7 of the best luxury hotels in Tenerife

The days when Tenerife didn't really have proper luxury hotels are long gone. In recent years, a wave of purpose-built luxury oases have sprung up to join the sprinkling of older dames, famed for their hospitality and charm.

Playa de Torviscas, Costa Adeje, Tenerife © Aleksandar Todorovic - Fotolia.com
Playa de Torviscas, Costa Adeje, Tenerife © Aleksandar Todorovic - Fotolia.com

If you love a bit of pampering and like to spend your hard earned cash on an indulgent stay, you'll love modern day Tenerife. We're talking coastal retreats with Michelin star restaurants, world-class spas and carefully thought through family facilities, such as baby purees, kids' menus and plus plush robes for all-grown-up tweens.

This round-up is no collage of info woven together from the Internet either - I've personally stayed at every one of these hotels and resorts, and this is my tried and tested take on how they stack up for your holiday.

Getting to Tenerife: a luxury holiday doesn't have to break the bank. Thanks to Jet2holidays, you can book your stay at any of the following hotels* for less than you might expect in 2019.

1. Hotel Botanico & The Oriental Spa Garden

This grand old dame in the island's northern resort of Puerto de la Cruz has been catering to the needs of well-heeled travellers since 1974.

Pagoda in the gardens of Hotel Botanico & The Oriental Spa Garden - photo courtesy of InserHotel SL
Pagoda in the gardens of Hotel Botanico & The Oriental Spa Garden - photo courtesy of InserHotel SL

Hotel Botanico* has hosted everyone from politicians and presidents, through to a slew of Hollywood A-Listers. Yes, it feels a bit old world, but that is all part of the charm and, following a major refurbishment in 2015, standards are still high.

Plus, its gardens may just be the finest of any hotel not just on Tenerife, but anywhere in the Canaries. This lush oasis feels more like southeast Asia than the edge of Europe.

The Oriental Spa is spot on, with a lovely outside space to chill in afterwards surrounded by lush greenery. Make sure to secure a room if you can with a Mount Teide view.

2. Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque

I first stayed here back in 1998, not long after it had opened, and it was a surreal place as it was in the 'resort' of Costa Adeje.

The problem was that the resort hadn't really been built yet and pretty much stopped outside the hotel. It's a testament to its success that Costa Adeje now stretches all the way west where it now merges into the old fishing village (now resort) of Caleta.

The eclectic Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque, Costa Adeje - photo courtesy of Luis Zamorano Tais Group
The eclectic Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque, Costa Adeje - photo courtesy of Luis Zamorano Tais Group

Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque* was designed by architect Andre Pineiro to resemble a traditional Canarian village. That it does, but with a bit of Venetian drama and Las Vegas glam swirled in.

It eases down the hillside to the Atlantic and boasts its own beach in a rich carpet of luxury. It's a real maze to get around, but that means lots of nooks and crannies where you can take it easy and also means that it rarely feels crowded, even when full.

3. The Ritz-Carlton, Abama

On the foodie front, The Ritz-Carlton, Abama* is seriously greedy as it boasts not one but two Michelin star restaurants - plus another eight places to eat! M.B is the only restaurant in this rapidly emerging gastronomic island destination to sport two Michelin stars.

Fine dining at the M.B Restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton Abama - photo courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co.
Creative creations at M.B in The Ritz-Carlton, Abama - photo courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co.

I ate at this world-class gastronomic temple on my most recent trip, and its superb Japanese one Michelin star Kabuki before too.

Beyond the stunning cuisine, there's the superb Dave Thomas 18-hole golf course, an excellent spa and a stretch of waterfront that feels a million away from the busy streets of some of the southern resorts.

4. Sandos San Blas Nature Resort & Golf

I've stayed at Sandos San Blas Nature Resort* a couple of times and enjoyed both visits. It may not be as plush as some of its five-star siblings, but it offers something a little different.

