If ever there was a location which encapsulates Tenerife’s vision for the future, it’s the five-star Abama Golf and Spa Resort at Güia de Isora.

Tourism officials no longer market the island solely for its traditional attractions of the sun, sea and sunshine. Luxury, health, families, sport, gastronomy, relaxation and leisure activities are all seen as the way ahead.
Abama has it all and more.
Within its 160-hectare estate, an oasis of lush vegetation borders banana plantations with the most stunning view of La Gomera in the distance.
This exclusive cliff-top resort is operated by the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and is totally supportive of how Tenerife is now marketing itself around the world.
The Abama, with its challenging 72-par, 18-hole championship golf course, already hosts prestigious tennis and golf events which help to turn the spotlight on the island, as well as helping charitable causes.
It offers a range of special holiday packages for those seeking the ultimate in luxury or spa treatments, for families with young or older children, honeymooners and golf enthusiasts.
And with ten restaurants (two of them open to the general public), it is also putting gastronomy on the map, not least the Michelin-star MB restaurant which is currently promoting the finest of Canarian cuisine and wine. One of the latest initiatives is gastronomy packages at surprisingly affordable prices and, throughout the year, discounts are available if local residents want to take a break at the hotel. Many people travel down from the north of Tenerife for a luxurious weekend and also fly in from the mainland and the other Canary Islands.
The Abama is often referred to as the “pink palace” because of its stunning colour and unusual Moroccan architecture. The pink hue and design was carefully conceived with the principles of Feng Shui in mind.
A Moroccan-style citadel forms the main building and is positioned facing Mount Teide to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. A “gateway to the sun” offers magnificent views of the sunset across the sea and a glass-fronted lift takes guests down to a private sheltered cove with natural salt water pools to bathe in.
The colours of the Abama are truly stunning, having been chosen to represent and balance the five Chinese elements. The red of the buildings contrast with the green vegetation and the azure water. You will even find fish in a multitude of colours as 45 huge Koi Carp come in a mirage of gold, brilliant orange, yellow, white and blue.
In fact, everything at the Abama is designed to create an air of luxury and tranquillity. The 476 rooms and suites reflect local materials with African elements and artefacts, all with balconies and private terrace that overlook the pools, gardens and lush landscape. Away from the main hotel, 148 villas cascade down the cliffside to offer guests rather different accommodation.
You will find chocolates in your room and platters of fresh fruit. There are fresh flowers in the bathroom and white robes and slippers in the huge dressing rooms. Staff, dressed in traditional costume, are always on hand to make sure your stay is nothing short of perfect and chauffeurs will drive you around the estate or to the Abama golf course or seven tennis courts in little buggies. Even a good night’s sleep is guaranteed – you are able to choose your own pillow, whether soft or hard, feather-filled or man-made fibre.
True, all this comes at a price but the Abama is far from a stuffy five star hotel where you are scared to touch anything or feel you should always be on your best behaviour and dressed up to the nines.
Children are very much encouraged and a new Kids’ Club has been set up to keep them amused. Every day, there is a full programme for adults too, from aqua tonic, cookery demonstrations or power walking to film shows, wine tastings and yoga. And the 2,500 square metre Abama Spa has to be seen to be believed, with its traditional hot and cold facilities, including a World of Showers, Igloo and garden spa complete with its own outdoor massage bungalow.
The whole hotel, representing a 200 million euro investment, may be a Ritz with standards and facilities to match but the one emphasis is on relaxation, how ever you choose to spend your break or holiday. It’s an ethos which has made the Abama an award-winner and one of which Tenerife can be very proud.
You can find out more about the Abama Golf and Spa Resort by visiting www.abamahotelresort.com or phone 922 126 600. Staff speak English and can help you with prices, packages, bookings at the MB Restaurant or Abama Kabuki, the restaurant which adapts traditional Japanese cuisine to the flavours of the western palate, the spa or golf.

TN edition 401