Forget about 20 years ago all the drunk British guys with tattoos walking shirtless by the seaside…I have not seen that anymore… Tenerife has changed a lot and it is still changing. It was an extremely popular destination in the 80’s and today it still is a well-known holiday spot. Mostly for older people coming to survive European winter, although most Brits are still coming for the cheap beer. But Tenerife has indeed changed and it now offers a bit of everything, including golf destinations and a huge variety of different hotels in exclusive locations. It has become an island with exotic parks and chic restaurants, yoga places, quirky and sleek architecture and very interesting museums and galleries.
Adeje, the fifth most-populated municipality and one of the maintourist resorts in the south, was once the court of the ancient Guanchekingdom before the island was colonised. It was the residence of the last Guanche king or mencey, Tinerfe ‘the Great’, before the island was divided up into nine menceyatos (kingdoms). The name Adeje itself is a Guanche word meaning ‘mountain range’. Who among those Guanches would have thought that the small mountain village would end up expanding towards the coast, in the mid-twentieth century, to become a tourist paradise? In addition to the magnificent beaches of Costa Adeje, where you can also enjoy a water park and whale watching tours, the town boasts interesting historical heritage and spectacular natural spaces such as the Barranco del Infierno ravine and the Caldera del Rey crater.
Now you can find everything you need to relax and enjoy yourself, from nice hotels and modern shopping centres to various entertainment and leisure options. If you like golf, be sure to visit the enormous Costa Adeje Golf Club, which boasts 18 holes with views of the ocean and a luxurious restaurant. Scuba diving is another of Adeje’s strong points: its beautiful coastline inhabited by over 500 species of fish and marine animals attracts hundreds of visitors who flock to its many dive centres. Another very popular activity among tourists is going to see the colonies of cetaceans that live in the waters. Do like we did and jump on board one of the boats or catamarans that go out on whale watching excursions for an unforgettable experience spotting pilot whales and dolphins just a few metres away from you. That was the highlight of my trip!
In this normally hectic Christmas period, Tenerife turned my haven from the madness engulfing the world, our environment, health, politics, and our incessant compulsive movement for tourism, commerce, or refuge. I don’t see this changing very soon, indeed I see it worsening…So I hope that if you feel similarly, then my haven will be yours too, in reality or in spirit.
Happy New Year and keep on travelling, in real live or virtually.
Playa del Duque is one of my favourite beaches in Tenerife. I liked it a lot, because it is less touristy than the other beaches and because it was awarded the Blue Flag. The Blue Flag award is given to beaches that are extremely clean, safe and well-maintained. So … perfect for Wim and myself to take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean. The water was relatively warm and it was great being in the ocean and seeing the mountain and the palm trees in the sunshine. The waves are relatively small when comparing to the North Sea, but the currents are pretty strong, so getting out of the water without losing your bikini is not an easy task…The beach also has every service necessary: lifeguards, showers, changing rooms, toilets, even a ‘subbed and umbrella’ hire service, parking and access with ramps and walkways for people with disabilities.
The three of us enjoyed a light lunch in the little white beach house, while listening to the waves.
A short walk away from the beach, we discovered a beautiful shopping mall, called ‘Centro Comercial Plaza del Duque’ They even had my favourite brands like Ralph Lauren, Desigual, Mango and others. If you’re looking for a wider variety of stores, you can head to The Corner Mall Adeje, which is located right where the beach ends near the Duque Castle. The promenade is really lovely and the palm trees together with the turquoise ocean create a spectacular scenery. Definitely worth a visit! When lounging on the beach, my eyes were drawn to the small cape that closes the area on the east and on a hill. It is apparently crowned by the castle ‘Castillo del Duque de Abrantes’…Of course, I was intrigued and had to do some digging…
About the ‘Castillo del Duque de Abrantes’ castle.
Casa del Duque is an imposing and stately structure located on the coast of Adeje that invariably grabs the imagination of tourists and even residents. The inevitable question they all ask is who are the possible residents and owners. The Sales at Bahia del Duque told us that they were interested in buying it. But the estate is currently a private home and cannot be visited. You can circle the cape on foot at the base. This beautiful manor house, which has a privileged location overlooking the ocean and the Bahía del Duque bay, was built during the Second Spanish Republic by the Duke of Abrantes, whose intention was for the building to serve as a residence for the exiled King Alfonso XIII, so that he was not forced to travel abroad. However, the monarch would instead spend his exile in luxury hotels in different European cities.
