The best hotels in Tenerife for a sun-soaked Canary Island escape
Glorious weather, spectacular beaches and a brace of volcanic national parks, Canary Island Tenerife is a tempting destination for a sun-drenched getaway at any time of the year.
From the snow-capped peaks of El Teide, the highest mountain in all of Spain, the star-flecked skies above Masca to the black-sand beaches of Playa Maria Jiménez, there are a million reasons that Tenerife is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe.
With an average year-round temperature of 22 degrees and two international airports, Tenerife is an easy holiday option whether you want the sangria-fuelled beach resorts of the south or the rugged, volcanic mountain ranges, lush banana plantations and quaint Canarian hill villages of the north.
It's stacked with natural charm too. Head to Punto Teno, the island's most westerly point, regarded as one of the best diving sites in the Canaries, where you'll find sunken wrecks and lava tubes home to eagle rays and Moray eels.
Further south is Los Gigantes, a series of high cliffs where you'll likely spot bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales in the channel between Tenerife and La Gomera.
From contemporary boutique apartments and heritage hotels to sprawling beach resorts, we've collated the best hotels in Tenerife to book right now. Considering Gran Canaria for your Canary Island escape? Check out our favourite hotels in Gran Canaria.
Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora Resort & Spa, Alcalá
Sandwiched between El Teide and the Atlantic Ocean, Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora is home to the largest hotel pool in Europe. This magnificent resort on Tenerife's quieter western coast revolves around its a vast 400-metre-long saltwater infinity pool. There's also a Spa by Clarins and an abundance of restaurants, including Nami, a pan-Asian spot with a sushi bar and teppanyaki tables.
While it's tempting to just soak up the sun by that record-holding pool, nearby is Los Gigantes, the resort famous for its giant 800-metre-high rock formations, natural thermal pools and the beautiful black volcanic sands of Los Guios beach. After dark, the resort hosts regular stargazing experiences with its resident astronomer.
There are more than 500 rooms, so try and bag one with an ocean view and wake up to the sun rising over two of the neighbouring Canary Islands. For extended families, there are villas with private pools but it's just as nice as a romantic week away for two, or a solo escape.
Bahia del Duque, Costa Adeje
As colourful as a roll of Love Hearts, staying in this cliff-side resort feels like being in a fairytale. Located moments from El Duque Beach, the Bahia del Duque is considered one of the best hotels in Tenerife. Set in 16 acres of sub-tropical gardens and modelled like an 19th century Spanish village, it has an elegant appeal with its rhubarb-and-custard hues and sharp green lawns.
Tee off on one of the island's exclusive golf courses, sail along the coast on a private yacht or chill out with soft trance at the resort's hip beach bars. Light, airy and soothingly serene, many of the rooms and suites have balconies and sweeping views over the navy Atlantic Ocean.
There are no fewer than nine excellent restaurants, including one with a Michelin star. Throw in the several outdoor pools, an actual observatory and the Spa Bahía del Duque, a tropical sanctuary known for its thalassotherapy treatments, and you'll find little reason to leave your sun bed.
Meliá Hacienda Del Conde, Buenavista del Norte
Tucked away in the foothills of the seven million year-old Teno Massif mountain range in north Tenerife, the comfortably swish Melia Hacienda Del Conde is light years away from the busy resorts of the south. Popular with golfing fans – attached to the acclaimed Buenavista Golf Course designed by Seve Ballesteros – it's also within easy reach of the cultural hubs of Masca and Garachico.
This is a traditional Canarian-style hotel – all white-washed walls, terracotta roofs and vast dark-wood verandas – and at its heart is a spectacular split-level infinity pool carved out of volcanic rock. As this is an adults-only oasis, you can relax by the pool in uninterrupted peace, then dine out in the gourmet Salazar restaurant or enjoy a cocktail in the swish Ikko Bar 'til late.
With this and the luxe Yhi spa, it could tempt almost anyone away from the golf course. The resort can also organise mountain biking and horse riding experiences, and even a whale-watching cruise.
