El Mirador (Tenerife, Spain)

Staying at the El Mirador is like wearing the finest cashmere. That’s to say, it’s like wrapping yourself in luxury. A peaceful retreat with all the trimmings, this elegant hotel couldn’t be in a better spot. With its prime beachfront setting, the white sands of El Duque beach are literally on the doorstep. And it sits in an exclusive area, that’s as quiet as they come. It’s not completely off the beaten track, though. A walkway leads to a chic shopping arcade with upmarket shops, bars and restaurants. Once you see what’s on offer at the El Mirador though, you may dedicate most of your time to staying put. The whole place is classically chic. Take the lobby for instance. Set below ground level, it’s a cool oasis with grand pillars, cobbled floors and a domed ceiling. And it’s the same throughout the hotel. The attention to detail is staggering. Think platters of rose petals everywhere. Water features scattered with flowers and floating candles. And an architectural style that’s Moorish meets Spain. Factor in things like plump sofas, refined furnishings and a natural creamy-coloured décor and you’ve got one stylish setup. The 22,000 square metres of grounds are just as lavish. Taking centre stage is the lake-sized swimming pool. Bordered by sun loungers, parasols and the mandatory palms, it looks straight out over the ocean. It’s also where you’ll find the suave La Tosca Bar with elegant wicker chairs and Moroccan-style lanterns. There are plenty of shady lawn areas in the gardens too, where you can hideaway from the splashes. And away from the water, there’s a squash court and gym on site and a golf course nearby. Add to the mix two sophisticated restaurants, smart bars and boutique-style bedrooms that come with extras like bathrobes – and you’ve got a five star sanctuary and a half.

Location
• 10m to the beach • 10m to the nearest shops, bars and restaurants • 10m to the nearest bus stop

Pool area
• Heated swimming pool • Sunbeds and parasols • Pool towels • Snack bar

Cuisine
• Main air-conditioned restaurant serving buffet breakfast and dinner • La Nonna à la carte restaurant, at a charge • La Pergola Mediterranean restaurant

Sports and Relaxation
• Squash • Table tennis • Pool table • Golf course nearby, under separate management

Entertainment
• Lounge • TV room • DVDs and video games • Bars including beach bar and chill-out bar with sports screen

For families
• Children's pool • Children's menu • Cots and highchairs

Other facilities
• 24-hour reception • Money exchange • 24-hour room service • Internet access and Wi-Fi • Souvenir shop

Guest rooms
• All rooms have twin beds that can be separate or put together as a double bed •  Third bed is a sofa bed suitable for a child up to 12yrs • Suites have a separate sleeping area for the third guest • Telephone • Radio • Satellite TV • Minibar • Air-conditioning • All rooms have: • Walk-in wardrobe • Safety deposit box • Bathroom with full bath, separate walk-in shower, wc and double hand basin • Hairdryer • Balcony with sea view • Towels changed daily, linen as required

Official rating
5 star

Lifts
2

• On the beach • A la carte dining • Amenities nearby