Why Tenerife Is The Latest In Luxury Travel (Yes, Really)
When searching for a luxury escape, I bet Tenerife isn’t on your shortlist. In fact, it’s probably not even on your long list. Am I wrong? I can tell you that after many a tour there in my younger years, it sure wasn’t on mine. Think Tenerife and images spring to mind of the late 1990’s package holiday boom, hens & stags populating neon lit bars in Playa de las Americas and a daily 6am race to the pool to bag a sun lounger. Loose partying, yes. Luxuriating, no.
However a recent trip to Tivoli La Caleta Tenerife Resort in Costa Adeje on the south coast of the island has left me converted. Who knew there was a hidden chic side to the Canary Islands?
Because what you probably don’t know is that Tenerife is changing. It has an elite standard sports complex for aquatics, football and athletics frequented by Olympic medal holders and plays host to a mecca of professional cyclists & golfers warm weather training. The food scene now has a proper ‘scene’ with waterfront restaurants serving a mix of locally caught seafood and infusion inspired dishes. Yes the Playa de las Americas wild nights are still there but delve a bit further into this volcanic island and you might well find yourself surprised.
So sceptics out there, prepare yourselves. I’m a self-confessed travel snob and I’m about to convince you that South Tenerife should be your next luxury travel destination. REALLY. Read on to find out why…
Vibe
Recently refurbished, the decor within Tivoli La Caleta is lofty and light, facilities are extensive and views are sun-drenched ocean for miles. A demure and international clientele sets the tone, whilst a glass of deliciously dry local Cava upon arrival immediately made us feel welcome and relaxed.
The cheery in house team are full of smiles, enormously courteous and eager to help. We had zero problem getting a sun lounger at any time of the day. Basically, everything you would expect from a five-star hotel anywhere in the world, made even more appealing by a GMT time zone. Perfection.
I’m a self-confessed travel snob and I’m about to convince you that South Tenerife should be your next luxury travel destination.
Location
The island of Tenerife is just 86km long and Costa Adeje resides on the picturesque south coast, a short hop from Tenerife South International Airport. Backdropped by volcanic mountains and facing onto the Atlantic Ocean, the climate is sub tropical with year round sunshine – clouds collect around inland peaks, leaving coastal skies clear and blue.
Tivoli La Caleta itself is situated a 10 minute walk away from the heart of La Caleta village, providing a wealth of established and vibrant restaurants and bars at guests fingertips plus direct access to the 12km coastline promenade connecting to the town of Los Cristianos, ideal for those looking to explore further afield.
The rooms
The five-star property has 284 rooms including 20 suites, all decorated with wood and natural fibres in chic rustic shades. Our premium partial sea view room was in fact completely ocean facing (bonus), with a well appointed balcony and lovely airy feel. Two of my personal bugbears with luxury hotels are measly wardrobing and pokey bathrooms, but Tivoli La Caleta came up trumps with storage space fit for a two week stay and a divine en suite the size of most bedrooms, complete with bath, rain shower, double sink and separate toilet. Returning to our room each day was a pleasure.
Food & drink
Without a doubt our favourite spot within the hotel was SEEN Beach Club by Olivier. Stumbling across it for our first lunch, we returned twice more during our brief four-night stay. Ocean-facing views, sand in our toes, crisp white wine and the opportunity to select our own Canarian fish or meat cuts for immediate expert preparation by the chef were a combination we couldn’t resist, day or night.
We enjoyed a faultlessly expansive buffet breakfast each morning at Gusto and also ventured into Guilty, the more relaxed poolside bistro and Yakuza, the in-house Japanese restaurant, both of which served us delicious meals a la carte.
Ocean-facing views, sand in our toes, crisp white wine and the opportunity to select our own Canarian fish.
The real beauty of Tivoli La Caleta, though, is its proximity to the local food & drink scene. You would be remiss not to venture beyond the walls of the hotel. Rosso Sul Mare is the best sundown dinner spot in the cove and Char in the Baobab Suites delivers up a mean open fire steak. Torre del Mirador also provides a different spin on dining out, with regular live music.
Every restaurant we tried left us delighted with our choices and from chats with other local tourists there seemed to be no doozies. Standards in La Caleta are reassuringly high.
Things to do
As well as its three huge heated swimming pools, Tivoli La Caleta offers professional World Padel Tour courts and top-of-the-range Technogym equipment in the gym for efficient workouts – neither of which I can comment on as we weren’t feeling particularly active!
That being said, I can recommend a trip to the hotels brand new Anantara Spa. Offering 1,200 square metres of facilities, including ten treatment rooms, a vitality indoor pool, sauna, steam bath and an ice igloo to refresh and rejuvenate, we really didn’t want to leave. Even better, the spa has a private outdoor relaxation and sunbathing area, complete with two plunge pools – we had this all to ourselves for almost an hour and it was so peaceful.
For those looking to explore, the local area offers a variety of golf clubs as well a wealth of cultural and natural discoveries, from experiencing the world heritage UNESCO old town of La Laguna to embarking on outdoor island adventures, like whale watching or the star gazing at the Teide mount.
The verdict
I genuinely recommend the Costa Adeje for anyone looking to book a luxury shoulder season break away. While Europe still retains a chill, Tenerife is warm and welcoming almost year round and the south coast is the perfect spot to soak up some much-needed vitamin D. The Tivoli La Caleta Tenerife Resort itself provides all you could wish for in terms of luxurious comfort and things to do, and the flight is brief enough for either a short hop or an extended stay. I’m already planning our 2026 return.
I’m already planning our 2026 return.
How to get there & book
Flights are just over 4 hours and run regularly from UK airports, whilst Costa Adeje and the Tivoli La Caleta Hotel are a mere 20min drive from Tenerife South International Airport. We took off at 5.40am and were at the resort by 11.30am, giving us almost a full day of sunshine to kick off our trip.
Rates at Tivoli La Caleta Tenerife Resort start from €390 for a Deluxe Garden View room including breakfast for two people.
website: www.tivolihotels.com
