TENERIFE, 200 miles off Morocco’s west coast and the most visited of the Canary Islands, is the largest and most populous isle in the Macaronesian archipelago. Boasting a year-round temperate climate, it is the ultimate destination for escaping the European long winters, with just a four-hour flight. Tenerife offers sunny days by the pool or beach and balmy evenings dining al fresco that rejuvenate the body and the soul.
Our trip begins and ends at The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife Abama, a striking terracotta-hued resort perched on a dramatic cliffside. This luxurious oasis exudes sophistication, with its marble-clad interiors bathed in sunlight streaming through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows.
Located just 30 minutes from Tenerife-South Airport, the hotel is surrounded by lush, manicured gardens and the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean. At the heart of the property lies the Citadel, the resort’s hub, designed as a Moorish-inspired village.
Beach
Club Lounge
Descending from the Citadel, we arrive at The Retreat, an enclave within the resort and our home throughout our stay here. The Retreat includes 144 recently redesigned rooms and suites split across four separate levels, with each Retreat level boasting its own expansive lagoon-style swimming pool, fringed by tropical foliage and serviced by attentive staff offering complimentary poolside drinks and snacks.
For those seeking the ultimate in privacy, select a villa with its own private pool to create an intimate sanctuary.
Retreat Pool
Our spacious suite is decorated in a soothing neutral palette with earthy-toned accents and comfy furnishings utilising organic fabrics, and it opens out onto a veranda furnished with sun loungers with Atlantic views, from where we savour unforgettable sunsets each evening.
The suite’s king-sized bed ensures restful nights, while our opulent marble bathroom, complete with a walk-in shower, a sunken bathtub, double vanity unit adorned with Diptyque amenities, adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Villa Club – 1 Bedroom Suite, Ocean View
The Beach Club
Each morning we head to breakfast at The Club. This cliffside dining spot is adjacent to the Retreat’s infinity pool accompanied by stunning ocean vistas across to the neighbouring island of La Gomera. Breakfast is a feast of fresh fruits, artisan cheeses, charcuterie and pastries, with made-to-order eggs from the à la carte menu.
Complimentary light lunches, snacks and drinks are also served at The Club throughout the day for Retreat guests, perfect for leisurely afternoons by the pool. We love exploring the expansive grounds on foot, while many guests hire their own gold buggy. Alternatively, just call for a shuttle-ride to any point within the resort.
The resort offers direct access to its own secluded beach, serviced by attentive staff and adorned with squishy sun loungers and oversized umbrellas offering plenty of shade. For those wishing to spend all day by the sea, there’s the Beach Club restaurant serving up fresh fish, salads and light bites. For those less inclined to take the steep winding pathway down to the beach, there’s a charming “train” service to transport guests throughout the day.
El Mirador
Families are well catered for, with numerous kids-only pools across the main hotel complex, while the award-winning Ritz-Kids Club offers activities for children aged 4-12. For a dose of wellness, we head to the Spa Abama with its thoughtfully curated menu of treatments featuring ESPA products and indigenous oils. The Roman-inspired thermal circuit is the ideal way to unwind after a day in the sun. Meanwhile, golf enthusiasts will love the resort’s pristine 18-hole championship course.
Club Lounge
The property boasts an extensive choice of nine distinct restaurants, headlined by the two Michelin-starred M.B – helmed by chef Erlantz Gorostiza – where every dish is a symphony of flavours from Catalan. For a laid-back vibe, Verde Mar offers vibrant vegetable-forward dishes, enhanced with herbs from the resort’s vertical gardens.
Diners seeking fresh seafood should pre-book at El Mirador, where oceanfront tables and cozy heaters set the scene for an unforgettable night – the salt-crusted sea bass is a stand-out. At Verona, the resort’s trattoria, the menu features wholesome comfort food, from creamy aubergine parmigiana to decadent cheese-laden pizzas and scrumptious gelato.
From sumptuous accommodation and world-class dining to family-friendly amenities and a private beach club, The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama delivers the essence of a luxurious winter escape. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Tenerife’s natural beauty, this resort is a destination to return to time and time again.
by Amanda Bernstein
The new rooms and suites are now available to book. Book via http://ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/tfsrz-the-ritz-carlton-abama
Prices start at €900 + taxes per night (approx. £750), including breakfast