High class haven for all food lovers
LUCY ROUE takes a trip to Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, for glorious sunshine and superb dishes...
I ALWAYS thought the Spanish were a nation of feeders, but this turned out to be a total blessing during my stay at the modernised Iberostar Sábila.
The superb five star hotel located in Costa Adeja, in the south of the island, is an emerging foodie paradise – not to mention a great place to rest your head.
The company has worked hard to position Sábila at the forefront of the culinary scene with a plush restaurant, continental food market and three bars.
But hands down, the second of these is my favourite – the Gourmet Market – as you get to wander around seven stalls and order whatever fresh and delicious dishes take your fancy.
From sublime plates piled high with dried meats and cheeses to delicate bruschetta, pan fried salmon, or freshly cooked croquettes that melt in the mouth, you always find room for a second (or third) helping.
I am lucky to do this twice during my brief three-night stint, but I’m left feeling there is still so much more to explore in the gastronomy stakes.
I don’t even get round to trying the freshly made sushi or Spanish omelettes for example.
Each night we take our plates piled high with tapas to the outside terrace to admire the sunset with an accompanying vino as we tuck in.
The adult-only Sábila is part of the Iberostar Hotels and Resorts portfolio in Tenerife.
Following 12 months’ work, and an investment of more than 40 million euros, the new hotel is the result of a large renovation project – and it shows.
The huge welcoming foyer almost sparkles as you enter and the quirky furnishings are top notch throughout.
We are whisked away to one of the top two floors which cater for Star Prestige customers, earning you a whole new level of hospitality.
Guests choosing this option get to enjoy a host of benefits, including a personalised check-in, a special concierge service and reserved areas in the hotel restaurant.
More importantly, though, it gives you access to the rooftop sky lounge with a private infinity pool, jacuzzi and sun loungers.
Overlooking the turquoise sea, this is a great area to relax and settle in to your VIP status with a variety of snacks and alcoholic beverages to keep you going throughout the day.
Speaking of drinks, we are also treated to aloe vera cocktails at the bar to celebrate the hotel’s re-opening as Sábila derives from the Arabic word for ‘aloe’.
Interestingly, the plant is native to the island as the volcanic area around Mount Teide offers ideal growing conditions.
And it’s good news for those looking to indulge the senses as the hotel has just opened its on-site spa which includes a Turkish bath, sauna and massage rooms for guests to unwind.
During our very chilled stay we wander down to the larger pool, for all residents, which is an impressive size and also offers activities, such as water aerobics, to keep guests entertained. Joining in proves to be a highlight as we splash our way through some interesting European dance moves and burn off enough calories to warrant an extra dessert at the food market.
Another highlight took us out of the resort and on to the waves as we set sail with Big Smile luxury charters.
We boarded the impressive private yacht and readied ourselves for a day of dolphin spotting – happily observing as they leapt through the air and swam alongside our vessel.
Further out we even came across a group of sleeping whales and got to listen in on their underwater musings thanks to some fancy technology on-board.
We rounded this off with a dip of our own – swimming into a popular cove and then back on board for tasty tapas and freshly prepared salad.
A three-hour whale excursion and snorkel trip, including fruit snack and drinks, costs €60 with Big Smile.
However, this costs rises for a private charter to more than €100.
Arriving back to the resort after a gigantic authentic paella at a neighbouring Iberostar restaurant and there’s just time to freshen up in the huge monsoon shower.
The spacious rooms are a credit to the hotel and I am politely checked on several times by their friendly staff to deliver fresh fruit or check I am happy with my stay.
And overall I am very happy with my stay.
It’s a great chance to top up the tan and eat like a queen – what more could you ask for from three nights in Tenerife?