Self-catering apartments in Tenerife: nine spots for sun-soaked, self-sufficient breaks

For escapes that combine the luxury of a five-star hotel with the comfort of a private rental, check out Hotel Baobab Suites. Hugging Tenerife’s turquoise west coast, this elegant retreat has a range of suites to accommodate parties of various sizes. The spacious three-bedroom Infinity Mar provides especially decadent digs for the family – use the fully equipped kitchen to prepare brekky then spend sun-soaked days on your private terrace, dipping periodically in your very own pool.

There’s plenty to do nearby, though the hotel’s amenities may tempt you to stay onsite. Wave younger ones off to Saplings Kids’ Club for playtime and pizza-making, then slip away for fun on the fairways at Baobab Golf Academy. If you prefer the path of pampering then call at the hotel’s wellness centre for a treatment – relaxing abhyanga massage, anyone?

Kids are well catered to at Select Sunningdale, with a lively ‘Miniclub’ providing daily games and thrilling themed parties. Older guests are equally entertained with onsite mini-golf and petanque, although the weekly sangria demonstrations might see you supping your way through the afternoon instead. Golf is another activity for those who are handy with a putter, with several courses nearby. Celebrate any holes-in-one in the hotel’s restaurant with flavour-packed tapas such as sea-salt-sprinkled Padron peppers and smoked fresh cheese.

You’ll find this family-friendly resort set among the tropical greenery of San Miguel de Abona. The leafy complex has low-rise apartments, each featuring a generous terrace from which you can view dramatic vistas of Mount Teide. Most apartments also have a handy kitchenette – ideal for preparing tasty treats as the sun sets on another day of leisure.

If total serenity is what you’re after then the four-star Atlantic Holiday Hotel should appeal. In an enviable location – just steps from the shimmering sea – this Costa Adeje accommodation offers airy abodes with calming contemporary decor. Select an elegant apartment or studio and catch soul-stirring ocean sunsets from the comfort of your balcony’s gently rocking hammock.

A saltwater pool suggests al-fresco dips, while the flower-dotted garden is great for zen-like yoga sessions. If you feel like exploring then you’re just 8km from the buzzing town of Playa de las Americas – the Thai-themed Siam Park is especially thrilling for families, with water slides and adrenaline-inducing roller coasters. Return to the hotel for a tapas-inspired seafood buffet at Sea Soul. Afterwards, grown-ups can migrate to the starlit terrace for a glass of locally produced rosé.

Exotic gardens, luxurious pool and a plethora of onsite eateries – what’s not to love about Paloma Beach Apartments? This coastal complex is a haven for sun bunnies and keen explorers alike – ideal for groups of friends. The centres of Los Cristianos is just a few minutes’ walk from your door, while the soft golden sands of the town’s main beach are an easy 15-minute meander away.

You’ll rise to a soundtrack of gently lapping waves in your self-catering seaside apartment. Ease into each day with freshly brewed coffee, stretching out on the sofas in your bright, open plan living space. You might migrate to the pool bar for a mid-morning snack, or perhaps you’ll visit the town’s vibrant market to find stalls loaded with local handicrafts. Pick up a few souvenirs before wandering back to your private abode for a sangria-laced siesta.

Keen to self-cater within the plush surrounds of a sparkling hotel? The Hotel Andorra could be an ideal fit. Great for groups of up to four adults, the apartments here exude an effortless chic, from their sleek wooden furnishings and colourful artwork to the spacious furnished balconies. Hit the breakfast buffet for a morning treat – think tasty cold cuts, creamy local cheeses, flaky pastries and fresh fruit – and return home after a sun-packed day for a meal cooked in your fully equipped kitchen.

Venture beyond the hotel for a bit of retail therapy – tax-free shopping at nearby CC Safari Centre should do the trick. Set in the centre of sizzling Playa de las Americas, this hotel is also right by the ocean so you’ll be slipping on your swimmers from the word go. Slather on the sun cream and hit the shores of dreamy Camison Beach which is just an 8-minute walk away.

Affordable luxury is what you’ll find at the Regency Torviscas Apartments. Set slightly inland, and a little north of Costa Adeje, this is an aparthotel that goes easy on your bank balance. It’s also likely to also make your friends envious with its sweeping sea views and vibrant interiors with a designer feel.

Settle into a sizeable apartment featuring sleek wooden floors throughout. Plush sofas are perfectly accented by brightly coloured soft furnishings while the gleaming, modern kitchen is ideal for fixing laid-back lunches and evening meals.

With its own swim-up bar, the hotel’s outdoor pool is impressive, while the onsite spa provides an indulgent menu of pampering for relaxation-seekers. Plump for a rejuvenating facial or fine-tune fingertips with a manicure, then finish off with time in the Turkish bath or steam away any pesky toxins in the soothing sauna.

Coral California is a low-rise oasis purely for adults. Whisk your special someone away or join friends for a secluded break in the sun, setting your bags down in a colourful Sea View Studio for self-catering comfort by the ocean. A heated outdoor pool makes for tranquil morning laps or you might seek out a sun lounger in the resort’s restful garden – immerse yourself in a book with a background of soothing birdsong.

You can hire a car from the front desk, so why not explore more of the island? It’s just a 14-minute drive to see the famous falconry show at Tenerife’s Jungle Park, or you can head further inland to trek through the lunar-like landscape of Corona Forestal Natural Park (keep an eye out for the pretty blue chaffinch which is native to the island). You can also hire bikes if you prefer to navigate at a more leisurely pace.

It’s risky staying at Sunset Bay Club by Diamond Resorts– mainly because you might never want to leave. This Costa Adeje gem brings you marvellously modern apartments to unwind in, with some suitable for up to six people. Breakfast is easily prepared in your fully equipped kitchen and best devoured on the private terrace – swoon-worthy sea views will spur you to get out and savour the day.

Onsite activities keep all ages entertained. There’s a playground for the younger ones, with surf lessons and wine tasting for those slightly more advanced in years. A state-of-the-art fitness centre can help keep up your strength training – hit the outdoor whirlpool afterwards to soak any sore muscles or grab a well-earned drink at the hotel’s poolside bar.

You’re moments from the ocean at Palm Beach Tenerife. Stretch out on shimmering sands for a sunbathing session or dose yourself with adrenaline during a parasailing experience over the bay. When other activities call, you’ll find bike rental and the sweeping greens of Golf Las Américas within walking distance.

You can choose from slick and spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments here, with furnished private terraces that make the most of stunning sea views. Soothing neutral decor brings a blissful calm to each beautifully finished abode, while minimalist bedrooms promise serene snoozing.

If you decide to eat out, the Ucanca restaurant provides a mouthwatering dinner buffet with daily specialities and live cooking, though it’s a mere 2-minute walk to ocean-facing restaurants if you feel like a change of scenery.