There are a lot of rumours when it comes to who has or still does live there, these include Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Liz Taylor, Richard Burton, Ron Atkinson and even the King of Spain, Juan Carlos. In fact, it is someone else. Here is some of it’s history:
In 1965 Rafael Puig Lluvina started an ambitious project by acquiring land along the coast of Adeje and Arona. At the time there was nothing there, no roads, no beaches, no electricity, no water supply, just wasteland. What it did have was beautiful sunny weather that lasted all year round and this would make his plan a success. In 1966 Don Rafael together with his son Santiago Puig, the owner of all projects that start with the name ‘Parque Santiago’ built an urbanization which they called Playa de Las Americas. His enthusiasm, patience and vision of the future, became the first and most popular touristy part of Tenerife for many years.
The Puig family moved into the area and their home Casa del Duque. It was originally built in the early twentieth century (1931-1936) by the Duke of Abrantes and was renovated and rebuilt as a residence. The entrepreneur Santiago Puig is married to the Tenerfian beauty Noelia Afonso Cabrera, who was Miss Europe in 1969, Miss Spain and 1970, and with whom he has two children. The entrepreneur Santiago Puig is married to the Tenerfian beauty Noelia Afonso Cabrera, who was Miss Europe in 1969, Miss Spain and 1970, and with whom he has two children.
Next time, I’m planning to contact them because I really want to visit the house 🙂
I’m very lucky again to be visiting another wonderful hotel in Tenerife . The Bahia del Duque. This hotel reminds me a lot of the Lopezan Villa del Conde in Gran Canaria. The same feeling, like you are wandering in a mini town. I love the vibe and of course wanted to learn a bit more about the history of the Bahia, especially since this is one of the only luxury hotels that is still owned by an islander. Ever since its inception, Bahía del Duque has embodied the essence of the Canary Islands, reflected in both its architecture and staff uniforms.
Its 20 years since the Bahia del Duque Resort was constructed from the designs of Tenerife-born architect Andrés Piñeiro. At first the idea of a five star luxury resort hotel being constructed in what was then the midst of a semi desert in southern Tenerife seemed so ludicrous that it almost became the large three and four star investment the planners had originally conceived it to be.
Thankfully those wanting something different, something more and something brave, won out. And a trendsetter was born. Bahia del Duque Resort is not just a hotel but an important point of reference in the development of tourism in the Canary Islands. It marked the beginning of the development of a large number of luxurious five star hotels in the now exclusive Costa Adeje region of Tenerife, and beyond.
Andrés Piñeiro went on to become an architect of luxury hotels around the world. Bahia del Duque was his first project, set on the Ocean front of El Duque beach, the style that predominates is typical Canarian meets Venetian plaza amongst lavish gardens, springs and waterfalls. Swimming pools mingle to form cascades, flowing from one level to the other, creating streams and lagoons. There are no fewer than 20 buildings giving the feeling of an authentic town, sleeping gently on the sea front.
Pascua Ortega, the Madrid-born interior designer who counts the Spanish Royal Family amongst his clients, was responsible for the look of many of the hotel’s rooms and the exclusive villas which opened in 2008. The outstanding Spa was launched in 2009 and was named Best Spa in Spain 2011 by Condé Nast Johansens. In keeping with its pioneering spirit the hotel has also received a biosphere certification for its commitment to responsible, sustainable tourism.
The Casas Ducales, located in a privileged and exclusive area of the hotel, recreate a Colonial Estate, whose design is inspired by the Martí Dehesa Palace (1912) and Casa Maffiotte (1926), architectural icons of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Distinguished by its privacy, Casas Ducales offers a separate reception, butler service, separate breakfast room and personalised services. The complex consists of 51 rooms (34 double rooms and 17 suites) with spectacular views overlooking the sea and the Hotel gardens. There is even space for a helicopter landing. This is definitely my favourite spot!
If you had mentioned to the planners back in 1993 that the likes of Margaret Thatcher, Elton John, Michael Schumacher, Mariah Carey, John Major, Brain May and many other high profile figures would be blazing a trail to Costa Adeje, they may have thought you were ‘loco’!.
The good news is that, thanks to the Bahia del Duque people who enjoy a slightly less high profile can also enjoy a world class luxury holidays in Tenerife in a superb hotel and benefit from a wonderful climate that’s just a short flight from home. They now even offer a private plane pick up. The America’s first carbon neutral private Aviation Company. You can now fly from your place of origin, to experience an extraordinary premium stay with Bahia del Duque from start to finish.https://thetaishotels.com/bahia-del
This hotel in Tenerife is definitely on my list for a next vacation!
