Iberostar Grand El Mirador

With its unique architectural style and its almost 237,000 square feet of manicured gardens, El Mirador is unlike any other hotel in Costa Adeje. The property is quiet and luxurious, with top-notch services such as free drinks by the pool, valets, and butlers, and even linen menus, a rarity in the Canary Islands. Several pale pink Moorish Revival-style buildings house 120 rooms, which makes the property intimate by Tenerife standards. Around the serene,10,800-square-foot pool is a separate building in neo-Roman style, with a wealth of arches and columns, and an airy restaurant with billowy curtains and a round veranda overlooking the pool and the ocean. Above the main pool and the restaurant is the VIP area, complete with a large sun deck with a private pool for Club guests, and free healthy snacks. Room decor is tasteful and upscale, with a few Moorish-inspired touches and canopy beds. While this ornate style has been praised by many guests, others find the architectural style a little overdone.

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 short walk from the main entrance.

Decorated in pale earth tones -- off-white, light brown, and stone -- the hotel’s rooms (all suites) are split into two service tiers: standard and VIP. All rooms are elegant and romantic, with canopy beds, Moorish-inspired touches such as lamps and latticework, and a few beachy details, including wicker armchairs and tiled floors. The entry-level category, the Junior Suite, starts at 38 square meters (409 square feet). Flat-screen TVs, walk-in closets, slippers and robes, free Wi-Fi, and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries are all standard amenities. VIP guests, however, get a few extra in-room perks, including linen and pillow menus, and DVD players (movies available upon request). Natural stone bathrooms have separate soaking showers and tubs, double sinks, and a separate WC. Terraces are probably the best selling point of these rooms: large, sunny, furnished with padded wicker armchairs and coffee tables, and (most) offering panoramic ocean views (the most basic Junior Suite may not have an ocean view, or only a partial ocean view). Two bottles of water are offered free of charge daily, but there are no in-room coffeemakers. Also, note that there are a couple of  bars playing loud music until midnight most days across the street, so light sleepers may want to request a room overlooking the grounds instead of the street.

The part of the property closest to the beach is taken by the two-tiered, heated, 10,800-square-foot pool, decorated with natural rocks and tropical plants. Padded loungers are available all around the perimeter of the pool, but the staff will move the loungers to their favorite spot in the property upon request. Poolside drinks and food are available throughout the day, and free refreshments are passed around daily around noon. Those looking to enjoy alfresco dining in a serene spot may want to head to La Pérgola, featuring a round, airy veranda overlooking the pool. The other two dining options are a buffet and a gourmet restaurant serving up Canarian cuisine with a modern twist; rates typically include breakfast or breakfast and dinner. Those who want to stay active during their vacation can get a full workout at the small but well-equipped fitness center, or play a squash match in the indoor court, and those looking to get pampered can book a treatment at the luxurious spa, complete with a hydrotherapy area. Free parking and free Wi-Fi are also available.VIP guests get a few additional privileges, including free access to a private deck featuring a lovely pool, panoramic ocean views, comfortable cabanas, and an "open bar" of fruits, sodas, coffee, tea and water. VIP guests also get free access to the spa, and a number of in-room perks.