Five stars don’t have to imply imposing facades and legions of stiff-collared staff. When it comes to luxury hotels in Tenerife, both the finesse of shiny shoes and barefoot seclusion fall in the country’s lap. You can relax in the subtropical gardens in the hills of the lush north, be pampered by the award-winning wellness facilities in Puerto de la Cruz, and hang out around private pools in the higher reaches of the Costa Adeje inns in the sunny south. Here’s our pick of the best five-star hotels in Tenerife, from large resorts to opulent boutique hotels in areas like Costa Adeje and Puerto de la Cruz.
How we assess
Each hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, usually hosted free of charge. They stay at least one night, test at least one meal and try other experiences the hotel may have to offer.
The best five-star hotels in Tenerife at a glance
Set on a hill overlooking the golf courses and ocean, this 50-villa hotel combines Greco design, luxurious jungle lodge décor and an elegant Riviera atmosphere. Add to that the swimming terraces, private pools or communal lagoons, plus impeccable attention to detail, and you understand why this property is among the best on the island. This is not a hotel for running from one facility to another. Just like the atmosphere, the choice is reserved. A rooftop infinity pool offers spectacular views of the mountains and coastline to the south. Below this are the main pool area and restaurants, plus a terrace bar with glass fire pits on the tables. There is also a gym and spa offering massages and beauty treatments, in addition to a steam room, water beds and a Romanesque thalassotherapy pool.
This pink palace stands out for its Moorish style and adjacent championship golf course. The facilities are extensive and there is plenty to do, with extensive spa and fitness facilities, four swimming pools, a beach and a tennis academy. The resort also has no fewer than eight restaurants, including one with two Michelin stars. The south of Tenerife has a drier landscape and is more touristy than the north, but this is a peaceful place far from the hustle and bustle – with extensive lush gardens and plenty of tropical greenery to admire. The standard rooms are among the largest in Tenerife and feel very spacious and comfortable, with very private balconies and large marble bathrooms.
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Modeled as a 19th-century Spanish colonial village, this is one of the best five-star resorts in Tenerife. It is said to represent an architectural monument in Spanish territory. This nod to national pride is reflected in the design of the rooms and in various restaurant menus. For the active, there are tennis courts, five outdoor pools, a 24-hour gym and plenty of organized activities, while junior guests have a kids’ club, splash zones and plenty of sand equipment on their doorstep. However, not all facilities require energy. There is a full-service spa, an observatory and scenic paths through beautiful mature gardens. Service is great.
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One of the most beautiful five-star hotels in Costa Adeje. Unless you were born into a palatial environment, you will undoubtedly be impressed by the level of luxury in the Royal Garden villas, each with private pools and scenic views. As befits these lush cocoons of serenity, you are left to your own devices by the staff, save for chocolate deliveries at nightly turndowns and efficient, friendly interactions in the restaurant. In addition to the private swimming areas, a communal infinity pool flows in front of the palm-shaded reception area and laps at a beach hut-style bar. There’s also a sultry spa, plus a gym and squash court for those who can’t succumb to total inertia.
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This haven of goodness is aptly located opposite the beautiful Botanical Gardens, in a residential area, a mile above a black sand beach on the Puerto de la Cruz coastline. There’s a distinct sense of Monte Carlo in its heyday: dry martinis are sipped around the pool, black swans swim in a beautiful, shaded garden pond, an exotic spa has a touch of James Bond, and deep carpets line both hallways and bedrooms. Amid the Western finery, exotic hints of the owners’ close relationship with Thailand’s royal family line the hallways and marble lobby. The service is also charmingly old-fashioned, starring white-coated waiters and neatly dressed reception staff.
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This is a much more cosmopolitan hotel, opposite the greenery of the García Sanabria urban park on the northeastern edge of Santa Cruz. But that doesn’t mean the usual holiday needs can’t be met; The palm-studded beach of Las Teresitas is just five miles away on the free shuttle, and the stunningly photogenic Adán Martín Auditorium is three miles away, on the ocean. The stiff, formal facade and polished marble lobby of the Grand Hotel Mencey hide a softer heart of garden lawns, trickling stone fountains and picturesque wooden balconies. Exceptional dining is the proverbial icing on the cake, and there’s an outdoor pool, gym, spa, casino and paddle courts.