The holidays are a time of sharing and celebrating the magic of the season with loved ones. So it does feel sad to be celebrating this Christmas without my dad, who is in heaven, and without my son, who is celebrating with his girlfriend’s family. I do tend to get a bit melancholic on Christmas Day and I look back as time has flown by. Time really does fly as I look back on previous Christmas holidays…So many wonderful (and some less wonderful) people have come into my life and so many have left. The sun of Tenerife and the good company of my mum and my travel buddy do help a lot to make this a wonderful time to remember.
But life goes on and we have to enjoy every minute that we are healthy, happy and still have some loved ones to share special moments with. So, I will share this Christmas eve with my mum and Wim on this wonderful island of Tenerife, in a beautiful hotel under the sun. What a lucky girl I am. I do count my blessings.
So here is my little Christmas poem to you:
Here is my Christmas wish to you Hold it close and it may come true Receive that special Christmas glow If it is in the sun, the rain or the snow Find Christmas spirit in your heart That’s where Christmas has to start Find joy in the love that you share Giving at Christmas shows we care Enjoy the day on your own, with family or friends Make the best of it and make a memory that never ends Keep Christmas each and every day Sometimes you might be sad or smile some more but that’s ok May Christmas live inside of you And show in all you say and do Find joy in all that you receive It’s possible when you believe Not only in the magic of Christmas But in the magic inside of you!
Seeing whales has been on my bucketlist for quite some time now. Thus….what better Christmas gift for myself than chartering a boat and going out to see the Tenerife whales and dolphins? I’m so anxious to see them, I just hope that I won’t get seasick. The boss of the Tenerife sailing charters (https://tenerifesailingcharters.com) is so nice and comes to pick us up at the hotel in his car. He has some bad news and some good news for us… The sailboat that I booked has some technical problems, but we will get upgraded to a motor yacht with only 5 people total…. So…all good…
For some reason, I often associated whale watching with far away destinations or long ocean voyages. But I read that it’s perfectly possible to go whale watching in Tenerife.
Our captain’s sun-worn face lights up as he grabs my shoulder and points into the distance. Three of them are underwater now,” he says as I scour the shades of blue. “One baby and two adultos… and further behind them I can see two more.”
It’s certainly not the first time Pedro has hunted whales, but you wouldn’t know if you look at him. Despite a seafaring tradition of more than three generations plus hauling tourists along the waves every day, he still wears that expression of childlike wonder. He’s right, of course, and I stare, mesmerized as sleek-skinned pilot whales rise out of the water. At first glance, they look like giant dolphins, with their glistening dorsal fins, curved leaps and semi-wicked glints in their eyes. Water falls off them like diamonds, yet their chunky body shape suggests that someone got their proportions wrong.
It’s only when we find a school of dolphins 15 minutes later that the difference becomes clear. So…what is the difference between pilot whales and dolphins? Dolphins are sprightlier, bouncier, faster. They are also much, much smaller.Pilot Whales, I learn, are 6 metres long at birth and can grow to weigh 3 tons. In a happy change from many whale-related stories, they are not critically endangered, nor even under threat.
I also learned that the family tradition of Tenerife fisherman is endangered. A lot of people on the island have family who practiced line-caught tuna fishing, a dolphin-friendly but backbreaking method of heaving the hulk of a tuna fish onto a small boat by means of a single line. Days started at four in the morning and drove on until eight at night for all but two months of the year. Now that tradition has gone. Because of contamination, trawler nets and competition from China…
But we all have to adapt to that fast and ever changing path of life. I for one am so happy that I was able to see these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat and share this beautiful moment with my 81-year old mum. Memories that will last a lifetime. I just happen to love those early Christmas presents!
Today we went on a guided tour with a first stop in Santa Cruz. The bus dropped us of in in a beautiful courtyard. I felt as if I’ve been transported to another time and another place. It’s like you’re in a bubble trapped in history, way back at the turning of the 15th and 16th century, when Santa Cruz San was the crossroad connecting Europe with the New World.
