Chrissy Nason is spoilt in style at this fabulous golf and spa resort style hotel
As a treat on a recent trip to northern Tenerife (read separate review here), my husband and I stayed for two nights at the wonderful 5* Hacienda del Conde Hotel. Unfortunately, we were not blessed with good weather so it was great to be staying in such a stylish and relaxing hotel. Built in colonial style with a contemporary design, the hotel exudes understated elegance and luxury, yet manages to feel quite intimate.
Nestling below the Teno mountain range just outside the village of Buenavista del Norte, on the rocky north-westerly tip of the island, this is one of Melia Group’s adult-only hotels. Adjacent to the spectacular seaside golf course designed by local legend, Seve Ballesteros, guests are mainly golfers. A wellness programme is offered for non-golfers that include yoga, meditation and exercise classes as well as mountain biking for the very fit. Needless to say, we opted for a much gentler, gastronomic, stay and took full advantage of the fantastic spa.
The spa, recently re-opened, though still not fully operational, had the largest indoor Jacuzzi complex I have ever seen – two large hot Jacuzzi pools at different temperatures and a smaller icy plunge pool. Due to covid limits on numbers we had it all to ourselves, which was blissful, especially as it was raining outside! The tranquil spa complex has a number of treatment rooms and a relaxing tepidarium which we enjoyed after our deep tissue and hot stone massages, both of which were first class.
Because of disappointing weather we didn’t use the outdoor sunbathing and swimming facilities. Built into the side of a hill, the hotel has several sunbathing and relaxation areas as well as pools on different levels surrounded by lush, tropical, landscaped gardens so affords a feeling of intimacy in spite of the 117 rooms and suites. Our suite, with a large bedroom and separate lounge, was spacious and extremely comfortable, had a large wrap-around balcony with loungers as well as dining table and views over banana plantations towards the mountains.
Buenavista, the main restaurant for both breakfast and dinner, serves an excellent buffet, in terms of choice, freshness, hot dishes cooked to order and service – one of the best I’ve experienced. Delicious! With several seating areas the dining room never felt crowded, in spite of an amazing 98% occupancy during our stay. There is also a smaller a la carte restaurant that we were unable to sample because it was fully booked, though with such a fabulous buffet I’m not sure the food could have been bettered.
A steep-ish road from the hotel leads down to the coastal path where there is an excellent local restaurant, El Burgado, serving a variety of dishes but specializing in fish and seafood. With inside tables and a large terrace right next to the sea, we got there just in time for lunch before a long queue developed and, after tasting the food, I understood its popularity. The food was excellent and reasonably priced. Following lunch we headed for a bracing walk along the coastal path a couple of kilometres to the local village, Buenavista, though not much of note to see there.
I can fully see the attraction of this hotel to golfers as the 18 hole par 72 course is, I am told, a great one to play. The setting, right next to the Atlantic is spectacular and the grounds beautiful. Golfing aside, the hotel is also brilliant for walking, cycling, mindfulness, being pampered in the excellent spa or simply relaxing around one of the many pools. Add to this excellent food, complimentary drinks and snacks in the hotel lounge during the day, good service and general ambience, this is a great place to stay. We loved it.
Find out more
Hotel Hacienda del Conde, La Buenavista Norte: https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/spain/tenerife/hotel-hacienda-del-conde-melia-collection/index.htm
Read Chrissy Nason’s separate review of her entire trip to Tenerife
To book your holiday in Tenerife, or any of the other Canary Islands, call 0800 412 5678 to speak to our Silver Travel Advisors.
2 Responses
I guess going to a golfing hotel as a non golfer has the advantage of most people been out during the day, leaving you to enjoy the facilities. It’s just a shame the weather wasn’t better for sitting round, and using the outdoor pool . Bearing in mind it’s a five star hotel, I’d be interested to know if the prices for the spa treatments are five star i.e. expensive?
Hi Helen,
For the quality and length of treatment I thought they offered good value compared with some hotels and spas I’ve visited, particularly in the UK, at around E80. There was a E15 charge to use the jacuzzi, steam and sauna complex. And, yes, you are right, with many golfers out enjoying the course during the day the hotel was fairly quiet.