Chayofa Country Club

While drives or bus rides are required to reach Tenerife's popular strips of sand, Chayofa Country Club offers a more subdued, relaxing setting for vacationers. Trellises supporting cascading bougainvillea frame neat stone paths, and classy awnings shade spacious outdoor terraces. The hotel's white-painted buildings center around a freeform outdoor pool (unheated), and loungers and parasols here are plentiful. Unlike most rooms, the lobby is contemporary, outfitted in marble, with sofas in sophisticated stripes and red throw pillows. The mostly British crowd of families and older couples get on well with U.K. expat owners Jason and Sarah. It's worth mentioning that check-out is early (10 a.m. during our stay).

The hotel's remote location has its pros. Crowds at Tenerife's party capital, Las Americas, are well-removed, though the property is only a 10-minute drive from the town's beach strip. Oceanfront Los Cristianos is the same distance. A bus to both stops just outside the hotel. Chayofa is a 10-minute walk, which has a few restaurants and a supermarket, plus a camel park is the same distance. It's a 20-minute walk to the charming village of La Camella with authentic tapas bars. In the upscale town of Costa Adeje, Siam Water Park and Mall are a six-minute drive, and beaches here are lovely. Tenerife Tennis Academy is adjacent to the hotel. The property collaborates with Irish pub, The Tree House, which is eight minutes on foot. Tenerife South Airport is a 17-minute drive.

Studios and Apartments are largely dated, though some Premiums rooms were renovated with more modern and attractive furnishings. Palettes vary, but the older units mostly have old-fashioned wood and wicker furniture, white tile floors, and drab linens and upholstery in beiges and forest greens. Premium rooms have more modern wood furniture, marble floors, gold accents, and contemporary artwork. Armchairs and dining areas offer ample living space, and sofa beds increase sleeping capacity. All have kitchens with electronic stovetops, ovens, kettles, microwaves, and fridges, plus toasters, coffeemakers, and kitchenware. Some have dishwashers. While fresher units have flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning, older rooms have tube-style TVs and ceiling fans only. Bathrooms likewise vary, but they're clean and outfitted with shower/tub combos, bidets, and hairdryers. Note that housekeeping is twice-weekly. All rooms have private balconies with tables and chairs, although these are plastic in some. Villas are the most impressive option, featuring three bedrooms, jetted bathtubs, private pools, washer/dryers, and patios with barbecue grills. Unlike other rooms, they offer free Wi-Fi. All rooms can be fitted with cribs, and have phones and ironing facilities. There's a fee for safes. 

The highlight here is a freeform outdoor pool (unheated) with a shallow kiddy section and an adjacent whirlpool. A surrounding grass deck is topped with loungers and umbrellas. A dining terrace with white-canopied wrought-iron gazebos, a fountain, and terra-cotta planters reflect the restaurant's Mediterranean menu. The buffet breakfast offers cooked and continental options, but guests find it pricey for the offerings. 5 Sports Bar's stools and pool table give it an American vibe, but floral drapes feel dated around loud-painted reds and yellows. Happy Hour occurs twice each day, and poolside pina coladas are popular. Karaoke and quiz nights liven up evenings, although nearby rooms suffer the consequences. An adjacent soft play area is colorful, and great for little ones. The on-site mini-market sells groceries and fresh bread, but hours are limited. Expect a similar deal at the front desk, which isn't 24-hour, but key cards and instructions are provided for late arrivals. A lobby guest computer is free to use. Wi-Fi is only free in common areas, and parking is free.