The area on which now stands the city and the municipality of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has been the subject of human occupation since the time of the Guanches, approximately 2000 years ago. This former fishermen’s village rose to prominence after a Volcano destroyed the port of Garachico in the 18th century. Santa Cruz became the major port on the Island. The port is of great importance and is the communications hub between Europe, Africa and Americas, with cruise ships arriving from many nations. The city is the focus for domestic and inter-island communications in the Canary Islands. Famous battles were fought at Santa Cruz. Admiral Robert Blake destroyed the Spanish treasure fleet here in 1657, more or less ending Spain’s military ambitions in Europe. Interestingly, locals claim that Blake was defeated because he didn’t actually invade. Admiral Nelson was famously defeated at Santa Cruz in 1797, losing his right arm in the process. The culprit cannon, el Tigre, can still be seen at the Castillo de San Cristobal underneath Plaza de España.”
Whereas the Auditorio Adán Martín is emblematic for the avant-garde architecture, the old town around the Concepción church makes me feel like in a colonial city in South America.
Indeed this is one of the most picturesque areas in Santa Cruz. The pastel-colored streets are inviting you for long walks and make the perfect photo backdrop. You shouldn’t miss the oldest church in town, the Concepción Church, with its characteristic bell tower. The origins of this church go back to 1516.
Exploring the old city center of Tenerife’s capital is definitely one of the best things to do in Santa Cruz. The city lies in the northeastern quadrant of the island, at the base of the Anaga mountain range, and it is the center of industry and tourism. The Guanches had populated this privileged coastal area for thousands of years, a period during which it was known as Añazo. It wasn’t until 1494, when Alonso Fernando de Lugo arrived and planted a cross in the ground, that it took on the name Santa Cruz (or “Holy Cross”). This was the base for Lugo’s subsequent conquest of the island. Although it was initially overshadowed by its larger and more established neighbor La Laguna, Santa Cruz grew swiftly in prominence. The development was due mostly to its port, which saw ever-increasing activity through the Age of Exploration, and the establishment of a lucrative trade with the New World. In 1833, Spain recognized the city’s ascension by stripping La Laguna of its status, and naming Santa Cruz de Tenerife capital of the entire archipelago. Santa Cruz probably also has the port to thank for its cosmopolitan flair. It is a culturally diverse city, with large populations of Venezuelans, Cubans, North Africans, Indians, and Koreans. The city is known for having a progressive, tolerant attitude toward differing religions, ethnicities, and lifestyles.
Our first visit to Santa Cruz was a lot more enjoyable than either of us had expected. I’m Wandering the streets, there is so much amazing architecture, beautiful pastel buildings and graffiti murals to see! full of colourful colonial buildings, hanging plants, and tiny locally owned bars, it has the most authentic feel to Santa Cruz.
La Laguna
Its full name is very mellifluous – san Cristobal de la Laguna. The town is to our liking. Not by its architecture, although it’s very beautiful here and the entire quarters in colonial style are preserved, but for the local residents. The locals are especially distinguished in exceptional way: there are a lot of them, i.e. tourists are almost imperceptible in the streets; people of all ages are dressed fashionably, stylish and freely; confidence of enjoying life is just sensed in them. La Laguna is the first capital of Tenerife located in the middle of the island, without access to the ocean. The current capital, Santa Cruz, was once just the port for the capital La Laguna. It was deliberately assigned and established in the center of the island so that it would be harder for pirates to get to the capital, since it was easier to attack near the coast. These are the islanders’ problems. All the old central part is included into the UNESCO list because entire quarters of outstanding architecture are preserved here. The University of La Laguna is one of the most emblematic institutions in the municipality and is, of course, a sign of the city’s cultural relevance. Tenerife’s first airport – Tenerife North – is also here, in the area known as Los Rodeos on the outskirts. The airport is well connected to the rest of the archipelago, and also links up to various destinations in Spain and abroad. Its location near to the capital and to the tourist area of Puerto de la Cruz is a great advantage.
The coast of San Cristóbal de La Laguna has a series of lovely natural swimming pools and rock pools in Punta del Hidalgo, with a modern lighthouse nearby. The nearby town of Bajamar also has large bathing areas, making it a popular place among the locals and tourists for a leisurely day by the sea.
Taganana
Taganana is described as a town, but it’s more a small tiny village up in the mountains. Hardly any tourists. You see locals going about their business. At the bottom of the mountains is the ocean and the Reserve De La Biosfera. The most natural, unspoilt sea. It’s a protected area due to the rock formations from the volcano, and an important archeological site. The area is quiet and untouched. Not the part of Tenerife that you normally see in the holiday brochures. But it’s an awesome place and you should try and see it. Those driving here in a rented car should learn proper etiquette of when to give way and how to give way. Or it’s easier to take a guided tour. The drivers here are experienced and safe! Great day out.
