Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide, La Orotava, Tenerife

Parque de Las Cañadas del Teide has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007, thanks to an otherworldly appearance caused by a volcanic eruption. Measuring 190 square kilometres, it's the biggest national park in Spain. It's dominated by Mount Teide, the country's tallest mountain, which peaks at 3,718 metres. Drive to Teide Cable-Car Base Station in seven minutes and arrange a permit to reach the summit from the Upper Station.

By plane: flights from London, Birmingham and Manchester to Tenerife take around 4 hours 30 mins. The hotel is a 1-hour taxi ride from Tenerife South airport. Free parking on-site. Book flights to Tenerife.

Dwarfed by a mountainous background, the Parador doesn't try to compete with the natural show on its doorstep. Like a lodge in a ski resort, it is largely functional. However, it is easy rather than hard on the retina. Guests bring the glamour and stardust is liberally sprinkled all around.

The Paradores de Turismo de España embraces an old-school service. Staff are dressed formally and act accordingly, yet they are also incredibly friendly in typical Canarian fashion. The Parador de Las Cañadas doesn't have many on-site facilities, however, many people would say its location is its greatest facility.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Sauna
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are sparsely furnished, but what they lack in interior décor they make up for in exterior decoration, with the night sky a tapestry of stars. Beds are snug and guarantee a good night's sleep and rest for aching limbs tired after a day's exertions outdoors. The bathrooms are comfortably spacious.

Room types: Single Room, Standard Room, Standand One Room Room, Double Room, Superior Double Room, Superior Plus Room, Junior Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, hairdryer, TV, desk, air conditioning

There's a bar, a café with a terrace offering views amongst the best in the world, and a white-tableclothed restaurant. Dinner goes on until late and is a lavish event, and portions are ginormous. Breakfast offers savoury cooked fare and more authentic dishes that appease the sweet-toothed locals.

Restaurant: Buffet breakfast with international and local options, varied dinner menu with traditional dishes.

Cafe/Bar: coffees, wine, beer, spirits.