Iberostar Waves Playa Gaviotas

The hotel is widely celebrated for its exceptional entertainment team and a truly family-friendly atmosphere, making it a memorable destination for many guests. Its signature feature is the comprehensive array of activities and facilities for children, including a mini Aquapark and a dedicated kids' club, which ensures young guests are constantly engaged and entertained, allowing parents to relax. Reviewers consistently highlight the hotel's remarkable cleanliness, the high quality of food with diverse options, and the outstanding service provided by the staff who go above and beyond. This hotel is ideally suited for families with young children seeking an active and engaging holiday experience, though some couples also found it enjoyable despite the child-centric environment. To enhance your stay, guests recommend being prepared for a lively atmosphere, especially during meal times and around the pools, and considering bringing children's preferred cordial, as it may not be readily available on-site.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a wide selection of pools, all consistently maintained for cleanliness, ensuring ample space for guests. There is a heated pool and two smaller children's pools, both of which are also heated, providing comfortable swimming conditions for all ages. The mini Aquapark and various water games, including an air bouncing castle and magic water carpet, are a major highlight for younger guests. The fitness center is noted for its cleanliness. The spa offers unlimited access for guests in wellness rooms and discounts on treatments, though it's generally reserved for adults, with specific family days available by pre-booking. Most guests appreciate the abundant sun loungers around the pools. Guests can enjoy branded spirits and alcoholic slushies from the bar, with many options for self-service, and water fountains are conveniently located throughout the property. The hotel also features a beach volley pitch, though queues can form due to it being the only one.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's exceptional cleanliness across all areas, from the rooms and pool areas to the hallways and restaurant, with many remarking it's the cleanest hotel they've experienced. Rooms receive daily maid service, ensuring they are spotless with fresh towels provided. While some guests noted that the rooms can appear a bit shabby and outdated, particularly compared to newer hotels, others highlighted that renovated rooms, such as the Wellness rooms, are very pleasant. Most rooms offer comfortable beds and ample space, often including a huge balcony. Practical amenities like a fridge, mini kitchen facilities with a microwave, and a kettle are highly appreciated. The bathrooms are generally described as lovely and spacious, featuring powerful rain showers and sometimes soaking tubs. Some guests mentioned that the kids' beds, typically pull-out sofas, could be noisy. Additionally, while the air conditioning is present, some guests felt it could be colder for optimal comfort.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives widespread acclaim, with guests consistently describing the food as amazing, delicious, and of high quality, offering a constant supply and overwhelming choice. The variety and freshness of the food are frequently highlighted, with options that taste nearly homemade. The chefs are particularly commended for their support with dietary requirements, including gluten-free and various allergies, demonstrating a willingness to explain dishes and even prepare special requests. There are abundant choices for children, such as spaghetti bolognese and pizza, and the theme food nights, like Mediterranean night, are a popular feature. Guests appreciate that they can always find something to eat and are permitted to take food back to their rooms. The all-inclusive offering includes a wide selection of branded alcoholic drinks, often available for self-pour, alongside cocktails, ice lollies, ice creams, and even a chocolate fountain. Bottles of wine are also available with lunch and dinner. While the meal times can be lively due to the family-friendly environment, the efficient bar staff ensure quick service.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel is situated on the outskirts of Morro Jable, offering a convenient 5-minute walk to the beach. The beach itself is described as beautiful with turquoise sea and white sand, though guests note it can become quite rocky during low tide, making water entry challenging. The walk down to the beach is picturesque, but the return journey involves a steep uphill climb. While there isn't much directly around the hotel apart from one cafe/bar, taxis are cheap for exploring further. Guests can also enjoy a pleasant, flat cycle path along the seafront that leads to the main town of Morro Jable, approximately two miles away, where chipmunks (ground squirrels) can be spotted. The hotel is not directly beachfront, and the transfer from the airport can be lengthy, taking around 1 hour by hire car or up to 1 hour 45 minutes by coach. Some guests recommend a hire car for easier exploration of the island, including trips to the zoo or the port.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel are consistently praised as exceptional, friendly, helpful, and polite, with many guests noting their constant smiles and attentiveness. The entertainment team receives particular commendation for their incredible enthusiasm and tireless efforts in keeping both children and adults engaged with a variety of activities, including mini discos and evening shows. The reception staff are highlighted for their welcoming demeanor, competence, and efficiency, ensuring a quick and smooth check-in process. The kitchen staff are highly accommodating, especially with food allergies, and even provided special arrangements like birthday cakes. The bar team is noted for their speed and friendliness, extending their excellent service even to children. Similarly, the restaurant service team is attentive, quickly setting tables, cleaning spills, and refilling food and drinks. The housekeeping team ensures rooms are spotless with daily service and fresh towels. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing excellent service is a recurring theme, making guests feel that nothing is too much trouble.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel is undergoing refurbishment, which is expected to enhance its overall look and feel in the future. The all-inclusive package is highly regarded, offering good quality branded drinks and a wide array of food options. While the hotel provides complimentary toiletries, guests with children who prefer cordial or squash are advised to bring their own, as it is not readily available. Despite the availability of drinks throughout the day, guests noted a pleasant atmosphere with no instances of loud or unruly behavior. It is important to know that beach sunbeds and umbrellas are not provided by the hotel but are available for a fee from an external cafe. Some guests reported experiencing a stomach bug during their stay. Additionally, while a spa is available, access may be chargeable for some guests, and a pharmacy is conveniently located nearby.