Fantasy island hotel is out of this world
Enjoy a magical holiday at a new Tenerife hotel with Disney-style castle and 7 stunning pools
IT’S been eight months since Tenerife’s fairytale hotel first opened its doors in a magical multi-media explosion.
Hundreds of Scots families have explored the £70million Fantasia Bahia Principe since its grand unveiling last November and early reactions have been promising.
Set on a 480,000sq ft site close to the Los Abrigos resort on the island’s south coast, and showcasing seven pools and a mini waterpark, it makes an ideal base for adventurous travellers.
But why would you want to leave the delights of the hotel’s allinclusive facilities, which boast ingenious wee touches at every turn?
There’s bucketloads of family-friendly features, including children’s clubs, The Loft – a space for teens with its own disco, non-alcoholic bar, computer game area and DJ courses – and a wellness spa and gym.
Most useful of all is a creche for wee ones up to the age of three that is open throughout the day. Sited close to the main restaurant, it also boasts a tranquil nursing room with changing facilities, microwaves, steam cleaners for bottles and comfy chairs where mums can feed babies.
Central to the property – and plastered all across its websites and marketing material – is the astonishing Disney-style castle at the very heart of the pool area, which is flanked by a “dragon tree”.
Both attractions pay tribute to the ancient legend of the Garden of the Hesperides and help tell the tale of Papimber, Fantasia’s bold young mascot, and his antique red biplane.
His adventures set the tone for the hotel’s theme, from specially designed rooms and suites to the nightly entertainment and astonishing outdoor light extravaganzas.
The indoor stage show in particular is a must-see. Open only to hotel guests, it is truly
impressive. Setpiece Vegas-esque magic tricks intertwine with Cirque du Soleil-style acrobatics and gymnastics high up in the rafters of the spanking new auditorium with its hi-tech sound and light systems.
Most eye-catching of all was the laser light and music interlude, which was a cut above anything other hotels on the island put on.
Away from the pools and outdoor areas, the hotel’s 372 rooms – six adapted for wheelchair users and a dozen adults-only swim-ups – all have balconies, most with pool views.
Family suites have rainfall showers and baths, as well as sliding partition walls that divide the bright and roomy space into separate sleeping areas.
Although the maze of identical corridors can feel a bit hospitallike, there is an ingenious colour scheme and room numbering system that saves you and little ones from getting lost
Service is very friendly from the moment of arrival, when The Candyman – no, not the bee-loving horror film psycho, thankfully, but a friendly clown – greets young visitors with sweets, magic and juggling while parents check in.
Foodwise, the kids will have no issues with the main Echeide buffet and fast-food burger and milkshake cafe in the pool area, while adults are catered for in
three a la carte restaurants – the Ladon Brazilian steakhouse, Nemuru Asian and Il Paradisio Italian.
While Fantasia, just a 20-minute drive from the airport, is Bahia’s flagship hotel, the company has three other sites on Tenerife – two in Costa Adeje and one in Puerto de la Cruz – for those looking for a slightly cheaper option.
The Principe hotels in Adeje are about 16 years old and have more of a colonial feel about them, with high ceilings, grand sweeping staircases and ballroom-sized dining areas and terraces. It’s like staying on the Titanic without the iceberg.
Also based around stunning pools, all three hotels are popular with Scots guests and are a perfect antidote for those not into the Disney-themed glitz and sparkle of Fantasia.
Rooms are spacious, the buffet food is excellent and evening kids’ entertainment is also on point.
The hotels in Costa Adeje are within walking distance of each other and guests are welcome to use both sites.
Tenerife is well geared up for those looking for a bit of adventure – and top of anyone’s list has to be a trip with the WhiteTenerife yacht charter company.
The company’s experienced captains and crew give guests a chance to see whales and 21 species of s up close in the waters een Tenerife and the stunconsitng island of La Gomera. Each yacht can take up to 11 guests for private or group hires that include lunch, drinks and snorkelling, if there’s time. Trips with WhiteTenerife, organised by the local tourist board, are often seen as a highlight of a stay on the island. There’s something very special about watching a pod of more than 100 dolphins swimming past without a care in the world.