ROCK out in Tenerife
MUSIC MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS AS KEN BENNETT VISITS ONE OF THE CANARY ISLANDS’ FLASHIEST NEW HOTELS
ARMS outstretched, the stunning cloud of multicoloured feathers shimmers a welcome to the kingdom of rock. I’m basking in a rarified emporium of superstar heaven, rubbing shoulders with a glitzy galaxy of musical talent who truly are milestones to the rock of ages.
Join me at The Hard Rock Hotel, Tenerife, a vast airy expanse spreading towards the Atlantic where, in keeping with his iconic status, Sir Elton John was seen as the only artist who could convincingly pull off the shimmering over-the-top outfit gracing the hotel’s lobby.
I’m cocooned by a kaleidoscope of eye-popping, thought-arresting, memory-stirring memorabilia from all the concerts you may ever have been to, or actually dreamed of seeing.
But, of course, it’s all terribly understated. And, of course, in the best possible taste.
The amazing outfits and incidentals belonging to the hotel’s elite star-studded gentry sometimes catch you unawares.
For example, Sir Elton’s wild outfit was designed by his friend, Bob Mackie, but a small sign says: “Nearly as renowned in the world of fashion as he is in the world of music, Elton is the definition of icon.” Oh really ... And the hotel management goes to great lengths to stress that guests are sharing an experience, not a holiday, you understand.
Take a peek at a set of framed pictures. They look like simple holiday snaps – but those innocent, boyish images are Sir Paul McCartney and George Harrison.
It seems they chilled on a vacation here in Tenerife in 1963 before roaring up the crotchets and quavers to fame when Please Please Me topped the album charts for more than half a year.
In all, there are more than one hundred pieces of memorabilia at this beachfront resort spread across the Oasis and Nirvana towers, with three sparkling swimming pools spanning the property and recreation area.
They feature clothing, musical instruments, manuscripts, records, stage props and other tokens documenting the lives of the world’s greatest musicians. And they paint a colourful mosaic of music beginning with a tuxedo from the first ‘teen idol’ and one of music’s most iconic figures, Frank Sinatra.
The collection charts the birth and rise of rock and roll with a tracksuit owned by Elvis Presley and a coat worn by Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood.
And there’s much, much more including tour robes worn by musicians and dancers on Michael Jackson’s epic ‘Bad’ tour.
Or how about the harmonica played by Bruce Springsteen on his ‘Born in the USA’ tour? Maybe an outfit worn by Robbie Williams in the video for his hit ‘Sin Sin Sin’...
The heavy metal genre looms large with items from Iron Maiden, Mötley Crüe, Black Sabbath and Alice Cooper.
And the bewildering collection hosts a spectacular array of guitars and other musical instruments played by music heroes including John Entwistle of The Who, Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton, two drummers from Guns N’ Roses, and Genesis frontman Phil Collins, who has a signed tambourine on show.
You can even rock yourself to sleep (or awake?) in one the hotels sumptuous suites or rooms. Here, you can stream several customised soundtracks and bring your playlist with you everywhere.
You can even be a DJ in your suite, without disturbing other guests – or learn to play the guitar with a set of in-room video lessons.
Yes, a Fender guitar can be delivered to your suite and you can unleash your inner rock star and play for free during your entire stay, with headphones and a floor amplifier supplied.
Meanwhile, away from the procession of pop, Tenerife – which had a record 2,049,093 British visitors last year – offers almost guaranteed sunshine, diverse landscapes, idyllic beaches and charming villages.
The island is an ideal year-round holiday choice with a vast array of fantastic activities ranging from whale watching to caving adventures inside Europe’s largest lava tubes.
But stars are never really very far away ...
You can find your own stairway to heaven on a stimulating star-gazing tour to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak.
Because Brian May, Queen’s legendary guitarist and respected astrophysicist, came here to study the stars first-hand.
And you can share another of the island’s heavenly secrets at the spectacular mountain village of Masca with yogurt-flavoured cactus ice cream laced with rich palm honey.
Now that’s a really cool way to end your stay.