Tenerife May 2017

I have just returned from a 4 day action packed trip to Tenerife organised by the Melia Hotel group. The island is very different from the lush North to the more commercial South and the stunning middle incorporating the Teide national park. It has much to offer besides relaxing on its beaches and at the bottom of my review are some of the activities I was able to sample over these four days. I had the chance to stay in three hotels on the Island and tour one further hotel. Gran Melia Palacio de Isora This 5* resort has won many awards over the last 9 years since its construction. It is large with over 600 rooms and one of the largest infinity pools in any hotel with further pool options including an adult’s only pool. There are lots of dining options with 7 a la carte restaurants and the Pangea with its international buffet cuisine. The breakfast options here were vast as were the options of where to sit from spacious inside areas or outside terraces. I stayed in a deluxe double room which was decorated with dark wood furniture with splashes of red in the light fittings, had a large private balcony and a well equipped en suite bathroom complete with Clarins toiletries. There is also the Red level within the hotel which caters for adults only or families with extra amenities and a more personal service. You have a private check in area away from the main reception, private pool, lounge, restaurants and upgraded room amenities The hotel has a well-equipped gym, spa, sports facility and a daily included activity programme offering anything from fitness class to coastal walks. It has a beach front position and has direct access to the promenade running along the sea front and into the nearby village. The transfer time is approximately 45 mins from Tenerife south airport. Melia Hacienda del Conde This is a Melia adults-only 5* resort located in the northwest of Tenerife, near the village of Buenavista and the Teno mountain range. The hotel has been built in the traditional style of a Canary Island colonial home and has stunning views of the ocean. It’s set in a quiet area of the island with only a small sleepy looking village close by. I had a very large sea view room with walk in wardrobe and bathroom with bath and separate shower with Loewe toiletries provided. We had been upgraded to have level service which included the separate check in area, lounge, private Salazar restaurant for breakfast and the level solarium area. The Level solarium is in a private area next to the main pool with views over the golf course with deluxe lounges, open bar from 11.00 to 17.00 and has a pool concierge service. The hotel is surrounded by the Buenavista Golf Course designed by Severiano Ballesteros, and the area has the status of a protected rural park, famous for its mild climate throughout the year. It had a really quiet relaxing feel to it being perfect for couples who want to just relax, maybe play some golf, enjoy the facilities of the spa or for the more active try some of the walks around the area. Sol Atlantis This 4* hotel is located in Puerto de la Cruz, in the North of Tenerife overlooking the black sandy beach and El Teide. It’s an old high rise block building but has been recently refurbished and once inside the decor is modern and stylish including the bedrooms. The 290 rooms are all air-conditioned, have flat screen televisions, private furnished balconies, complimentary wifi and all have bright modern bathrooms with walk in shower cubicles. They don’t have a bath but a room with a bath can be requested as there is one of each of these room types on each floor. There is a gym, spa and enclosed roof top pool if the weather inclement. It’s also a popular wedding venue and one was taking place when we visited the hotel. I did not have the opportunity to stay at the hotel but we had lunch and the staff went out of their way to ensure that everyone was happy and that any dietary requested had been taken care of. Melia Jardines del Teide This 4* resort on Costa Adeje has been completely renovated. It would appeal to both families and couples alike. There are special units for families with the exclusive Meliá Kids&Co. programme, as well as the superior ‘the level ‘ service to please the couples. There are 300 rooms and suites with a contemporary interior, many of which have views of the sea from its slightly elevated position in the bay. All rooms have a flat screen TV with satellite channels, complimentary toiletries, air conditioning, safe, kettle with tea and mini fridge. They also have a private balcony or terrace each. This hotel is really well placed for someone who is looking for plenty going on around them and it's only about a 30 minute transfer from Tenerife South airport. Activities and excursions experienced 3 hour catamaran experience from Puerto Colon. We set off from the harbour on a rather windy day but it was an amazing experience seeing a number of Pilot whales and dolphins along side. We were served lunch by the crew and there had been an open bar throughout the trip. Finca El Lomo Banana Planation. A tour around this amazing site seeing the process from start to finish with bananas being at different stages of development. It’s also set up for someone looking for an unusual wedding venue. Masca Village. Access from the South is not for the faint hearted, single track roads with hairpin bends and plenty of traffic coming the other way but we had an amazing tapas lunch with stunning views at one of the local restaurants and anyone with more time can take a long walk down to the beach at the bottom. Teide National park. We took a drive through the national park and stopped for photos of El Teide. If you have time take the cable car up to the top during the day or towards sunset is also popular.