Ritz Carlton Abama Hotel Tenerife

Just returned from 10 days in Tenerife which for me was a holiday of two halves.

For the first 5 days I struggled with the sun loungers and umbrellas around the pool as they are in desperate need of an upgrade.

The second half of the vacation we got to sunbathe at Miramar (an upgrade for people staying in the villas) and the set up is newer and better (but more expensive than the rate we paid)

The property is vast so be prepared for a lot of walking and steps, the property is in between a big refurbishment so some things were lovely, the reception and bar area and some things very tired like the carpets and paint work in the corridors.

Our room was nice, the highlight was incredible hair and body products from Diptyque in the shower and towels and robes from Frette was a real treat. And even though our room over looked the car park it was actually a beautiful Mountain View quite lovely to wake up to.

Loads of 5 star food options on the property including a sustainable restaurant Verde Mar where the food was out of this world, all vegan and vegetarian just hold on to your wallet.

We did visit the market at Los Christianos but it wasn’t worth it, cheap dupe goods and fried chicken shops so next time we’ll swerve that. It was about 20 minutes in a cab from the hotel which cost 30 euros.

When we checked in we were asked for a credit card for charging to the room, we had cash and travellers cheques so said we’d just pay cash which turned out to be a good decision as we overhead an argument at the front desk with another guest saying his credit card had been maxed out by the hotel taking holding 200 euros per day for incidentals he hadn’t purchased.

Staff friendly and helpful; service OK but not 5 star. Food at Txixo restaurant by the main pool absolutely outstanding but again get ready to pay 80 euros for 2 burgers poolside and fries are extra.

I booked through British Airways and got a very good deal so the things that went wrong like the sauna not always working or the lights going on and off in the steam room we got over in an otherwise magnificent spa we

paid 50 euros to visit daily.

Would I return, for the right deal and I’d make sure I was staying in the good bit. Didn’t use the tennis or golf facilities but other guests in the hotel said they were really good.

If you are used to proper 5 star this property is not quite there yet however if you can get a good deal it certainly has a lot to offer and touches like free sunscreen and bottled water poolside make up for beds and towels whilst comfy have seen better days.

The food could not be faulted. We did find the breakfast regime a little regimented again not real 5 star, get em in and get em out but the offering and choice was really good. They were hiding the avocado under the counter and rationing it strange I know but we got wind of this early and were just bold to ask for it.

When we got the upgrade to Miramar we were catapulted into absolute luxury breakfast over looking the ocean, heaters and blankets as the sun came up; every possible choice on the menu cooled to order - incredible.