The best hotels in Tenerife

Couples and other mature travellers more interested in relaxed dinners out than raucous nightclubbing should head to this 124-suite beachfront hotel that only allows guests aged 16 and up. Situated in refined Adeje, this spot pays homage to the Moors with architecture and grounds (dominated by a sprawling pool) that open the resort up to an unspoilt beach. Those seeking retail therapy to complement their in-resort spa treatments can make the ten-minute walk to Centro Comercial Plaza del Duque for upmarket threads.

One of the biggest brands in luxury hotels lives up to its reputation with this Moorish-inspired stunner in Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s well-preserved Guía de Isora. Restaurants include two haute options, MB and Kabuki, with three Michelin stars between them. Guests also praise the more casual poolside options (don’t miss the fish tacos). Harried parents can indulge in a spa with numerous treatment rooms, while their tykes enjoy the Ritz Kids programme. The whole family will get a kick out of the funicular ride down to the waves. Golfers should book tee times in advance at Abama Golf, a five-minute drive away.

Truly get away from it all in the tranquil surrounds of Hotel Botanico and its Oriental Spa Garden. All guests aged 16 and over get unlimited access to the spa during their stay. Or relax by one of the three outdoor pools, stroll through the verdant, tropical gardens, or admire the view from your room, all of which look out onto either the ocean, mountains or gardens. There are four restaurants, a cocltail bar, and the beach is only an eight-minute walk.

Book in advance to get some serious bang for your buck in this crash pad housed in a building that dates back to 1776 in historic La Laguna. Even the farmhouse-meets-greenhouse lobby atrium is a draw. A 22-metre rooftop pool lets you cool off while absorbing some impressive bird’s-eye views. Those willing to shell out for the 76-square-metre Royal Suite can get wet while enjoying a whirlpool hydromassage. Plus enjoy traditional Canarian treats at El Grandioso restaurant or East Asian fare at Malaka.

Despite encroaching development, the petite enclave of La Caleta remains at a comfortable distance from the hubbub of more established tourist draws and should appeal to nature lovers. This lodging doubles down on serenity with a focus on private villas, many of them equipped with their own jacuzzis and small pools. Still, guests rave about the cleanliness of the private and public facilities, among them three pools, one of which is reserved for children. Their restaurant, La Torre, keeps a strict focus on Canarian cuisine for those looking to keep it authentic.

Fancy a spot of fantasy? Book a room Bahia Principe's Fantasia Tenerife. This dreamlike resort will thrill kids and big kids alike. A plethora of pools (some with slides) surround a Disney-like castle, which towers over the ocean. There are four restaurants, boasting Italian, Japanese and steak, plus international fare in the fun-fuelled Dreams Fair beside the pool, which is dressed with candy cane pillars and turns into a circus, with fairground stalls and toffee apples at night. Rooms are classy and decked in neutral tones, unless of course, you plump for a room in the castle, which is unsurprisingly full of eccentric patterns, shapes and colours.

Despite being situated in the teeming Playa de las Américas, amenities including a private beach, secluded tennis courts, heated pool and subterranean piano bar, lend a luxurious touch to this Mexican-themed hotel. Make sure to try a cocktail at Chiringuito as you admire the ocean, take a culinary journey through the seven restaurants or simply kick back in rooms noted for their spaciousness and, in some cases, ample balconies. Quirky charms include Brauhaus, a pleasantly incongruous Bavarian beer hall, and Mexican artworks dispersed throughout. If you’re craving crowds, you can step outside and enjoy offerings from the Golden Mile.

The rust-toned exterior catches the eye, but design buffs will really dig the spiffy furniture courtesy of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and other masters. The 20 chic rooms painted in soothing reds and blues ring a lovely courtyard, featuring a pool that you can dine alongside in the evenings. The location in charming and historic Garachico allows for convenient canoeing, fishing and diving options at an additional fee. The coffee here is a standout, should you need any more incentive to get out of bed. There's a jacuzzi in every room. And a solarium naturally lets you soak up the daylight in peace. Young children aren’t allowed, but pets are.

It may be a hike from Tenerife’s nightlife and dining hubs, but the Hard Rock is really a small city unto itself, with a kinetic rhythm (set to a ubiquitous musical soundtrack, of course) that will keep guests and revellers humming. Families will likely opt for the Oasis Tower, while singles looking for a more heavy metal holiday will (maybe) sleep in the Nirvana Tower before hitting up a daytime Lagoon Party. There are ten restaurant and bar options, but The 16th rooftop bar, with its panoramic vistas, is the one most likely to have visitors rising to their feet and demanding an encore.

An opulent choice in stylish Adeje, Bahia del Duque achieves a lagoon-like vibe with its bountiful outdoor pool space – you’ll count a whopping five swimming holes – and flora covering the grounds built into an alluring hillside. Should your older kids get bored, there’s not only a teen lounge in the complex, but a short drive away you'll hit the wildly popular Siam Park, an over-the-top, Thai-themed water slide mecca. More adult liquid attractions abound in the hotel’s numerous bar areas.

If you spend your year fidgeting in anticipation of the Tour de France, pedal fast to La Casona’s old-world yet comfortable digs in a pastoral setting. This spot caters to active types who don’t consider a holiday an excuse to stray from their fitness routines. The neighbouring Teide National Park offers an embarrassment of hiking and biking options. The hotel is a waking dream for serious cyclists, with a conditioning room, a bike washing area, and a rental service leasing out Cannondales, Treks and Pinarellos. There’s even an option to follow a cycler’s diet if you eat at the hotel, which many guests do via the half-board option.

You don’t get much more boutique than this. With just four suites in an 18th-century structure, this is the ideal lodging for value-minded travellers wary of Tenerife’s more extravagant offerings. What’s more, it’s located in La Laguna, the former capital of Tenerife that now enjoys cachet among history buffs as a World UNESCO Heritage Site. Nearby sights to check out include the 516-year-old Iglesia de la Concepción (Basilica of the Immaculate Conception) and the peaceful Plaza del Adelantado. Students from the University of La Laguna ensure that a youthful energy remains among the classic hits.