Luxury hotels in Tenerife made for year-round relaxing and unwinding

With a modern sleek exterior designed to resemble an ocean liner in the upmarket resort of Costa Adeje, The Royal Hideaway Corales Beach has taken pride of place as one of the best places to stay in Tenerife. With its unusual black volcanic rock interior, contemporary bright and surprisingly spacious rooms, all have sea views to die for.

The hotel’s rooftop infinity pool is perfect for adults-only barefoot glamour. Those with families can enjoy the same amenities just across the way in a separate section of the hotel. After dining on Asian fusion nibbles by the bar, head below to the deck and grab a cocktail by the main pool. The Royal Hideaway Corales Beach’s wellness centre comprises of an impressive spa pool complete with soothing jets, as well as heated daybeds.

Those looking for more exertion can join in with the daily yoga and pilates sessions. Location is key. Close to the small fishing village of La Caleta—a firm favourite of mine, it is possible to get a real taste of authentic Tenerife, too, with plentiful decent seafood eateries, just a five-minute stroll away.

Distinctly pink and inspired by Moorish architecture, the epic five-star Ritz Carlton Abama exudes triumphant splendour nestled in the arid landscape of Guía de Isora and has stunning clifftop views out to sea. Heavy-duty relaxing knows no bounds in one of seven pools, which aid recovery after perhaps tackling the 18-hole Championship golf course that snakes around the resort. Or maybe you prefer a game of tennis? After all, there are seven courts to choose from.

With all the physical activities, lying horizontally would be better served under the expert fingertips of a masseur at the Ritz Carlton’s exceptional spa. Take a dip in the hydrotherapy pool and sample the Turkish hammam or enjoy the peaceful tranquillity of the spa’s gardens and yoga pavilion. Two Michelin starred restaurants lead the culinary charge from Japanese to Italian and poolside fare, the choice for dining is excellent, there are 12 restaurants in total. Uncrowded and idyllic, this is a luxury Tenerife holiday at its best.

Set in the heart of Costa Adeje, and just a mere saunter to Playa Del Duque, its tree-lined promenade and deluxe shopping quarter, Bahia del Duque has the optimum location. Classed as one of the first luxury hotels in Tenerife who set the standards in superior elegance and first-class service, Bahia del Duque still retains its high standards—think old-school elegance. Reflected in the pink hues of the colonial-style architecture and in much of the interior is a nod to Canarian heritage and exuberance that has stood the test of time. Sink into the cushioned loungers around the hotel’s five pools, or take a walk in one of many manicured gardens.

While the children are being entertained in the kids’ clubs, retreat to the outstanding spa—perhaps surrendering to the fragrant aromas from the Thai Room Plaza and being treated to a special ritual combining yoga, Ayurveda and ancient recipes from South-East Asia. Deciding where to drink and eat will become a mission with 21 different bar and restaurants to choose from. Perhaps wash down chicken tinga tacos with an icy margarita at La Hacienda and then finish the night by gazing at the stars in the hotel’s very own observatory…

Looking for a luxury Tenerife holiday that promises jaw-dropping ocean vistas and sheer indulgence? Enter the Royal Garden Villas & Spa. Be overwhelmed by the heady sense of jasmine and lush flora and fauna that surrounds 28 beautifully appointed private villas that sit perched above a championship golf course.

Lavish villas provide a palatial getaway, spacious, and comfortable with their own private pools and terraces. Decked out in Asian chic interiors awash with handpicked artefacts, the hotel will impress. For extra de-stressing the Golden Pond spa has it all—hydro massage showers, Turkish bath, waterfalls, and waterbeds will calm the senses. The self-catering option doesn’t mean lacklustre gastronomy.

The Royal Garden Villas & Spa has the gourmet Le Jardin as well as the Tucan Tucan pub. But with its seafront restaurants and bars, the small fishing village of La Caleta is only a five-minute drive away. Be wowed by the combination of exclusivity and proximity to south Tenerife’s hotspots in one of the island’s very few luxurious boutique hotels.

Big doesn’t always mean best. But in some instances, it does mean grand. For unfettered luxury for grown-ups only, the Iberostar Grand El Mirador has it in spades. The Moorish design means huge columns and towers, wide-open spaces and no subtlety in displaying its extravagance. The lagoon-shaped pool is at the epicentre which extends the full width of the hotel. There are several pockets for seclusion not least the VIP rooftop pool adorned with Balinese day beds and a sense of tranquillity.

The spa is substantial measuring some 1000sq metres and offering a vast array of signature treatments and pampering. Sink into the bubbles of the hydrotherapy circuits and indulge in a world of relaxation.

Dining is an entertaining affair with chefs making a show of preparing meals in front of guests at El Mirador. Want something more sedate, then dine on lobster and steak while marvelling at the sea views from La Pérgola on the terrace. Iberostar Grand El Mirador also offers direct access to Costa Adeje’s best beach Playa Del Duque and all its oceanfront restaurants.

Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora is a luxury Tenerife hotel which is located on the quieter coast of Alcalá. While the main portion of Gran Meliá has all the ingredients for a super luxury holiday, pay a little more and step into the hotel’s super-luxe adults-only segment.

Set directly on the beachfront and just a 10-minute drive from Los Gigantes and just a short drive to the breathtaking Mount Teide National Park, its location means less buzz and more peace. The main Gran Meliá welcomes families and has an abundance of watery treats for relaxing poolside. Pose in the biggest saltwater infinity pool in Europe or lounge on the waterbeds, or head to the Clarins spa for herbal steam with chromotherapy, or become zen-like in the meditation area.

However, for even more five-star luxury, opt for the Red Level—the boutique component of Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora. Red Level guests check-in via a separate lobby and are upgraded to super swanky rooms with hot tubs or private villas.

And with their own dedicated pool, private lounges and restaurant, guests at Red Level have complete exclusivity. The inclusive butler service also means you’re treated with the utmost care. Take advantage of the personal concierge, too, and organise a trip to Mount Teide—the rock formations make you feel like you are on the moon.