Where to stay, eat, sail and spa for a true high-end Canary Islands break.
Tenerife's reputation as a budget package destination obscures how serious its luxury offer has become. The island now has more 5-star hotels than any other Canary Island, three Michelin-starred restaurants (one with three stars), and a private aviation terminal at Tenerife South. Here is how to do it properly.
Where to stay. The Ritz-Carlton Abama is the unanimous choice for the highest end — a 160-hectare estate with a Michelin three-star restaurant, two pools per guest, and a private cove of imported white sand. Bahía del Duque is the more sociable, family-friendly alternative; Royal Hideaway Corales the most architecturally adventurous adults-only option.
Where to eat. M.B. by Martín Berasategui at the Ritz-Carlton holds three Michelin stars and is a destination in its own right. San Hô at Royal Hideaway Corales (one star) and El Rincón de Juan Carlos in Los Gigantes (one star) round out the starred picks. La Cúpula at Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora — set inside a glass dome — is the most theatrical dining room.
Spa. The Bahía Wellness Retreat at Bahía del Duque is the most consistent for serious treatments. The Oriental Spa Garden at Hotel Botánico is the largest and most varied. For a one-off, book a half-day Hammam at Vincci Buenavista in the quiet north-west.
On the water. Charter a private skipper-driven sailing yacht from Puerto Colón for the day — €1,400 for a 16m yacht with crew, lunch and an aperitivo. Whale-watching from a private RIB beats any catamaran for both wildlife sightings and exclusivity.
Off the resort. The drive to Mount Teide for sunset and stargazing is the island's signature private excursion. Book a 4WD with an English-speaking astrophysicist guide. Allow six hours including dinner at Parador de Las Cañadas at 2,200 metres.
Getting around. A private chauffeur from one of the major hotel concierge services costs €60-80 per hour and removes the only major friction in a Tenerife luxury holiday — the resort-belt traffic.
