| Sustainability | Certified sustainable hotel (per Jet2holidays) |
Pros and Cons
Strengths
- Large thalassotherapy centre with natural seawater circuits — among the more developed such facilities at Gran Canaria resorts
- Three outdoor pools including an adults-only option and a children’s splash park
- Complimentary shuttle to Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas (4 times daily)
- Free parking and free Wi-Fi throughout the property
- Quiet location with beach access within walking distance
Considerations
- San Agustín beach is roughly 800 m away; not directly adjacent to the hotel
- All-inclusive packages have historically included drink and dining restrictions — verify current terms
- Room-count figures differ significantly between sources (241 vs 448), suggesting potential booking-category differences
- Nightlife in the immediate San Agustín area is limited; the shuttle is the practical link to livelier zones
Best For
Families
With three outdoor pools, a splash park, kids’ pool, family-oriented entertainment, and rooms catering to multipleoccupancy, the hotel meets core family needs. The quiet San Agustín setting reduces exposure to late-night noise that can disrupt younger children.
Wellness-focused guests
The thalassotherapy centre is the clearest draw here. Natural seawater pools, pressure-jet circuits, and daily circuit access included in certain room packages make this a structured wellness offering rather than a token spa . Solarium, Turkish bath, sauna, and a range of beauty treatments round out the menu.
Beach lovers who value variety
Two beaches within roughly 800 m, plus a free shuttle to Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, give guests options without requiring a hire car. The ability to walk to Las Burras Beach in under 10 minutes and drive to Maspalomas Dunes in under 15 covers a range of coastal preferences.
Pricing Context
Exact rates vary by season, room category, and board basis. The property sits in the mid-to-upper mid-range for 4-star Gran Canaria resorts with spa facilities. All-inclusive packages tend to command a premium over bed-and-breakfast rates. Free parking and complimentary shuttle service represent tangible value-adds when compared against hotels that charge for either. Travellers should check KAYAK or Jet2holidays for current seasonal pricing.
Location and Getting There
Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso & Hotel occupies Las Margaritas, S/N in San Agustín, 35100, within the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana on Gran Canaria’s southern coast. Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) lies approximately 24 km north, with a typical transfer time of 20–30 minutes by car or shuttle, per Rome2Rio and KAYAK.
The hotel provides free parking for guests who drive, which compares favourably with other area hotels where parking charges of €15–20 per day have been reported by independent reviewers. A complimentary shuttle operates four times daily to Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, removing the need for a car if those destinations are on the agenda.
San Agustín Shopping Centre is approximately 500 m from the hotel, providing basic provisions and retail within walking distance. The nearest beaches — Playa de San Agustín and Playa de las Burras — are accessible on foot without any road crossing.
The trade-off: San Agustín’s quiet character means limited walkable evening entertainment beyond the hotel’s own bars. Guests wanting a lively bar scene within stumbling distance should factor in the shuttle to Playa del Inglés or consider a different base.
Gloria Palace San Agustín vs Sister Properties
| Property | Star rating | Price range (qualitative) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso & Hotel | 4 stars | Mid-to-upper mid-range | Families, wellness seekers, beach proximity |
| Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel | 4 stars | Mid-to-upper mid-range | Beach-focused stays, scenic cliff-backed bay |
| Gloria Palace Royal | 4–5 stars | Upper mid-range to premium | Adults-only luxury, refined dining |
Other Options Worth Considering
If the Gloria Palace set does not match your priorities, nearby alternatives in the San Bartolomé de Tirajana corridor include mid-range family hotels within walking distance of Playa del Inglés and boutique properties in Maspalomas that cater to a more design-conscious traveller. Each carries different trade-offs on price, pool configuration, and proximity to nightlife versus beach quiet.
Our Pick
For travellers landing at Gran Canaria Airport with a focus on thalassotherapy, beach variety, and a setting that does not demand constant shuttling for every activity, Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso & Hotel covers the ground effectively. The free parking and shuttle service reduce logistical friction, the pool mix serves both families and adults, and the spa infrastructure is more developed than most competing properties on the southern coast. The quiet San Agustín location is a net positive for the traveller profile that values calm evenings and accessible beach walks over bar-hopping proximity.
If beachfront immediacy or a higher star rating are non-negotiable, Gloria Palace Royal or the Amadores property may be better fits. For a balanced Gran Canaria stay where thalassotherapy and practical location both matter, the San Agustín option earns its place in the shortlist.
jet2holidays.com, sanagustinhotels.com, youtube.com, gloria-palace-san-agustin-thalasso.grancanaria-hotels.com, tripadvisor.com, kayak.com, gloriapalaceth.com, rome2rio.com, expedia.com, agoda.com, booking.com, travelmyth.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Agustín lively?
San Agustín is generally quieter than Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés. It offers a relaxed atmosphere with a few bars and restaurants, but not a bustling nightlife scene. The area is better suited to guests who prioritise calm over constant activity.
What are the nearby beaches?
The hotel is approximately 800 m from Playa de San Agustín and about 600 m from Las Burras Beach. Playa del Inglés is a short drive south at around 2 km.
Is Gloria Palace San Agustín suitable for families?
Yes. The property has a splash park, children’s pool, family entertainment, and multiple pool configurations. The quiet San Agustín setting also suits families seeking lower noise levels.
What do guests say about the hotel in reviews?
Guest reviews highlight spacious rooms, sea views, varied cuisine, and the thalassotherapy spa. Some older reviews mentioned all-inclusive drink restrictions and dinner dress codes — verify current terms.