For a start, it's set away from the big resorts and handy for the wee village of Los Abrigos, which retains some of its fishing village vibe and great seafood restaurants. It also was set up with an eco-friendly mindset.

The hotel is committed to helping protect the Barranco vicinity, including the San Blas Environmental Reserve, which you can take a tour of or explore yourself. I also love that some of the rooms have two-person sofa loungers on their balconies.

5. Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife

Opened in 2016, the Hard Rock Hotel* in Playa Paraiso has been a real breath of fresh air. Above all, it's fun, fun fun, from the moment you check in, when a live singer performs in the lobby, to when you emerge from the pool to find a DJ spinning tunes and a guitarist jamming with them.

Light lunch at the Beach Club, Hard Rock Hotel, Tenerife - photo courtesy of Hard Rock Cafe International, Inc
Light lunch at the Beach Club, Hard Rock Hotel, Tenerife - photo courtesy of Hard Rock Cafe International, Inc

The rooms are properly luxe and come with plectrum 'air guitars'. You can even request for a real guitar to be brought to your room! It's great fun for kids and big kids alike - my girls loved the Katie Perry and Lady Gaga outfits, while I was taken by Bruce Springsteen's harmonica from 'The River', with bona fide memorabilia sprinkled around the hotel.

We loved the drum kit in the kids' club too. Restaurants are varied and of good quality, while the swimming pools are brilliant. The main lagoon is massive and boasts a huge stage where big concerts are held.

Craving a sunny escape to Tenerife? Find out about the weather in Tenerife and see when we think is the very best time to go to this beloved island in the Canaries.

6. GF Victoria

If you want to feel part of the action, but also have your own oasis, the GF Victoria* is the place. Right in the middle of Costa Adeje just across from the luxury Plaza del Duque Mall, this newcomer is a stunner.

Massive pool at the GF Victoria Hotel - photo courtesy of GF Hoteles, Tenerife
Inviting pool at the GF Victoria Hotel - photo courtesy of GF Hoteles, Tenerife

The main pool is massive, and my girls were thrilled with the dedicated water park and also an adventure playground with a climbing wall and towers. The restaurants are superb too, with even the buffet option cooking langoustines and steak to order, while Donaire offers some of the best fine dining in Costa Adeje.

The rooftop bar comes with a spectacular glass pool that overhangs the hotel, springing out into the Costa Adeje skyline. It's the sort of resort that you really don't have to leave.

7. Fantasia Bahia Principe Tenerife

Opened late in 2018, the Fantasia Bahia Principe* is a luxury dedicated to families who aren't content with limited kids' menus and tiny playparks at so-called 'family' hotels.

Real thought has gone into capturing the hearts and minds of kids from the moment they arrive until they reluctantly leave.

Taking the plunge at Fantasia Bahia Principe Tenerife Hotel - photo courtesy of Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts
Taking the plunge at Fantasia Bahia Principe Tenerife Hotel - photo courtesy of Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts

My kids stayed in February 2019 and are already desperate to go back. The façade sets the tone as it looks like a Disney castle, a theme that continues inside with a fairytale tree sprouting by the main pool and another castle home to a fast food restaurant.

We loved that the kids' clubs are included and that at night there were proper shows with skilled acrobats and lavish lasers that kept the attention of wee ones and parents alike. For younger kids, the buggy rooms and baby stations on every floor are very welcome.

Tempted to go luxe in Tenerife? Book your stay at any of these residences with Jet2holidays, and depart from airports across the UK throughout the year.

Jet2holidays sale: £50 per person off ALL holidays

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Robin McKelvie

Robin McKelvie

Robin McKelvie is a Scottish travel writer, author and broadcaster. He has visited over 100 countries and regularly writes about Scotland and the Canary Islands. As well as frequently contributing to Weather2Travel.com, Robin writes for publications including The Telegraph, The Independent, The Guardian, The Times and Wanderlust, and has authored more than 30 guidebooks.

Posted on Friday 22nd February 2019 in: Beach Europe Family Luxury Summer Winter sun

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