Tenerife isn’t just about nightclubs and bikini-clad beach parties for the 20-somethings. It's about much more than that -- there is also a luxury sector to the island offering a great holiday destination. The IBEROSTAR Anthelia in Costa Adeje is a classic example of a hotel that offers something more for silver-surfers and/or families.
Located approximately ten kilometres from all the chaos of Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos, this lovely little town is situated near the coast, and on the south of the island. It has great links for the TF-1 motorway, which joins the south and east.
So - what can you do with a luxury stay in Tenerife? Quite a lot, actually. The Anthelia Hotel offers some wonderful benefits, you do not even really need to leave your hotel, but of course you will, in order to explore this stunning island.
On site there’s first-class facilities, ‘spa sensations’, live cooking, it’s also a seafront hotel just minutes from the beach and offers the SeaSoul Beach Club and has its own pool. The hotel has been voted the best all-inclusive resort in Spain in the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards. The website tells you why you should come: “Escape the routine. Clear your mind in the Finnish sauna and water circuit with jets and waterfalls. With 23 different treatments available at the SPA Sensations wellness centre, you won’t need to choose the same treatment twice. Enter the world of Mayr Kur; travellers from all over the world come to the IBEROSTAR Anthelia to try this treatment to detoxify the body.” Now if that doesn’t smack of a luxury holiday, not sure what does? It’s a long way away from young party-goers dipping the candle all night and is a step in the direction of deep relaxation. If you want to enjoy your holiday and wind down for R&R, this is the ideal place.
But of course, that’s not it by a long shot. From a hotel there is much to do for the indulgence traveller. Fañabé beach is just down the road and there are pools to suit everyone. These include a heated saltwater pool, a heated freshwater pool and pools for toddlers and children, with water slides and a pirate ship.
Always a hit too, is being able to watch the whales and dolphins from a catamaran or a visit to the cliffs of Los Gigantes. If you want to immerse yourself in something a little more Spanish then try the Canarian stew or papas arrugás (wrinkled potatoes) or listen to bands at the SeaSoul Restaurant and Lounge where you are treated to music to add to your gastro experience. Other dishes include canary rockfish, croquettes and veal sirloin steak with boletus sauce.
Still not convinced? The island is known as ‘The Romantic Island’, so get your second wind in your relationship, renew your fuel for your significant other and walk hand-in-hand like teenagers to the bars and restaurants and mostly - enjoy the weather. It’s hard to be tetchy with one another when the island is sunny all year round (save the very occasional tropical wetstorms). And we all know that the sun puts people in a better mood. Imagine this perfect holiday: wind down and relax, plenty of watersports if that is your bag, the weather just perfect and lots to keep your entertained and see. Tenerife is a destination quite like no other. Many people return again and again and again. And although the nights cool down, it’s still okay to walk around in short-sleeved tops because the weather is subtropical and Tenerife is located near the equator. The island’s other nickname is ‘The Eternal Spring’ island, so rejuvenate yourself in its waters, feeling refreshed and ready to face the world on your return home.
If you’re not afraid of heights, a great thing to do on the island is see Mount Teide from the cable car. The vertiginous high point from Spain’s highest peak is a must-see. The pinkish-reds of the lava-carved landscape tells all of Tenerife’s ancient volcanic history and the Atlantic Ocean is a beautiful sight on this delightful eight minute journey. You can also take an adventurous hike around the great mountainous terrain. If that’s not for you and you prefer a trip in a Jeep up the island, then do that instead. You get to stop on the way up at shops and restaurants and breathe in the ever-changing air.
Tenerife has many secrets to behold. Luxury holidays are just one of its best-kept ones. The island is full of great days out including a Medieval Show and Dinner at Castillo San Miguel, Guided Snorkelling with Turtles, a submarine cruise, you can spend a day at Costa Martianez with full-day access to the open-air art museum and water park complex. The choices are endless and suit everyone’s palate. Enjoy Tenerife, because it just enjoyed you.
