Hotel Sensimar Los Gigantes

It’s all about the views at the upscale Hotel Los Gigantes. The hotel’s two restaurants, many of its rooms, the pools, the spa, and even the lobby have been designed to make the most out of the serene surroundings, dominated by the ocean on one side and the impressive Los Gigantes cliffs on the other. Floor-to-ceiling windows in common spaces and rooms bring the outdoors in, making them bright and appealing. Add fresh, contemporary all-white decor throughout with a couple pops of color plus stylish large-scale art, and you have an attractive property in a beautiful, natural setting. With an adult-only policy, a spa, a relatively quiet location away from the main tourist areas, and contemporary rooms, this property draws couples year-round. The mostly white decor is enhanced by large scale contemporary art, bringing a stylish finish to an inviting property. 

Los Gigantes is located on a one-way street in Acantilados de Los Gigantes, a small oceanfront community in western Tenerife. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops nearby, and the town’s harbor is just a short walk away. The area is known for its striking cliffs (acantilados in Spanish) and rocky landscape, which make this part of the island a little bit more remote than other areas, especially those in the south. That is not to say there’s no scene here, but it is more geared towards couples seeking relaxation and those interested in scuba diving and snorkeling than to travelers looking to party the night away. The nearest beach is a 10-minute drive away, and Tenerife Sur airport is 45 minutes away.

The hotel offers 220 rooms and five suites, all featuring identical all-white, minimalist decor with a couple of pops of red, colorful large-scale artwork above the bed, and laminate floors. Flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and electric kettles are all standard amenities; suites feature separate living areas, jetted tubs, and walk-in showers. Rooms have either mountain or ocean views, but guests can get at least a partial glimpse of the sea and the cliffs from most furnished balconies. Most rooms have spotless but older-looking bathrooms with light brown tiling on floors and walls, and dated fittings. However, renovated bathrooms are stylish and modern, with frosted glass walls, white round sinks over black counters, and walk-in showers with rain showerheads. There are pesky fees for use of the in-room safe and for Wi-Fi.

For those who want to stay active during their trip, the hotel features tennis, squash, and badminton courts, as well as a small (but basic) fitness center with an aerobics section. There are plenty of restaurants and bars within a couple of blocks from the property, but those who prefer to eat on-site can check out the buffet restaurant, featuring gorgeous ocean and cliff views. There is a second restaurant on-site, but guests are only allowed to dine here once per stay, and it usually gets mixed reviews. The hotel also offers a small spa with floor-to-ceiling windows and a hydrotherapy area; free on-site parking; and two bars -- but the highlight here are the pools. The main one is large and pleasant, with lots of loungers around it, a bar with outdoor seating, and expansive ocean views. The other one is smaller, and features salt water and beautiful cliff and ocean views. Wi-Fi is available throughout for a fee.