Europe Villa Cortes, Playa de Las Americas
Hidden away in the party resort of Playa de Las Americas – though don't let that put you off – Villa Cortes is an elegant five-star hotel that sprawls out along the coast like a beautiful Mexican hacienda. Spend lazy days relaxing by the freshwater pool or cooling off in the waterfall. And there's little need to venture far for a gourmet feast. The resort has no fewer than six restaurants, including Taste 1973, which serves haute cuisine served with drinks drawn from one of the best wine collections on the island.
A skip from the sands at Playa Honda, this palm-fringed haven has direct sea views from most rooms, a brace of outdoor pools, some fancy courtyard dining and more lush palm trees than you can shake a stick at. Don't miss mojitos at sunset from the Chiringuito beach bar, this is a place that's purely reserved for grown up holidays.
Occidental Santa Cruz Contemporáneo, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Visible over the palm-lined Rambla de Santa Cruz, the Occidental Santa Cruz Contemporáneo offers a city break alternative to the standard Tenerife beach holiday. In the heart of the island capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, this smart boutique hotel is within easy reach of several of the island's Michelin-starred restaurants, while the fascinating Museo Histórico Militar de Canarias is a 10-minute stroll away.
All the hotel's rooms and suites have a minimalist appeal: simple dark wood floors and furnishings, plus plenty of natural light. The higher level suites tend to have the best terraces, all with sweeping views across the city and the ocean. And even though it's a city hotel, the chic rooftop pool means you don't have to miss out on those lazy sun-drenched pool days.
Hotel San Roque, Garachico
A million miles away from the sprawling beach resorts of the south, Hotel San Roque offers a more traditional yet stylish Canarian experience on Tenerife's rugged northwest coast. Tucked away in the historic village of Garachico – famous of its series of natural volcanic rock pools – this adults-only hotel in an 18th-century manor house has stacks of original features; think polished wooden floors, terracotta-hued walls and plenty of cosy nooks to read and relax in.
Making the most of Tenerife's year-round sunshine, the comfortable courtyard shaded by palm fronds has a gorgeous climate-controlled pool dug out from volcanic rock.
San Roque offers an intimate stay – it has only 20 rooms – which are brought up to date with contemporary pieces from Bauhaus and Mackintosh. To really push the boat out, book La Torre suite in the watchtower, which has a private terrace and incredible views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Hotel Spa Villalba, Vilaflor
Perched on the edge of Teide National Park, this rural spa hotel surrounded by pine forests offers an alternative to the sun, sand and sea scenes usually found in most island resorts. Set 1600m above sea level, Hotel Spa Villalba can get cooler than on the coast, but milder temperatures and clear skies means the stargazing around here is simply epic.
Built in the traditional Canarian style, the hotel's spacious rooms are set around a central courtyard and overrun with polished wood furnishings, while the pool and sun deck are rather unusually shaded by pine rather palm trees. Dine out on traditional Tenerife cuisine, like freshly caught fish with papas arrugadas, mojo rojo and verde, and ropa vieja, in the hotel's acclaimed La Vendimia restaurant.
The Ritz-Carlton, Abama, Guia de Isora
Perched on the craggy south coast of Tenerife, the Ritz-Carlton, Abama resort has all the vibe of a beautiful – and very pink – Moorish pleasure palace. Surrounded by lofty palms and banana plantations, with the neighbouring island La Gomera glowering in the distance, this upmarket family-friendly resort has nearly a dozen restaurants, including the two Michelin-starred M.B., a championship golf course and tennis academy. And if that sounds too energetic, relax in the huge and oh-so fancy spa, with Turkish steam baths and a hydrotherapy Kneipp circuit.
Rooms range from ocean-facing family rooms to an Imperial Suite with its own private pool. However, a big draw for families is the all-inclusive kids' club and activity programme, which includes golf camp, is available until midnight every day. Of course, it's just as nice to hang loose with the kids on the soft blonde sands of Abama beach, which is reached by a funicular with panoramic views along the coast.
