RITZ CARLTON: ABAMA STYLISH LUXURY IN TENERIFE
Scanning the scene of palms and lush green landscaping set amongst the burnt Orange Moorish architecture you’d be mistaken for thinking you’d landed in Morocco’s capital – if it wasn’t for the sound of waves crashing below. For the buildings that make up the sprawling resort of the Ritz-Carlton, Abama are more Marrakesh than Tenerife.
This oasis of tranquility and seclusion is where the Atlantic sea and lush banana growing subtropical vegetation effortlessly collide and where rooms, suites and villas sit on an incline that is surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens and a championship golf course.
Foodies are well catered for with ten restaurants ranging from light, simple cooking to world-class gourmet cuisine. At the top end of the scale, Michelin starred restaurants, M.B awarded with two stars and the Japanese Kabuki with one.
The Mirador offers seafood and classic Spanish dishes (yes we chose the Paella) with beautiful views of the sea and further down on the beach the Beach Club has a similar but simpler selection.
Breakfast is served buffet style opposite the Koi Carp lake with hanging plants and the sound of water splashing down from overhead.
Rooms at Abama suit all sizes – our ocean view suite is the size a modern city centre apartment with a large dining/living room (including corner sofa and large wall mounted TV), a cloak room, double bedroom, and large bathroom. The living room and bedroom lead out to a balcony with sun loungers that overlooks the ergonomic shaped pool and sea.
It speaks of luxury wherever you turn within the 160 hectare grounds and its exuberant 300 varieties of trees and plants. A meander from the rooms down to the beach is a workout depending on your chosen route. You can hop on the regular mini train from reception and then on to the funicular down the steep descent to the beach or, like us, you can walk down the many winding steps (although in the hot summer heat we probably wouldn’t recommend that route back up).
To the right of the resort and a 10 minute drive is Playa san Juan a small quiet town with a spattering of nice little cafes and restaurants. For a change from the resort it’s a good choice and very different to the popular Playa de las Americas further towards the airport. We recommend the tapas at La Lunaen, a cute and friendly artsy bo-ho hangout.
The Abama offers a different take to Tenerife – a lux getaway where sun is in abundance year round and your every whim is catered for.