The pink palace is distinctive for miles thanks to its Moorish style and the nearby Championship golf course. I was always curious to see this best quoted hotel of Tenerife, so I prize myself lucky. The Ritz-Carlton Abama reopened its doors in July with a new accommodation concept, specially designed to ensure the well-being and privacy of the guests in Covid times: The Villa club. A set of casitas, with a total of 144 rooms and suites, distributed in private areas surrounded by lush botanical gardens, a golf course and spectacular ocean views. This innovative concept guarantees social distancing thanks to its large spaces, the characteristics of the natural environment and the personalised attention of a brand such as the RitzCarlton, belonging to Marriott International. Ideal for relaxing during Covid times.
This sensational resort resembles a beautiful green oasis, with an extremely luxurious and elegantly furnished hotel with interesting architecture and surrounded by numerous pools. The Ritz-Carlton, Abama has won numerous awards: Michelin Star award for the best spa in Spain (2011). It was also on the list of “Condé Nast Traveller” 100 best hotels in the world and best resorts in Spain. The Abama hotel complex includes 476 rooms (50 m²) and apartments (70,80 m²) in the main part of the resort. The part of the Citadel includes suites: The Presidential Suite, the Royal suite and Penthouse with swimming pool. The Tagor villas ensure the highest privacy. There is an excellent 18-hole golf, that was designed by Dave Thomas, a former Ryder Cup player. It occupies an area of 6271 meters, it boasts 22 lakes and waterfalls, and 25,000 palm trees. The golf course offers excellent views of the Atlantic Ocean and the island of Gomera, as it is located 315 meters above sea level. Extensive grounds and varied vegetation make that the game on the golf course is challenging even for experienced golfers. Not bad for a hotel, right?
In Southern Tenerife where The Ritz-Carlton is located, you are guaranteed perfect beach weather and low humidity 98% of the time throughout the year. Unfortunately it was raining on the day of our visit. But I can picture an ocean that looks like a kaleidoscope of aqua, turquoise, cerulean, royal and navy blue! Being a volcanic island, the Canary Island’s waters are also rich in healing and therapeutic minerals. The Ritz-Carlton is situated on a cliff and the landscape is made up of volcanic nooks and crannies of smaller cliffs and caves galore. You can climb to the top of a small cliff located on at the resort’s beach and dive right into the ocean if you dare (it’s totally safe – and no, I did not do it!).
Here is the part that really got me excited, except for the koi feeding ritual for Ritz-kids and the private use of the golf cart at the Tagor Villas. The Ritz-Carlton, Abama’s neighborhood sky includes our planet’s view from within the mighty Milky Way which sits directly above the resort and can be seen with the naked eye (WOW!) The hotel knows their view is pretty special and they offer guests a private, casual, beach stargazing picnic that comes complete with a highly educated and enthusiastic astronomer and a 2-Michelin Star picnic catered by M.B. restaurant. This must be a memorable and romantic experience. Who is still looking for a Christmas present? Euhhhh – me??? This is another site for some New Year ideas…:)
The stars in the sky are not the only impressive ones in Tenerife, since Abama has two Michelin Star restaurants: Kabuki (1 Star) and M.B. (2 Stars). There are 8 additional restaurants offering everything from tapas to Italian, sure to please every diner’s culinary wishes. If you are staying 10 days, you can try out a different restaurant every evening 🙂
This ‘look alike 19th-century Spanish colonial village’, is one of the top five-star resorts in Tenerife and it represents an architectural landmark within Spanish territory. It is a timeless island retreat of natural beauty and endless possibilities. This nod to national pride is reflected in the room décor and several of the restaurant menus. For the active-minded there are tennis courts, five outdoor pools, a 24-hour gym, and organised activities aplenty, while junior guests have a kids’ club, splash areas, and plenty of sandy stuff on the doorstep. Not all of the amenities involve expending energy though. There’s a full-service spa, a star-gazing observatory, and scenic paths through beautiful mature gardens. The service is top-notch. A real jewel on Tenerife’s crown.
