In the quiet south-west of Tenerife, beside the upmarket town of Costa Adeje, you’ll find the stylish new property from Barceló Hotel Group – Royal Hideaway Corales Beach. Tucked away from the bustle of sun-seeking tourists, this impossibly chic hotel delivers a Canarian holiday experience with one big difference: this is an exclusively adults-only affair (though children and families are welcome at the adjoining sister property). After four days exploring this new resort, how does it measure up?
Location
Just a short drive from Tenerife South, Royal Hideaway Corales Beach backs onto the pretty fishing village of La Caleta. Overlooking a row of five star hotels, this is the most upmarket part of the island, and the La Caleta’s waterfront promenade is lined with high-end restaurants and bars. The black sands of Playa de Enrama beach are just a stroll away, and further afield are some of Tenerife’s most popular attractions: Costa Adeje Golf, Siam Park Water Park and Teide National Park are all a short drive away. If you want to party, the bustling strip of Playa de las Américas is little over one mile away. If you’re looking for rest and relaxation, however, everything you need is right on your doorstep.
Style & character
Designed by celebrated Spanish architect Leonardo Omar, Royal Hideaway Corales Beach is sleek, chic and unique. The building itself is designed to look like an ocean liner, and the marine theme pervades the entire resort; the interior takes inspiration from the nearby coral, and the cave-like reception in the family resort, complete with colourful coral projections on the walls, is stunning. The communal areas feature sunken decks, golden lighting, and local black volcanic stones set amongst ferns and cacti.
The ambiance is glamorous but laidback: bronzed guests drift along the white washed corridors from pool to restaurant, and at quiet times the only sounds are the gentle thwack of flip-flips and the rustling of palms. Everything has been designed with luxury in mind, and with the absence of any children, the atmosphere is calm and tranquil. The evenings are livelier: musicians serenade you in the restaurant as you eat, and VIP bartenders knock up drinks with the accuracy and flair of scientists.
Rooms
There are 121 contemporary Junior suites, all of which boast enormous ocean-facing terraces with sun loungers, tables and chairs – perfect for pre-dinner drinks as you watch the sun set. Inside, the light, bright rooms are incredibly spacious, and floor-to-ceiling windows make them appear roomier still (there are blackout curtains for guests who want to lie-in). Two double built-in wardrobes provide more than enough space for all your luggage and possessions, and at the far end of the suite there’s a seating area with a sofa, coffee table and curved wooden desk.
The bed is huge – two people can lie spread-eagled and still not brush fingertips – and big, cloud-like pillows ensure a long and blissful sleep (there’s even a pillow menu for the more discerning guests). Opposite the bed is a large plasma TV, and there’s also a pod coffee machine, mini bar, fridge, and safe. The open-plan bathrooms are divided from the bedroom by a white coral-inspired feature wall, and you can hop from the rainfall-style shower room to the gleaming, freestanding bath. Sweet-smelling complimentary Bvlgari toiletries line his-and-hers sinks, and should you require anything else, there’s 24 hour room service.
Food & drink
With nine restaurants onsite, Royal Hideaway Corales Beach is the ideal hotel if decision-making isn’t your strong point; trying out all the different restaurants is part of the fun. There are three adults-only restaurants: poolside Nao, which has geographically themed nights and serves buffet-style breakfasts and dinners; San Hõ, which serves up innovative Peruvian-Japanese fusion food cooked in front of you; and the star of the show, Maresía, the only restaurant that specialises in Canarian food to boast a Michelin star.
Guests are welcome to visit the restaurants in the family resort, too; here you’ll find the Starfish Grill, Olivia, and the Lewis Carroll inspired Alice Cafe. For drinks, head back up to Maresia for the perfect holiday photo: its rooftop location, beside the infinity pool and looking out at the Atlantic, is the perfect setting – and the cocktails are exquisite too. Nao Bar, by the downstairs pool, serves drinks and light bites until 11pm.
Service & facilities
Royal Hideaway Corales Beach is all about relaxation, and the 1000 sq metre spa and wellness centre doesn’t disappoint. There’s a sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy circuit complete with hydromassage, swan neck jets and waterfalls. There’s also a 24-hour gym with Technogym equipment, and seven private treatment suites where you can enjoy indulgent massages. There are free classes every day – from yoga and pilates to tai chi. If you’re not one for continual relaxation, you can recruit the services of a ‘personal wellness assistance’ to help you make the most of the resort’s activities and facilities.
The staff are exceptional – so much so I had to ask for some names in order to give the credit that’s deserved…. a first in more than three years of travel writing! Killian, in the Nao restaurant, is the the epitome of warm, dedicated professionalism, and chef Oscar handles special dietary requirements as though it’s a genuine pleasure, bringing us vegan/gluten-free options with a smile. Check-in is smooth, with complimentary cava, and the hardworking cleaning team greet you sincerely whenever you pass.
VERDICT: With acclaimed restaurants, diligent staff, sleek aesthetics and ocean views from every room, this chic, sun-drenched resort is the perfect luxury getaway.
Address: Playa La, Calle la Enramada, Av. Virgen de Guadalupe, 23, 38679 La Caleta, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Phone: +34 922 75 79 00
