Los Olivos Beach Resort

Resorts in Tenerife often mean navigating screaming children. More geared to adults, the most you'll have to navigate here are the property's many steps and slopes -- without the help of elevators. Rooms are underwhelming, but smart common areas are outfitted in nice marbles, plush seating, and outdoor wicker furniture. The Beach Club is popular, and the drape-enclosed daybeds provide an intimate space, and likewise at the pool and rooftop terrace. Facilities are shared with the adjacent hotel, which widens the range of amenities, but equally means longer walks. With the main buzz out on the beach, expect a quiet vibe around the pools. Sunbathers find themselves well-catered to, although early risers reserve loungers in peak season. Most guests are couples, although you'll see the odd family at the kids' pool. 

The hotel is central to Tenerife's upmarket Costa Adeje resort, and sits on Playa de Fanabe. Restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops surround it. While lively, it isn't the party scene that attracts revelers at Playa de las Americas, an eight-minute drive away (or 27-minute bus ride). Fanabe's white sands stretch a good distance, and 15-minute walks South leads to Torviscas Beach. Plaza del Duque's upscale boutiques are a 10-minute walk, and a supermarket is half that. The Isla Bonita bus stop is a five-minute walk, and good for farther destinations. Three golf courses are within a 10-minute drive. Underground parking is a block away. It's expensive, but often the only option in summer, when street parking fills up. Tenerife South Airport is a 17-minute drive, or one hour by public transport.

Rooms lack character, but have all the essentials, and are clean. Junior suites and one-bedroom apartments are available, the latter of which come in Silver and upgraded Gold categories. Entry-level decor consists of drab whites and beiges, while higher-category rooms have more character with ocean blues and panel artwork. Simple beds have adjacent phones and sconce lighting, separated by living areas with wicker panels that don't quite reach the ceilings. Sofas and coffee tables sit opposite flat-screen TVs, while apartments add full dining areas. All have sleek kitchenettes with stoves, ovens, microwaves, mini-fridges, electric kettles, and toasters, plus dishes and cookware. No cloths or dish soap are provided. Views from small furnished balconies can offer sea glimpses, but those facing buildings aren't unpleasant. Gold perks include AC and an additional rooftop terrace with loungers. Compact bathrooms are basic: Shower/tub combos have plastic curtains and basic toiletries are provided. Deposits are required for hairdryers, and towels are changed during twice-weekly housekeeping. Ironing facilities, crib fittings, and Wi-Fi are free, but there's a charge for safes. 

Canopied daybeds are romantic and dot the sand at the hotel's beach club. All-inclusive guests have free Beach Club access, with discounts for other guests. The property's a la carte restaurant and bar delivers to loungers. Palm trees and sunbeds surround the freeform outdoor pool, and the kids' pool has a colorful play spot with a waterslide. Poolside drinks at Al Fresco get busier during happy hour and evening entertainment. The Lobby Bar is less exciting, although an outdoor courtyard here is smartly outfitted with block furniture and circular raised sofas. El Jardin's metallic leaf motifs echo its "garden" name, but the room is dated. The buffet selection is decent, but guests find the quality poor. Breakfast can be included in the rate; it offers scrambled eggs and bacon, but continental options here are stronger. The communal rooftop terrace is yet again decked out with Balinese loungers, although umbrellas here wouldn't go amiss. Fitness and wellness facilities can be accessed at the sister hotel, free of charge. Wi-Fi is free throughout.