I instantly fell head over heals for this lovely ‘South Plantation boutique hotel’. Sitting on an old banana plantation, this hotel breathes chic relaxation among an orchard of greenery that transports you directly to the tropics. The palm trees alone made me swoon, but the blue sky, plus the view of the ocean (and those adorable cacti!) were almost too much to take in. The interior is a perfect mix of Canarian tradition, colonial style and an exuberant and exquisite Asian touch. The hotel does not have a lot of rooms, and this is the true luxury. You immediately feel the ‘zen’ vibrations. Here, time stands still…for the recreation of all the senses.
The ‘South Plantation’ is built in hacienda style. The beautifully designed building makes you feel like you’re stepping into a private home, albeit…a large private home! With marble floors, chandeliers and beautiful pieces of art. The elements wood, earth and water are everywhere. The collection of furniture and decorative objects from the 18th century are all from the English and Dutch colonies, commissioned by expatriate Europeans following the fashions of their countries of origin. I saw beautiful consoles, day beds, carvings, sculptures, ceramics, benches….You can sense that the furniture is very carefully chosen and it transmits the feeling of tranquility. Neutral and subdued colours, natural fibers such as linen and cotton, which enhance contact with nature. Indirect lighting. These are all ways of feeling very, very pampered and I’m loving it….
43 delightful villas are located in a semicircle around the swimming pools and the garden. Each one with the name of a plant, they have their own garden or solarium with private Jacuzzi. The sound, the aroma, the temperature, the details and, above all, the privacy… rare to find nowadays. The combination of all this makes the villa’s the perfect destination for an idyllic getaway. There is the main building which houses guest rooms, the restaurants, the spa, the reception and the bar. In front of all this the grounds cascade down, containing five swimming pools with sunbathing areas. It is quite difficult to describe the layout in words, other than that it works, and this is what gives the hotel a true boutique feeling. I even fell in love with the wallpaper in the swimming pool bathrooms :). The Spa, I’m saving for Christmas day, but I heard that the Nammu Spa is quite lovely and it has 2.500 sqm of Spa with circuits like the “Canarian Circuit”in a volcanic cave set up. I can’t wait to have my Christmas treatment with minerals followed by a banana face mask.
In the evening , the hotel takes on a completely different ambiance. It is stunning with all the gardens and swimming pools lit. Entertainment centres around the main buffet restaurant, and is very sedate and not intrusive. Every evening there is a vocalist singing a selection of songs, a bit of a private concert. Imagine a private concert of Mariah Carey or Adele at Christmas…Eating by the pools is another of the pleasures of La Plantación del Sur. The Pool & Snack Jaima, where more informal dishes and exquisite snacks are served during the day, transforms at night into El Mercado Night & Grill, where its grilled meats in a charcoal oven are unrivaled.
Would we visit again? Absolutely. The hotel is 5* luxury, but with excellent prices compared to the competition, and I believe this is because it is set slightly back from the resort, approximately 8-10 minutes walk downhill to the promenade. This however makes for a perfectly peaceful retreat, and due to its location and layout attracts a slightly younger set, plus retired people just like my mum, who are happy to stretch their limbs to get into the main resort area. I’d highly recommend staying at La Plantacion del Sur – it’s beautiful, peaceful, and serves as the perfect escape from whatever worries or stress you’re holding onto.
Here is a bit more practical information:
The elegant rooms at the Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur all have a balcony and sea views. They include an interactive flat-screen TV, and a separate hydromassage shower and bath. The hotel includes the Nammu Spa with thermal circuits. Massage and beauty treatments are also available. Duque Beach is just 500 m from the hotel and the hotel has a beach shuttle. There is also a fitness centre on-site. Bicycle and car rental can be organised for guests. There are 2 restaurants at the Vincci La Plantación del Sur, one serves creative Canarian cuisine using local produce; the second one, is specialised in charcoal-grilled meat. The hotel’s breakfast includes products for celiacs. There is also a bar. Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur is 20 minutes’ by car from Reina Sofía Airport. https://en.vinccilaplantaciondelsur.com
While doing some research about Tenerife, I felt that Costa Adeje was the area that would best suit me and my mum. First of all because the beaches are said to be among the best the island has to offer. Secondly, it is a quieter resort compared to Playa de las Americas. That is exactly what we needed. If you are still looking to spend your winter holiday in the sun, below you can find a bit of information on Costa Adeje.
