Bahia del Duque

Housed in several neocolonial buildings built amid hundreds of square feet of lush tropical grounds, Gran Hotel Bahía del Duque is one of the largest resorts in this part of Tenerife. The entrance to the main reception area is marked with a glass pyramid, not unlike the Louvre. Decor in the common areas is warm and romantic, overloaded with tropical plants, wicker and wood furniture, terra-cotta tiles, and wrought-iron embellishments. Street lamps, Spanish plaza-style fountains, and a liberal use of columns add to the grandeur. The extended grounds comfortably houses four pools, on-site sports, even an astronomical observatory. Guests here are mostly families, but the romantic vibe and luxurious amenities makes it a good pick for couples as well.

The resort is located directly on Playa del Duque, one of Costa Adeje’s best beaches. The area is mostly residential, but restaurants, shops, and bars can be found within a few blocks, and there are a couple of large shopping malls within walking distance. Guests looking to explore other beaches can take a cab or drive to Las Américas, Los Cristianos, or La Caleta, all less than a 15-minute drive away. And those who prefer to use public transportation can take a bus to all of the area’s main beaches. Famous Fañabé Beach -- known for its dark sand -- can be reached by strolling along the boardwalk. And Tenerife Sur Airport can be reached by car in 20 minutes, and by bus in about an hour. There's a bus stop a five-minute walk from the main entrance.

Awash in pale, seascape colors -- seagrass green, taupe, and clamshell gray -- the rooms evoke a subtle beach-y vibe that’s emphasized all the more with tiled floors, touches of wicker, and dark-wood ceiling fans. All rooms are sizable with king-size beds and furnished balconies or terraces. But despite the size and solid amenities, some standard Double Rooms feel a little basic and at times unfashionable (the dirty tile grout doesn't help matters). Larger Suites and two-bedroom Family Suites with separate living rooms are also available. Bathrooms outfitted in white marble include Acqua di Parma toiletries, robes, and slippers. The rooms in Casas Ducales are in a separate section of the resort and have a few extra perks, including private check-in, free cava service at noon, and butler service. The hotel’s most luxurious units, however, are the Villas. These multi-room units are the most tastefully decorated with canopy beds and roll-arm benches. Thoughtful extras include free minibar drinks and Nespresso coffeemakers. And each villa also has large terraces with their own private pools.

One of the most enticing features here is the immense spa, housed in a separate building with an outdoor hammam, cabanas, and 20 treatment rooms. But the hammam is just the beginning when it comes to the resort's water features, which includes four free-form pools that undulate around gazebos, footbridges, loads of tropical plants, loungers, and multiple bars. There are eight on-site dining options to choose from, including Italian, Spanish, Thai, and French cuisine. They’re all good but pricey, and most offer outdoor seating. Guests looking to stay active while on vacation don't have to settle for simply swimming as Pilates and yoga classes, tennis, paddle tennis, squash, mini-golf, even ping pong are on offer. Yacht day trips can be booked at reception, and the beach can be accessed directly from the property. The kids’ club features daily activities and an area for teens with a PlayStation, board games, and a foosball table. Kids -- and adults -- can also get an education at the on-site astronomical observatory that hosts guided star-gazing nights.

A terra-cotta-colored gate on resort grounds leads out to the Playa del Duque, a wide swath of white sand dotted with blue-and-white cabanas, thatch umbrellas, and white lounge chairs looking out on unobstructed ocean waves. A small wooden boardwalk leads back to the resort. Beachgoers can also stroll the paved ocean walkway, lit by wrought-iron street lamps at night.