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A tranquil, adults-oriented enclave in the beautiful oceanfront gardens of the Gran Meliá Palacio Isora hotel. Expect exclusive dining, a poolside concierge and 24-hour butler service, as well as unparalleled service and an open bar with sunset views with complimentary drinks and snacks. With super-deep mattresses on two-metre-wide beds, plus heavy mahogany furniture and colorful upholstery patterned with rich metallic threads, the 90 Red Level rooms are opulent without being ostentatious. The luxurious bathrooms feature Clarins toiletries and a square-head rain shower. Most rooms have a balcony overlooking the garden or resort, but for a few pounds more you get direct ocean views and hot tubs on the terrace.
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This family-friendly property rises like a sleek ocean liner at the back of the fishing village of La Caleta, a four-minute walk from the black-sand beach of La Enramada and a ten-minute walk from Los Lagos golf course. Although the exterior is minimalist, the heart of the hotel is anything but. Concrete and glass walkways take you to a cavernous three-story lobby, carved into volcanic rock, illuminated by mood lighting and projected images. As first impressions go, it’s quite impressive. The modern rooms feature fully equipped kitchens, living rooms and gigantic ocean-view terraces, many with private pools and sun terraces. Two Michelin star restaurants add the proverbial icing.
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There are only a handful of luxury hotels with an almost perfect location in Tenerife, and this is one of them. The palatial adults-only suite location overlooks one of the most beautiful beaches in the south. Neat, manicured gardens compete for attention, with a beautiful Arabesque swimming pool bordering the terraces of columned restaurants, and it’s a 20-minute stroll along the ocean to the waterfront restaurants of the fishing village of La Caleta. There is no subtle sign of luxury here, it is visible everywhere, with starched linen, colonnaded arches and Moorish towers. An exclusive VIP rooftop area contains a separate swimming pool and spacious terraces dotted with Balinese-style beds.
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Pretty alcoves, tranquil lounges and Spanish-language splendor abound at this adults-only boutique spa hotel. The main buildings are centered around a large, open courtyard, while swimming pools, terraces and subtropical gardens run along the hillside overlooking the ocean. The elegant blend of history and contemporary design in a secluded, dramatic setting provides a haven of luxury for those wishing to explore the quieter side of Tenerife. Quality, space and comfort are the most important elements of the rooms; the ‘Level’ rooms offer access to private terraces, superior sun loungers and drinks on tap. Other highlights include a championship golf course and a hip bar in a church.
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Situated in a sleepy residential area high on the slopes of Tenerife’s greenest area, this cluster of whitewashed apartments is shrouded in exotic greenery with ocean views and – together with two outdoor pools and a sauna – offers sun, solitude and a subtropical environment . With botanical barriers and nothing but a barely audible whisper of wind through palm fronds, you’ll feel like you’re home alone. An ocean-view sauna, tucked away in the corner of a garden, can be reserved free of charge for private use, and there are two outdoor pools with surrounding sun terraces.
Housed in a building reminiscent of an ocean liner, this adults-only hotel houses modern suites with colossal terraces overlooking the ocean. It also boasts acclaimed restaurants, a choice of bars and exceptionally friendly staff. The 121 spacious Junior suites have an innovative style and open bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs. Small cocktail gatherings can easily be held on the extensive terraces. The beds are also group-sized, and the sense of space is enhanced by floor-to-ceiling ocean panoramas from every suite (although higher floors give you more of a water view).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a two-night stay in a five-star hotel in Tenerife long enough?
The flight time from Great Britain to Tenerife is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. When you add up the transfer time at each end, you may find that a two-night stay in Tenerife is too short.
What can I expect from a five-star hotel in Tenerife?
Five-star hotels in Tenerife offer guests luxurious accommodation with refined décor, a wide range of facilities, exceptional food and impeccable service. The rooms are luxurious, with superior beds and slippers and bathrobes.
Contributions by Rachel Cranshaw