Ritz-Carlton Abama, one of Tenerife’s most idyllic hotels

The pitch | Tenerife's nec plus ultra

A symbol of mass tourism, the Canaries don't always get a good press in France. A cliché far from deserved by the Ritz-Carlton Abama, a hotel in Tenerife that combines luxury with undeniable charm. Forget the Playa de Las Americas on the south coast, a symbol of urban drift, where people thought they had to import sand from the Sahara to attract sunbathers... A few kilometers is all it takes to change the world. Head for the Teide volcano nature park. At night, you can admire the stars like nowhere else in Europe. On either side of the road, red earth splashed with agaves and winged cacti, forests of Canarian pines. Here we are at the Abama, in the peaceful village of Guia de Isora. The hotel belongs to the Ritz-Carlton brand. What could be more prestigious than a Ritz-Carlton?

Let's be clear, this is no boutique hotel... On 160 hectares, it boasts 462 rooms, seven landscaped pools, a 2,500m² spa, 10 bars and restaurants including two Michelin-starred restaurants, a leisure center for adventurous children, a funicular that takes you to an exclusive beach...; lush gardens, pure ocean air and radiant sunshine. "Abundance of possessions never hurts," says the proverb, except when they're flaunted. Opulence has made its palace revolution here, and ornamentation and opulence are taboo. Luxurious, classic and glamorous, this five-star resort takes you far beyond Tenerife. It is, of course, the island's nec plus ultra.

How's the hotel?

It's impossible to miss the Abama. It rises from the landscape like a pink palace. Some see it as a finca, others as Moorish architecture inspired by the kasbahs of North Africa. The high, carmine-red walls of this citadel are home to palm trees, banana trees, eucalyptus, vast flower gardens and waterfalls. They are set back from the beach, atop a cliff, which only adds to its disproportionate character. The landscape changes from tropical to volcanic to verdant. Atlantic breezes carry an array of colorful birds. In the distance, the secret island of La Gomera, with the El Teide volcano in the background. The vast marble hall leads to a pretty terrace, ideal for a sunset. This labyrinthine fortress is divided into two parts. The asymmetrical Citadel contains most of the bedrooms. On the other side are the private villas. There are seven beautiful swimming pools, each with its own character. The jewel in the crown is the main pool, designed to reflect nature and the ocean. Chic Bali beds and butler service.

The complex is so extensive that it's easy to get lost. Numerous lounges, scattered throughout, are a welcome addition. The advantage: the Abama never feels crowded, almost like a haven of peace. If you'd like to take a dip in the ocean, a scenic walk or funicular ride takes you to a private beach in less than 10 minutes. Set in a rocky, sand-covered cove, ladders lead down to two natural pools. Find your deckchair, order a cocktail, lie back and enjoy the Canarian sunshine.

And the table?

The restaurant offer is plethoric, with no less than 7 restaurants. You'll find everything grown and fished on the island, from Argentine steaks to Japanese noodles... Chefs Erlantz Gorostiza and Martin Berasategui at M.B (two Michelin stars) offer a Hispanic-inspired journey. Korean chef Akira Back (1 star) twists Japanese cuisine with a sense of adventure and boundless creativity. El Mirador offers the best ocean views and paellas resplendent with prawns, langoustines, mussels and clams; the Beach Club seafood platters at lunchtime. There's also Verona, an Italian restaurant. At Verde Mar, vegetables are the main course, meat and fish the side dishes. Txoko, Martín Berasategui's latest restaurant, offers a taste of the past: small plates of Cantabrian anchovies, smoked cod and candied red bell pepper, raw and salted fish and seafood, patatas bravas....

And the bedrooms?

462 accommodations and three room categories in the Ciudadela's main building, the Citadel: deluxe rooms (the largest standard rooms in Tenerife), junior suites and one-bedroom suites. There's little difference, apart from size. The rooms are fresh, the furniture contemporary, the lighting elegant. Neutral tones recall sand and stone. Bay windows fill the rooms with natural light. All have private balconies or terraces to make the most of the Atlantic or tropical gardens. Lounge area, marble bathroom and deep soaking tub.

The room to book?

For the ultimate premium experience, and a little more seclusion, the Villa Club is a "hotel within a hotel", a boutique hotel with 144 two-storey "casitas", a large adults-only infinity pool and semi-private pools (in your villa's driveway). Complimentary soft drinks, Canarian wine and snacks are served throughout the day. Our favorite is The Ritz Penthouse, with its two bedrooms, private Jacuzzi and view.

What makes the difference?

Seven swimming pools, a private beach of golden sand, a 2,500 m² spa, an 18-hole golf course, seven tennis courts and as many restaurants to delight gourmets... The Ritz-Carlton Abama is ideal for exploring the Canaries' largest island, discovering its biodiversity, its UNESCO sites and the whales that populate its waters. The purity of the sky invites travellers to spend their evenings with their heads in the stars.

Things to remember

Amidst towering palms, eucalyptus trees and meditative botanical gardens, the Ritz-Carlton Abama with its high red walls offers lush sensory delights. Choose from gentle waves where dolphins play, Atlantic breezes carrying parasailing, spa-inspired treatments and a plethora of tables to match.

5 things we loved about The Ritz-Carlton Abama

• The Moorish architecture, the lush gardens, the radiant sunshine and pure ocean air, the warm, romantic atmosphere. Tenerife enjoys a mild climate, both in winter (17-18°C) and summer (24-25°C),
• Enjoy a glass of barraquito, the local drink made from condensed milk, coffee, cinnamon and lemon, or the distinctive white Malvasia that once made the island's fortune, by one of the pools,
• Golf lovers beware! The hotel offers private access to one of Spain's most renowned golf courses, designed by golf legend Dave Thomas,
• The peaceful Abama beach, in a small rocky cove, leads to crystal-clear blue waters. It's an ideal place to relax, with views over the island of La Gomera. The sand is soft and golden. An intimate must, rare on the island,
• To soothe mind and body, the spa's wellness experience: herbal steam bath, "World of Showers" to stimulate the senses, Earth, Wind and Fire massage to regenerate the skin, blissful sauna, hydrotherapy pool, Turkish hammam, cold deep pool, relaxation lounge, garden with yoga pavilion... Local influences and indigenous ingredients.