The Ritz-Carlton, Abama

The Ritz-Carlton is a large coastal resort in a coral-colored building with luxurious interiors and exteriors, set on the side of a volcano overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Guests are welcomed with a palm-tree lined entrance leading into a grand lobby with marble flooring, over-the-top flower arrangements and plants, and an open-plan layout. Outside areas feature lush gardens with ponds, palm trees, and green lawns throughout. Many rooms have views of the beautifully kept golf course. The swimming pools are spread throughout the resort. Each of the restaurants and bars feature an individual design and atmosphere; many require formal evening attire. The spa has a soothing atmosphere with classy chic decor in each of the 10 treatment rooms and the indoor pool. With the numerous kid-friendly features on offer this hotel is popular among family travelers, though the large property and more adult features (including adult-only pool, spa, and golf course) make for plenty of quiet kid-free havens for couples looking to relax. Just about the only complaint here is occasional crowding at breakfast. 

The Ritz-Carlton is situated on the side of a volcano in the secluded enclave of Guia de Isora, overlooking the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. The hotel has access to an exclusive beach via a funicular, otherwise Playa de Abama is a 16-minute walk from the hotel. There's not much else within walking distance. It's an hour's drive to Mount Teide volcano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historical towns of Garachico, La Laguna, and La Orotava are a 42-minute, hour, and hour-and-a-half drive from the hotel respectively. The islands' capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is an hour-and-a-half drive from the hotel. It's a 30-minute drive to Tenerife South Airport and an hour-and-a-half drive to Tenerife North Airport. Due to the hotel's isolated location it's best to rent a car, rather than relying on taxis, for exploring the island.

The 461 rooms, suites, and villas at The Ritz-Carlton are modern with a touch of classic Spanish decor. Rooms are kept bright with floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening up onto a private furnished balcony. Lightly-colored tiled flooring and neutral colored interiors keep decor modern and sophisticated, with hints of Spanish character in the artwork and light fittings. All units include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, telephones, safes, tea- and- coffee-making facilities (including Nespresso machines), docking stations, and free Wi-Fi. The Ritz-Carlton Suite and Royal Suite both include private hot tubs while the Imperial Suite includes both hot tubs and a private heated swimming pool. Bathrooms include marble countertops and a tub, walk-in shower, hairdryer, magnifying mirror, and Asprey toiletries. Bathrobes and slippers are provided. Rooms overlook either the garden, golf course, or ocean. 

Luxury features are designed so that guests aren't required to leave the resort to golf, swim, eat, or work out. Seven swimming pools span across the grounds and include one adult-only pool. There's also direct access to an exclusive beach, with two natural pools, via the hotel's funicular. The 10 on-site restaurants  cater for every palate, each specializing in a different cuisine including seafood, steak, Italian, Spanish, and light meals. M.B, specializing in Basque cuisine, holds two Michelin stars and Abama Kabuk, specializing in Japanese cuisine, has one Michelin star. A free and expansive buffet breakfast is served each morning in La Veranda. There are also three bars: Sports Bar, Cubanika, and Lobby Bar. Some of the restaurants require a formal dress code. Room service is available 24 hours, for those who don't feel like dressing up for dinner.The spa includes 10 treatment rooms and a hydrotherapy pool with a variety of relaxation and beauty treatments available. Guests can access the fitness center 24 hours a day. The space includes spinning bikes and a Kinesis Wall. Personal trainers are available for an additional fee, as are tai chi, fly yoga, and beach stretching. The Annabel Croft Tennis Academy has taken residency at the hotel's high-class tennis facility. The space includes seven tennis courts and four paddle courts. There's also an 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course. Ten meeting rooms in various sizes are available, including event services and programs on offer. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Kids are entertained with the Ritz Kids' daily entertainment program. Free parking is available.