Like other popular resorts, Costa Adeje has risen out of nowhere, mainly due to the high demand for quality hotels. In most cases these are a bit more luxurious, they are a blend of good design, good taste and are located near the ocean. Of course they are also more expensive than other areas. For example the Gran Bahía del Duque is not just one of a handful of prodigious hotels in Tenerife but it has been nominated for the World Luxury Hotel Awards!While the Jardin Tropical on the edge of Puerto Colon has one of the most beautiful swimming pools carved into the cliff. Sitting here the views are breathtaking not just of the ocean but also of the island of La Gomera on the horizon.
In recent years the wide traffic-free promenade that runs along the full length of the resort has been restructured to help those with mobility problems and is known locally as the “Geranium Walk” due to the numerous flowers that line its borders. It is pretty, but in my opinion, some of the restaurants, bars and other establishments along this main tourist thoroughfare could do with being refurbished. Playa Paraiso still looks like a wild west town. All that is missing is the tumbleweed blowing down the road.
The beaches of Costa Adeje have gray-gold sand and you will find several options for water sports. You can also enjoy a boat ride, which can be booked at any of the establishments found in Playa de Fañabé, Playa de Torviscas or from Puerto Colon there are numerous sailings to see whales and dolphins. For those who want an all over tan, then Playa de Diego Hernandez is located between the now resort of La Caleta and El Puertito, a small fishing village further along the coast.
Costa Adeje has its own attractions, Aqualand, Golf Costa Adeje one of the best golf courses in the Canary Islands and for those who like to shop the Plaza del Duque is heaven but in the words of J.P. Morgan “If you have to ask the price, you can’t afford it” When it comes to culture that may be a bit thin on the ground. But Adeje is only a short distance to the capital, Santa Cruz, so the culture buffs can also partake of their ballet, opera and classical music an easy 40 minutes journey down the motorway.
Is it worth paying the extra to stay, eat or drink in ‘Costa Adeje’ it really depends on what you are looking for, the exclusive hotels will offer you something you wont find everyday but whether that is worth the price really depends on how deep your pockets are. There are equally good, sometimes better hotels and restaurants in other areas of the south, but like most things it is the name you are paying for.
Fundamentally Costa Adeje is no different from Playa de las Américas. Both have chic and sleek areas which have modernised to meet more sophisticated 21st century tastes and both have other parts where businesses continue to offer cheap eats and booze in surroundings that aren’t exactly what you’d refer to as healthy places….
Walking from the Las Américas end of Costa Adeje westward is generally a case of passing a sophisticated section then budget area, stylish bars and attractive restaurants followed by Euro a pint joints and interchangeable places offering crowd pleasing ‘steak, chicken, pizza’ menus until you reach Del Duque where everything really is of the upmarket variety. Del Duque is my favourite of course :). More about Playa del Duque next time….
Since my dad passed away, we prefer to go to a sunny and cheerful place to spend Christmas. Staying at home would remind us too much of how we used to celebrate with the family. It is a sad period for my mum. My son had plans to celebrate Christmas with his girlfriend’s family, so where are we go….A sunny place, not too far, where we escape the cold and rain of Belgium, where we can relax and swim in the ocean or the swimming pool and someplace where we can spoil ourselves a little….Zanzibar, Dubai, Bali…a few destinations come to mind, but we opted for Tenerife this year. In my mind Tenerife is more a destination for older people trying to survive the Belgian winter. But, since my mum is now 80+, I have an excuse :).
So, what do I know about Tenerife? Tenerife is the biggest of the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of northwestern Africa. It is actually closer to Africa than it is to Spain. More important is that the average temperature is around 23C, which makes it the perfect Christmas holiday destination.
When I imagine Tenerife, the first picture that springs to mind is that of old people, drunk holiday goers and all inclusive resorts. But I read that the island is so much more than that. So, I’m all game to discover the other side of Tenerife…
There has been much debate over the history of Tenerife and it’s first settlers. However it is believed that the earliest humans to set foot on the island were the Guanches in 200 BC. Then in 1493, the king of Spain granted his colonel Alonso de Lugo to embark on conquering this island which he did with 2.000 of his men. This is apparently the only evidence that one can find regarding the conquest of Tenerife by the Spanish.
In the early years after the conquest, many of the natives were enslaved and the spread of the plague reduced the population greatly. Tenerife saw a huge influx of immigrants and colonisation became much more advanced after going through the industrial revolution.
The major natural resource within the island in earlier times was sugar and cane. In the 16th century much of the economy centered around the wine producing vineyards. We are going to stay at Costa Adeje. More about Costa Adeje. Next time. Hasta luego.
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