CLUB LA SANTA
40 YEARS

1983 - 2023

SUN, SPORTS AND THE BEST EXPERIENCES FOR 40 YEARS

Club La Santa seemed like an impossible idea: a sports centre at the far end of a volcanic island, off the coast of Africa. Hard to build, hard to get to - and isolated in the sands of Lanzarote, with no special attractions, shops nor towns for miles around. Just a beautiful and majestic volcanic landscape, with a few green crops here and there as far as the eye can see.

It doesn't sound like a recipe for travel success - and only a visionary daredevil and travel pioneer like Ejlif Krogager could see the possibilities. It has been a mental Ironman, to create, build and run Club La Santa, but it has been worth it all.

Many of us who have been there cannot imagine a better way to spend a holiday - and Club La Santa's guests are without a doubt the best and most loyal guests in the world. Why so? Because Club La Santa has a wonderfully special and relaxed atmosphere - with unique opportunities, unique staff, and unique history. It's hard to describe and has to be experienced - and once you've experienced it, it's hard to let go.

Now Club La Santa is celebrating its 40th anniversary - we have enjoyed every day of the journey so far. We hope you have too. We are immensely grateful for the fantastic and unforgettable experiences we've had with you over the past 40 years. It has truly been an extraordinary adventure, and we appreciate your continued support and trust. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to create new memories and provide you with amazing experiences over the next 40 years, both at Club La Santa and in the stunning destination of Lanzarote.

ANNIVERSARY WEEK

16/06-23/06

Come and join us at Club La Santa during our birthday week. We are celebrating our 40th anniversary with an 80's themed week full of 80's themed activities, special guests and an anniversary party. 

PROGRAM

Saturday
20.00
Old Green Team Band Jam Night

Sunday
14.00
Old Green Team Beach Day w. Bolas, Egg throwing, food, drinks and music.

Monday
21.00
Green Team Show - Anniversary Edition
22.30
Swingtime Disco night
23.00
80's Party in CLS Arena

Tuesday
20.00
Movie Night - Italian movie filmed in Club La Santa in the 70's

Wednesday
13.00
Los Problemos arrives in the Pool Bar
19.30
Anniversary Children & Guest Show with Old Green Team Acts
21.30
Los Problemos
22.00
Green Team Band
00.00
Fireworks

Thursday
08.00
Birthday Morning Gym
08.15
Birthday Morning Run
08.50
Birthday Party in Play Time with Special Guest and presents for the children
09.00
Birthday Cake in the Pool Bar

DINE AT LA PLAZA

DINE AT LA PLAZA

On Wednesday 21 June you can enjoy an anniversary menu at La Plaza. The menu is inspired by classic Club La Santa dishes from the past 40 years. Book a table for the big night in the square and enjoy the entertainment on stage while you dine.

DINE AT EL LAGO

DINE AT EL LAGO

On Wednesday 21 June you can enjoy an anniversary menu at El Lago. Enjoy the delicious anniversary menu overlooking the lagoon. You can see the menu below and book a table for the big anniversary evening.

OUR HISTORY

1968

The foundations of Club La Santa were laid back in 1968, when the Spanish savings bank La Caja had a holiday village built on the north-west coast of Lanzarote, near the village of La Santa. The project was initially to build an apartment complex of 400 units to be rented out as tourist apartments, but due to the oil crisis it was never finished.

1978

For 10 years the resort lay derelict and decaying due to lack of maintenance. Ejlif Krogager, owner of Tjæreborg Travel, also known as the Tjæreborg priest, became aware of the decaying resort and immediately saw an opportunity. After quick negotiations with La Caja, the holiday resort was taken over by Tjæreborg Travel in 1978. The apartment complex in Lanzarote was initially purchased to provide more beds for the ever-increasing demand for charter holidays among Danes.

1983

Krogager wanted to create something new, something the world had never seen before. At a time when the European travel industry mainly focused on beach and nightlife holidays, he wanted to create a resort where sports enthusiasts and active people could enjoy exercise and sport on their holidays. In June of 1983 "La Santa Sport", as the centre was first named, was inaugurated.

1986

The early years were tough. The Danes were not adequately prepared to replace lazy holidays with unfamiliar active holiday. Losses were substantial and weighed on the overall results of the Tjæreborg Group. Still, Krogager was steadfast in his belief in the project and predicted: 'Club La Santa is a gold mine. It is only a question of when we can dig up the gold!"

1989

When Krogager sold Tjæreborg Travel to Spies Travel in 1989, Club La Santa was not part of the deal. The ownership of Club La Santa therefore remained in the hands of the Krogager family.

1992

In the early 90s, Club La Santa was put under new management, with Leif Rasmussen as CEO. After a few years of rationalization and restructuring, the resort’s financial balance finally improved. Meanwhile, physical activity and exercise became a bigger part of people’s everyday lives. Ejlif Krogager sadly died in 1992 and never got to witness Club La Santa’s success.

1995

The year 1995 was the turning point and the first year of real profit for Club La Santa. Since 1995, Club La Santa has made a profit every year- right up until the covid crisis- and guests now come from all over the world to enjoy the Club La Santa lifestyle. Half of the guests are Danish, 30% are British and about 10% are German.

2002

At the start of the new millennium, Club La Santa began planning its expansion, and assessing different possibilities, its finances and goals. Soon after, the company sought planning permission from local and national authorities - a process that turned out to be a lot more complicated than expected.

2012

In 2012, Club La Santa took the first steps towards a significant modernisation and expansion. Firstly, new facilities were built, and old ones renovated. Next, all existing apartments were modernised, and work started on the construction of 96 new suites.

2014

In April of 2014, many of the new facilities and 96 new suites finally opened - expanding the hotel’s capacity from 1250 to 1600 guests.

2020

At the start of 2020, things started to go downhill - fast. Corona started to spread and slowly but surely shut down the whole of Europe and the rest of the world. On Wednesday, 17th of March, an extra flight was arranged to take the last guests home to Denmark. It was the beginning of over a year of an empty Club La Santa.

2021

On 20 April 2021, Club La Santa reopened its doors, after being closed since March 2020. It was a great relief for both guests and Club La Santa staff.

2023

2023 is the year when Club la Santa can celebrate its 40 years birthday. Four decades that have brought many challenges, great memories and lots of amazing experiences with amazing guests.

ANY QUESTIONS?

You are always welcome to contact us if you have any questions or if there is anything else we can help you with. We always want to help you get the information you need.

VISIT CLUB LA SANTA'S WEBSHOP
Head over to Club La Santa's brand new webshop and discover our latest collection of well-designed and comfortable active wear and Club La Santa merchandise!
VISIT WEBSHOP
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