TENERIFE
TENERIFE
This Spanish island is home to one of our remote office locations and is somewhere we frequent quite often when in need of some downtime. Stepping beyond its touristy reputation, you will come to find that Tenerife is truly an island of cultured and civilised diversity. The list of experiences to be had here is endless from volcano tours to snowy mountains to our personal favourite: the annual Carnival celebration, which is second only to Rio. The island's chilled out vibe and unbelievable Spanish cuisine has us making trips multiple times a year and with a flight just 3.5 hours from London, it is our perfect weekend getaway. This is always a trip we can't wait for and our hearts break just a little every time we have to leave. Each place in this guide has a little piece of our heart.
We hope you enjoy it,
K, R & D x
WHERE TO GO:
La Laguna Tapas Crawl
The traditional, bustling La Laguna neighbourhood in Tenerife is known for its many tapas bars and restaurants. One can enjoy bar hopping from spot to spot any day of the week and discover culinary traditions, fascinating history and gastronomic delights. La Laguna is arguably the most beautiful town in Tenerife with its pre-colonial monuments, cobbled plazas and colourful homes.
Open Air Spa at El Bahia del Duque
Av. de Bruselas, s/n, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain | +34 922 74 69 00
Dubbed as the most beautiful hotel in Tenerife, it´s open-air spa is one to not miss out on. The treatments are outstanding and even the general Thermal Circuit is excellent. After a massage we like to go to the beach restaurant and have Arroz Negro con Tinto de Calamar (Black Rice in Squid Ink).
Jet skiing is very typical of beach holidays; however, doing it in Los Gigantes takes the whole experience to another level entirely. The views of the Los Gigantes Cliffs are breathtaking and photographers dream especially at sunset when the setting sun’s rays bathe the cliffs in a golden glow and fill the skies with a myriad of spectacular colours.
WHERE TO STAY:
El Bahia del Duque
Av. de Bruselas, s/n, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain | +34 922 74 69 00
Located on the south of the island, this hotel is not only beautiful but is an extremely popular choice for the locals that weekend in the south. Its vast open spaces, outdoor spa, private beach and new Japanese Michelin Star restaurant, Sensu Kazan, make it the perfect place to relax and unwind. You'll never want to leave this hotel!
Carretera General Del Sur TF-47, km 9, 38687 Guia de Isora Tenerife, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain | +34 922 12 60 00
The largest hotel in Tenerife and similarly located in the south of the island however in the more remote part of the island, Guia de Isora. This hotel houses 2 Michelin Star restaurants, M.B by Martin Berasategui (Spanish cuisine) and Kabuki (Japanese cuisine) and is a favourite amongst celebrities such as Penelope Cruz and Bill Clinton.
Calle Dr. Jose Naveiras, 38, 38004 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain | +34 922 60 99 00
Located in the capital of the island, Santa Cruz, this hotel is a great option for those really wanting to experience local Canarian life and cuisine. Just moments away from some of Santa Cruz's best spanish tascas, this hotel is the perfect location for someone who is looking to enjoy good wine and great food.
WHERE TO EAT:
Paseo Milicias de Garachico 1, Local 5, 38001, Santa Cruz de Tenerife | +34 922 24 55 98
This Michelin Star Japanese restaurant is arguably the best sushi on the island. Must-orders include the Rodri Maki Roll which combines flambé salmon, lime zest and a spicy mayonnaise and the Tuna Tartare with Canadian Potato crisps.
Las Aguas
Calle La Destila 20, Sn Juan La Rambla, 38429, Tenerife | +34 922 36 04 28
The breathtaking drive en route to this little gem of a place is so beautiful. With views of the coast on one side and the mountains on the other, it makes the 40 minute drive from Santa Cruz all the more worth it. The place boasts a stunning view of the pebbled beach and serves the best ´soupy rice´we have ever tried. A must-order is the Marismeño Arroz Caldoso seafood paella topped with Spanish Jamon Serrano).
Calle Callao Hondo 22, 38588, San Miguel de Tajao | +34 922 17 11 76
Situated in the south of the island, this place is for seafood lovers. For the best catch of the day it is important you arrive before 3pm as the lobster and tiger prawns sell out very fast. The must-orders on the menu are The Lobster Rice, this is outstanding. The Lobster Spaghetti is also excellent.
Rambla de Santa Cruz, 56, 38004, Santa Cruz de Tenerife | +34 922 24 13 67
This local tasca is perfect for a chilled evening with some red wine and Spanish ham and cheese. It tends to get crowded from 8pm and there are no reservations. A must-order is their Almejas a la Marinera (mussels in a garlic and white wine sauce).