Iberostar Grand Hotel El Mirador, Costa Adeje
Seconds from one of the prettiest beaches in the south of Tenerife, Playa del Duque, the elegant all-suite Grand Hotel El Mirador simply exudes Moorish appeal; think arched porticos, grand columns and warm, dusky terracotta hues. Although designed with romance in mind, this upmarket adults-only resort is within easy reach of five of Tenerife's championship golf courses, should the need to tee off tempt you away.
For relaxation, naturally, there's little need to venture too far. Shaded by Tenerife's ubiquitous palms, the huge lagoon pool is set in manicured tropical gardens and features hidden nooks and crannies with Balinese-style beds to relax in. And if that doesn't work, head to the uber-stylish spa for essential pampering.
All of the suites are more traditional in style, with canopy beds, warm wood furnishings and faux Roman-Greco bathrooms. And a brace of restaurants offer a good introduction to the local cuisine.
Royal Hideaway Corales Beach, La Caleta
A five-minute stroll from the black, volcanic sands of Playa de Enramada, the Royal Hideaway Corales Beach is perfect for a serene romantic escape à deux. Located next door to Barcelo's more family-friendly Corales Resort, this contemporary boutique escape is purely for adults only. With all the style and attitude of a luxury ocean liner, this contemporary beach resort has 121 suites with huge terraces and ocean views, rooftop pools, sunken sun decks, and a trio of saltwater pools shaded by palms.
Whether it's being pampered to perfection in the spa, playing a round or two at a nearby championship golf course or spending a day sailing the ocean, there's plenty to enjoy. As for food, well, the Michelin-standard tasting menus at Maresia are the work of the legendary Canarian-born Padrón brothers. But don't miss dinner at San Hõ, an elegnat Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant, which very much deserves its Michelin star.
Royal Garden Villas & Spa, Costa Adeje
With sweeping views across the adjacent championship golf course and out towards the ocean, this glorious boutique hotel set in tropical gardens is just the place for a stylish escape in the sun. Moments from the bars and beachfront restaurants in La Caleta, the Royal Garden Villas & Spa offers the perfect balance between rural luxury and beach fun.
There are just a handful of villas, all beautifully furnished with stone fountains, Bali-style canopy beds and spacious stone terraces with private pools shaded by palm trees. There's also an infinity pool in the grounds with a pool bar and a spa. After dark, dine out in Restaurant Jardín, which serves a topnotch menu of international dishes and local Canarian cuisine.
Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Located 2,000 metres above sea level in the heart of the Teide National Park, Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide is the antithesis of the sprawling resorts of the south. Rustic in nature, it offers stacks of charm and is the perfect spot for enjoying Tenerife's beautiful volcanic interior. Designed like an alpine lodge, it's moments from the cable car, which offers fabulous views of the peak of Teide.
On cooler evenings in the mountains, relax in front of the roaring log fire or take a peek through the house telescope with a guided stargazing lesson by a local astronomer. The rooms are simple and classic in style, while dinner is served in the mountain restaurant, where local Canarian dishes are a firm favourite.
Hotel Baobab Suites, Costa Adeje
Tucked away under the gaze of the Barranco del Rey mountains which overlook Costa Adeje, this all-suite hotel surrounded by scented pine forest is a stylish alternative to chain resorts. Although it's moments from one of the best beaches on the islands, Playa del Duque, Hotel Baobab Suites has a quiet rural vibe.
The state-of-the-art suites are spread across a series of whitewashed low-rise buildings, all contemporary in style, featuring cool greys and flashes of colour from the slew of modern art on the walls. Upgraded suites even have hot tubs and private pools on the terrace. There are also two lagoon-style pools, a beach club spa and a kids' club, while the trendy Sucas restaurant is one of the island's most popular dining spots.
Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife, Costa Adeje
Overlooking the neighbouring island of La Gomera, the Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife has a prime location on the sun-drenched western stretch of the Costa Adeje. Although part of the resort is for adults only, it's an ideal place for those with music-loving teenagers thanks to a cool beach club, DJ booths and the Rock Shop, which sells music memorabilia and merchandise. A trio of pools, a high-end spa and a myriad of dining options, including a sky lounge on the 16th floor overlooking La Gomera, all add to its appeal.
All the rooms have a deliciously decadent decor with gold or red trim, swathes of leatherette and endless mirrors, while wannabe rock stars can order Fender guitars or DJ mixing desks on room service, or try Rock Om, the Hard Rock's unique yoga-meets-music sessions. And if you did bring the younger kids, you can guarantee rock star status as they enjoy the Hard Rock Roxity Club, with its noon-til-night clubhouse and activities programme.
Finca El Picacho, Tejina
If you're looking for an eco-friendly alternative to the mega resorts of the south, then look no further than Finca El Picacho, a boutique eco-retreat next to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Anaga in the lush north of the island. The sprawling sub-tropical gardens are awash with grapevines, jasmine, fig and banana trees. There's an outdoor pool under the palm trees and acres of grounds to explore.
Decorated like a traditional Canarian finca, the self-catering villas and apartments have a warm and welcoming appeal, and all have private outdoor space which works well for those with young families. There's no restaurant on site, however, the acclaimed El Mesón Patio Canario is a short drive away.
La Laguna Gran Hotel, San Cristobál de La Laguna
Tucked away in the cobbled streets of San Cristobál de La Laguna, the former capital of Tenerife and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, La Laguna Gran Hotel is an elegant boutique hotel housed in an 18th-century manor house. Surrounded by tapas bars, cosy restaurants and quirky independent shops, it offers a more cultural alternative to your standard fly-and-flop holiday.
Inside, it's oozing with style: expect natural woods and stone, design features and antiques, plus flashes of colour from floral wall coverings. The rooms are spacious and smartly decorated with dark woods and plush soft furnishings. On the top floor there's a rooftop pool and sundeck, while the Michelin-starred Nub restaurant serves a modern take on traditional Tinerfeño cuisine.
Hotel Botánico and the Oriental Spa Garden, Puerto de la Cruz
A mile from the black volcanic sands of Puerto de la Cruz's beach, Hotel Botánico and the Oriental Spa Garden brings a touch of the Far East to north Tenerife. Set in lush tropical gardens – mirroring 18th-century botanical gardens opposite – the hotel has a distinctly grown up vibe and is the antithesis of the busy resorts found in the south.
Although it has all the five-star amenities you would expect from a luxury hotel, the highlight is the exquisite Asian-themed spa and Oriental Spa Garden, regularly cited as the best hotel spa in Europe. Meanwhile, the rooms here are spacious and comfortable, our favourites have balconies with smouldering views of Mount Teide. And don't miss Botánico's signature breakast. Served by the pool, it's a long and leisurely affair which lasts until lunch.
Hotel Colón Guanahaní, Costa Adeje
Set in tropical gardens abundant with swaying palm trees and the scarlet bloom of jacaranda, Hotel Colón Guanahaní brings a rare breath of serenity in the buzzy heart of Costa Adeje. Although it's a leisurely stroll from Fañabe Beach and the swish Plaza del Duque shopping mall, it's all too tempting to enjoy the relaxing pace of the place and just spend the sun-drenched days by the two pools.
The spacious rooms and suites are delightfully decorated in a warm Mediterranean style. Our favourites are the top floor suites which have views over the Atlantic. And you don't have to go very far to get a real taste of the Canaries. La Pérgola serves sparklingly fresh seafood and classic dishes from around the island.
GF Victoria, Costa Adeje
A moment's stroll from the wide blonde sands of Playa del Duque, GF Victoria is an upmarket family resort with some of the best facilities on the island.
Aside from the lagoon-style pools, swanky spa and rooftop Japanese garden and yoga deck, there's a bodyboarding wave simulator, water park and a climbing wall – a surefire guarantee that kids will be reluctant to ever leave the resort.
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