CANDY-STRIPED ribbons soared in the warm breeze across a clear Fuerteventura blue sky.

It was  Sunday in Fuerteventura, the oldest of the Canary Islands, and families were stringing a carnival of kite-flying colour above the wind-whipped, sandy beaches.

Meanwhile, those who preferred their beach activities a little wetter and wilder were taking advantage of the natural gusts in the surf.

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Some were combining the two and indulging in kite-surfing.

Everyone was enjoying the breeze and the rays down on the seven kilometres of Grandes Playas beach just south of the lively resort of Corralejo.

Just 60 miles north of the coast of Morocco, the island boasts a north African climate. Plus it's on the same latitude as Florida and Mexico, so temperatures rarely fall below 18C (64F). But with its constant fresh breeze it is never stifling.

Its geographical position and its famous wind means for tens of thousands of years, sand from the Sahara has been deposited on the island's shores - resulting in 152 beaches along the 340 miles of coastline, 31 miles of which is dreamy, yellow. It really is a desert island.

The stretch of beaches just below Corralejo has been declared a national park area, so most development is banned.

But there are two luxury hotels which have the very best of the coastal views.

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I stayed in one, the Riu Palace Tres Islas Hotel, which was decorated with marble floors, chandeliers as well as an array of awards for customer service.

The rooms were spacious and all came with balconies. And the personal touches of a fruit hamper on arrival, chocolates on the pillow, petals scattered over the bed and handtowels fashioned into the shape of exotic birds complete with tissue paper eyes, made the welcome extra special.

Two huge swimming pools overlooked by a raised cocktail bar, a posh seafront spa, an abundance of sunbeds with extra luxurious padding and its own man-made tropical beach area gave the hotel a rather swish feel.

In the evening, the gentle plinkplonk of the baby grand piano in the candle-lit cocktail lounge was enchanting, like a scene from Casablanca. Well, it is only a stone's throw from the north African coast.
Live shows - including singing, illusionists and dancing - made nights go with a swing.
For food, the breakfast was a grand affair with vast buffet tables of exotic fruits, meats, cheeses. A full fry-up was also on the go, plus pastries and doughnuts to keep that waistline bulging.

In the evening, the breakfast room turned into an almighty help-yourself-to-everything buffet, which included langoustines on ice, roast meat carveries, pasta options, salads, soups, and local fare such as paella, fried squid and wrinkly potatoes with the Canaries' favourite, the hot and spicy mojo sauce.
Making the most of the location, the hotel is built right on the edge of the sand and all the rooms have sea or mountain views.

No sounds interrupt the hypnotic lapping of the waves on the beaches. Plus there are no neon lights from clubs or streetlights to spoil your view of the stars or the tiny island of Isla de Lobos, two miles offshore.

But that doesn't mean to say the hotel is miles away from any fun.

Just a few kilometers up the road is Corralejo, which is geared up for eating, drinking, live music and clubbing.

Taxis are permanently parked outside the hotel and cost about a fiver into town.

The Corralejo nightlife centres around the main strip of bars, clubs, restaurants and shops on Avenida del Generalismo Franco and the Music Square.

But venture off down to the harbour front or the side streets and you will discover some little gems. For an authentic Spanish food, try the tapas bar on Lepanto road.

Down on the harbour meat lovers will devour the steaks at El Sombrero. Heavily bovinethemed, there is a moo at every turn with piles of cow memorabilia on tables, walls and the bar.

For a chilled-out drink, sit at one of the tables around Music Square and listen to the free live musicians.
For more live music, check out the Rock Island Bar on Calle Cruceros Baleares, which was full of trendy muso types and was always buzzing.

Shoppers should head for El Campanario at the top of the main road. There is a craft market every Sunday and live music events.

The Baku Water Park, just outside Corralejo, is a great place to take the family. The latest attraction there is the interactive sea lion experience, where visitors get to swim with, feed and even kiss these cute creatures. A Spanish market is held there on Mondays and Fridays.

The easiest excursion to do from Corralejo is to the Isla de Lobos.
Just a 10-minute boat ride away, it has an almost church-like peace and tranquillity.

So with paradise island beaches, Caribbean temperatures and plenty to do for the sports enthusiast, wind your way down to Fuerteventura.

FACT BOX

THOMSON offers seven-night holidays in Fuerteventura at the five-star Riu Palace Tres Islas Hotel in Corralejo as part of the Platinum Collection.

On a half-board basis, prices are from £500 per person per week based on two sharing.

Departing on May 19 from Luton Airport, the price includes return flights, accommodation, transfers and all taxes and charges.

To book visit thomson.co.uk or call 0871 231 5595.