The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Royal Hideaway Corales Resort review: Inside Tenerife’s most luxurious new hotel
On an island where the sun shines for 300 days of the year, cheap package holiday deals are everywhere. But this recently opened five-star resort offers premium service at a not-too-unreasonable price
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.In a nutshell: A design-led, luxury hotel situated in a quieter part of Tenerife with friendly staff and a relaxed, peaceful atmosphere.
Price point: ££££
The neighbourhood
Sitting at the end of a string of five-star hotels, the Royal Hideaway Corales Resort – which opened in February 2018 – is located at the southern end of Tenerife in Costa Adeje, the most upmarket part of the island. It’s an easy 30-minute car journey from Tenerife South Airport and close to other popular attractions such as Siam Park Water Park (4 miles) and Teide National Park (25 miles), while the main party strip for British tourists, Playa de las Américas, is just over 1 mile away.
The hotel itself stretches along one side of a fairly quiet main road but once inside the resort you barely notice it’s there, as all the rooms and restaurants look out over the hotel gardens and pools, with the beach and Atlantic Ocean beyond.
Read more: Best luxury hotels in Tenerife
The look
Designed by interior designers MKV London Studio and Spanish architect Leonardo Omar – who creates beautiful, contemporary buildings and luxury villas – this large hotel is shaped like a boat and split into two sections. One side is strictly adults only, while the other caters for families, too.
It’s a striking building, drawing on the local environment to create unusual features. Coral provides the inspiration for many of the communal areas, while a cave-inspired reception in the family resort is impressive, especially when different visual effects are projected onto the walls to keep kids entertained.
The white-washed, open-air corridors bring the sunny weather and refreshing sea breeze in, while the swimming pools are sleek and inviting.
The vibe
There’s a quiet, peaceful atmosphere (perhaps because the resort has not been open long) and the hotel seems keen to differentiate itself from the cheaper package holiday offerings available on the rest of the island. Here, there’s tranquillity coupled with a need to please from the friendly, polite staff. From bringing you drinks by the pool to popping some aftersun in your room if, like us, you spent an hour (or five) too long in the sun, the service is satisfyingly quick.
Bed and bath
The adult section of the hotel is made up of junior suites, all with an ocean view. These rooms are light, modern and spacious, while the floor-to-ceiling windows open onto a large terrace complete with sun loungers.
There’s plenty of storage space for clothes and suitcases, as well as a safe for valuables. A coral-inspired feature wall delicately divides the bathroom from the bedroom; the stand alone bath is particularly inviting. The White Company provides all your toiletries too, which is a pleasantly familiar touch.
Read more: Best Tenerife hotels
The bed is large and super-comfy, with a pillow menu to choose from if you want a specific type. The usual plasma TV sits at the end of the bed and the adjoining seating area and desk are a generous addition.
The family-friendly side of the resort has apartments with up to three bedrooms, all including a separate living room, kitchen and terrace, and 54 come with their own private pool.
Food and drink
There are nine restaurants and bars in the resort, with four exclusively for guests in the adult-only side. For fine dining book Maresía, located on the top floor next to the pool and cocktail bar, offering beautiful views of Tenerife. It’s run by two Michelin-starred chefs, the Padrón brothers, who draw on local Canarian cuisine to create Instagram-worthy dishes that look like works of art and taste just as good.
San Hô in the adults-only area is a must, too. The Peruvian-Japanese menu is full of unusual yet delicious pairings, which are made in front of you at the sushi bar. For day-to-day dining try Olivia or Starfish The Grill in the family resort. And the Alice Cafe (inspired by the Lewis Carroll novel) is the ideal spot for tea and cake in the afternoon.
There’s also an in-room dining experience available for an additional charge, where you pick the menu and the chef comes to your room to cook. It’s most suited to larger suites (where there's a kitchen); you can pick what’s included, from creating your own cocktails to helping the chef prepare your dinner (should you wish).
Pools, spas and public areas
Besides the three main swimming pool areas, there’s also access to a pebble beach. A fully equipped gym is better than most hotel ones we’ve seen. But if you’d rather focus on wellness, there’s a beautiful spa to chill out in, with a sauna, steam room, plunge pool and a small swimming pool.
There are also treatments available if you’re looking for a massage or some beauty maintenance, and a kids club to keep little ones entertained.
Nuts and bolts
Room count: 121 junior suites in adults-only side, 114 suites and villas in family-friendly side
Freebies: Bottled water and chocolates with the turndown
In the bathroom: The White Company mini toiletries
WiFi: Included
Extra charges: Indoor parking €18 (£16) per day, laundry from €1.50 (£1.30) per item
Minibar prices: Beer from €3.50 (£3), water €2.90 (£2.50), crisps €3.50 (£3)
Disability access: Available to all rooms and facilities
Pet policy: No pets allowed
Bottom line
Best thing: The room – the sun-seeking terrace, huge bath and comfy bed are a winning combination
Worst thing: The beach – don’t expect white sand
Perfect for: Romantic weekends or those looking for complete rest and relaxation
Not right for: Party goers
Instagram from: Go to the outdoor pool on the top floor at sunset to get the best snap of Tenerife
Room rate: Junior suites from €300 (£262), B&B. Deluxe suites from €400 (£349), B&B.
Classic Collection Holidays (0800 047 1964; classic-collection.co.uk) also offers five nights from £1249 per person. This price is based on two adults sharing an ocean-facing junior suite on a B&B basis, and includes return flights from London Gatwick plus private transfers. Half board upgrade available from £51 per person per night.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments