Drift into total relaxation with a winter sun holiday in Tenerife

Hotel Jardin Tropical in Tenerife (Image: Archant)

Here you can let the day drift away with a backdrop of boho baroque meets Moroccan whitewash architecture, where turrets and tunnels mingle with feng shui inspired decor and relaxed efficiency.

There is something quite special when you walk through the door of this four star setting thanks to a warren of corridors leading to recently refurbished suites that ooze simplicity and style.

Many of them overlook the pool, its waterfalls and tropical topiary, where views to the Atlantic ocean help guests kick back, switch off and leave real life behind.

Occupying a prime location, the hotel has encapsulated a slice of canary island heaven with staggered levels, steps to the natural saltwater pools below and at every turn a team of friendly staff.

The gym overlooking the ocean at Hotel Jardin Tropical (Image: Archant)

Its gym overlooking the sea is impressively kitted out with a good range of machines, weights and bikes, there are yoga sessions, spinning classes, cocktail bars with sunset views and roof top relaxation spots where you can sip champagne and watch the sun go down.

Geared towards the couples market the hotel boasts a buffet at breakfast and evening meal times, accompanied by a violinist or pianist to round off the atmosphere.

However, calling it a buffet does their chefs a great disservice

Here, dishes are delivered from around the world, with imaginatively used spices, cooked with passion and presented with style, this is not buffet eating, this is carefully prepared gastronomy with plenty of options for vegetarians and those with food intolerances.

Hotel Jardin Tropical in Tenerife. Enjoying drinks on the rooftop terrace of the hotel as the sun goes down. (Image: Archant)

At breakfast, fresh fruits are stacked high for attention alongside, pancakes, waffles, freshly baked bread, continental and traditional fry ups, cereals, freshly squeezed juices, meats and vegetables.

In the evening there are a host of freshly prepared choices including noodles, barbecue style meats, vegetables cooked in every way you could imagine and a seductively tempting desert section that includes children’s favourites like gummy fried eggs and jelly strawberries.

Tenerife has year round temperatures averaging 24 degrees celsius, so it is easy to see why it is such a popular destination and if total relaxation is your thing then there is no need to leave the hotel.

If you do, then expect all short walks to lead to Tenerife’s answer to Great Yarmouth, with bars, clubs and souvenir shops open all year round.

A traditional barraquito coffee made iwth Licor 43 (Image: Archant)

If that is not your cup of tea then within short driving distance, discover the real island where small village coffee shops serve traditional Barraquito coffee, a layered creamy caffeine hit that packs a final punch with a shot of Licor 43. Once tasted never forgotten.

Nearby is the world famous Siam Water Park for thrill seeking holidaymakers, or why not book a tour to Tenerife’s national park at Mount Tiede, where volcanic eruptions leave a trail of moon like landscape with is own micro weather system.

The cable cars need booking weeks in advance should you wish to scale to the highest peak.

For golfers then not far away are nine fabulous courses. The top course is considered to be the stunning Abama (abamagolf.com), which is about 15 minutes’ drive away. Hotel Jardin Tropical guests can enjoy discounted green fees.

Kath Sansom enjoys a break to Tenerife . Here at the volcanic national park of Mount Tiede. PHOTO: Steve Wilson (Image: Archant)

The others are: Buenavista, Real Club de Golf de Tenerife, Golf Costa Adeje, Las Americas, Golf del Sur, Amarilla, Los Palos and Tecina Golf on the nearby island of La Gomera.

There are also whale watching boat trips and a range of watersports like jet ski-ing, banana boats and parascending.

While lying on a Bali bed, reading a book and sipping an ice cold soda, it dawned that I had no idea how much I’d needed to relax, until coming to this special place, that taught me how to do that. In style.

TENERIFE TOP TIPS

• Hotel Jardin Tropical rooms are from €220 night. Visit their website here.

• Flights to Tenerife from the UK take around four hours. The island has two airports, Tenerife North and South, which are 40 miles apart.

• Some of the cheapest departure airports are Luton, Stansted, East Midlands, Bristol, Manchester and Gatwick. TUI says it prices range from £69 while Ryanair lists their starting prices at £117.

• Car hire for a week costs around 80 Euros for a basic family vehicle. You can drive a round trip of the island in about 3.5 hours.

• To see the island’s magic with a guide then check out FeelTenerife.com for minibus tours with professional drivers.

• For whale watching trips visit www.skylinetenerife.com.

• Take a trip to the Island of La Gomera for 53 Euros. The ferry takes around 45 minutes. Explore the capital of San Sebastian and see the Church of the Assumption and Columbus House. Visit Mirador de Las Carboneras, a stunning La Gomera viewpoint or watch a demonstration of the famous Gomeran whistling language in Las Rosas.

• Experience a dive on board a real submarine in the unexplored waters of Marina San Miguel, on the south shore of Tenerife. See magnificent marine life from panoramic windows, and sit on the floor of the ocean. From 50 Euros.

• Enjoy night time star gazing from 48 Euros. Experience a special excursion that highlights the nighttime sky. Enjoy a typical Canarian dinner accompanied by different wines from the area. Afterwards, you’ll be taken to Teide, where you’ll admire the beauty of the stars with a specialist guide.

• Visit the Pyramids of Güímar, six rectangular pyramid-shaped, terraced structures built from lava stone without the use of mortar. They are located in the district of Chacona, part of the town of Güímar. The structures have been dated to the 19th century and are thought to be a by product of contemporary agricultural techniques. In Güímar there were nine pyramids, only six of which survive.

• For a peaceful day out visit the Parque García Sanabria, a public park in the heart of Santa Cruz. A large garden area, with fountains and architectural interest. The park is listed as a site of cultural interest by the Government of the Canary Islands.

• Visit a doll and teddy bear making museum close to the centre of Icod de los Vinos. The small town with its historic centre is also known for the Millenary Dragon Tree, which is around two miles from ARTlandya museum.

• The cost to eat and drink is similar to UK prices. With a keen eye it is easy to sniff out happy hours or bars selling beers for one Euro.

• Driving ideas. Take the TF42, Garachico, and park along the seafront as you enter the town then walk over the lava pools in the sea before going into the museum in the town square. Leave the town staying on the TF42 to Buenavista Norte and call into the chocolate shop. Take the sign post for Santiago del Teide, the TF438 and while the road is twisty, just remember it is a public bus route. Once in Masca, park at the top to visit the shops and the minute church. From here you can go through Las Manches, Araguayo and come out at Chio taking the ´top´ road to Adeje. You can then continue on the TF82 through Tamaimo and the TF454 to Los Gigantes to see the cliffs, the harbour and the church plaza.

• There are plenty of watersports around the island but it is best to check hosts with Trip Advisor before travelling. Banana boats, jet packs, jet skis and parascending are among activities on offer.