DESTINATIONS FESTIVE BREAKS | CHRISTMAS IN TENERIFE
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: Pools and sunset view at Joia El Mirador by Iberostar; Mount Teide; festive decorations in Garachico, Tenerife; the island’s Santa Cruz church PREVIOUS PAGE: Christmas market in Puerto de Santiago, Tenerife PICTURES: Shutterstock/RossHelen, Cristian M Balate; Alejandro Clavo, foto-select; Russell Higham
pampered in the sun by the staff of a five-star hotel has a way of helping to dispel any pangs of yuletide homesickness. And the hotels in Costa Adeje don’t come much more upmarket than the Joia El Mirador by Iberostar. Set in tropical gardens on the southwest
coast of Tenerife, the most popular Canary Island for British travellers, the all-suite Mirador has the dream-like feel of a Moorish palace with three elegant restaurants and a top-flight spa attached. Somehow, the warm ocean breeze blowing through my private terrace and into the bedroom, gently fluttering the ivory-white muslin drapes of my four-poster bed, quite took my mind off the fact that, back in England, it was 2C, raining and dark by 4pm. The Mirador is adult-only, providing a silent night as well as tranquil days by the hotel’s multiple pools, some of which are heated – not that it’s necessary when Tenerife temperatures in December regularly reach the high 20s.
FESTIVE FLOURISHES There are still festive touches to be found, though, with Christmas trees and subtle decorations tastefully dotted around the hotel. There’s a special programme of events available for those who want to party with other travellers or, if a holy night is more what
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clients are after, the friendly staff can offer directions to one of the nearby churches for Christmas services. There are three golf courses within easy
reach of the Joia El Mirador, but the Mirador is also the perfect base for active travellers keen to explore Tenerife’s famous hiking trails. The lush, green landscape in the north of the island tends to be favoured by dedicated hikers, but the volcanic, desert-like south boasts Teide National Park, home to Spain's highest mountain, with some attractive walking of its own. Operators such as Ramble Worldwide offer hiking holidays led by local guides or there are self-guided routes available from online resources such as
walkingtenerife.co.uk. One of those is the Geranium Walk, a six-mile path winding its way past 12 distinctly different beaches to the popular and budget- friendly resort of Los Cristianos. Costa Adeje sits close to the northern tip of this promenade. Exiting the hotel directly onto Playa del Duque (considered one of Tenerife’s finest beaches) and turning left onto the Geranium Walk will take you south to Los Cristianos, via Tenerife’s heady nightlife capital, Playa de las Américas (an hour’s walk, or 15 minutes by taxi). Heading right, however, offers an infinitely more tranquil stroll northward, along the ²
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Joia El Mirador by Iberostar offers 125 elegant suites in a secluded beachfront position in Costa Adeje’s ‘Golden Mile’ area, packed with shops and cafes. The
resort features three restaurants plus a lounge bar and a snack bar, a lagoon-style outdoor pool, lavish indoor spa, fitness suite and even a squash court. For a premium experience, guests can upgrade to one of the Star Prestige La Balconada suites, enjoying access to an exclusive solarium and pool, complimentary snacks and premium drinks in their very own open bar, as well as a butler and concierge service. Either way, VIP treatment from attentive and friendly staff is a Christmas gift to everyone staying at the Mirador.
iberostar.com
travelweekly.co.uk
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