If you thought the Canary Island of Tenerife was simply for beaches, water sports and nightlife, then think again. Though the consistently sunny isle certainly offers up a good mix of the above, its golf and wellness amenities are sure to put a smile on any golfer’s face, too. And we all know that it isn’t just the 19th hole or the fine dining cuisine that entices many golfers to the course, it’s the selection of health and wellness offerings to indulge in as well.
Bright summer days and warm winters provide the perfect year-round escape and when visiting Tenerife, travellers will be able to immerse themselves in some of the finest facilities within a fantastic selection of luxury hotels that provide the full package. So, when you’re done for the day on a designer golf course, you will be able to head straight to the spa to wind down.
Designer golf courses
When you’re ready to pick up your clubs, you will be pleased to learn that there are no less than eight exclusive golf courses to tee off on in addition to the Tecina Golf course on the island of La Gomera, which is just a half an hour boat ride away. Each course is unique thanks to its location and design, top-quality services, mythical views and the welcoming atmosphere awaiting you there, not to mention the picture-perfect sunsets – the kind you wish could last forever. One day you can play on mountain courses 700 metres above sea level and the next, on the coast, at the foot of cliffs or on sandy or rocky coves. This diversity means you can continually experience something different and new, and that is what makes guests come back to the island time and time again.
Tenerife’s courses have been designed by golfing greats such as Donald Steel, Dave Thomas and Severiano Ballesteros, and they frequently host an array of European championships and tournaments such as the Men’s and Ladies’ Spanish Open which welcome both national and international golf professional stars.
Nine courses and nine experiences
Abama Golf is an exceptional 18-hole course, a genuine work of art, created by Dave Thomas. Fabulous views of the sea and the island of La Gomera await you at all of the holes and you can improve your swing on the practice green (three holes) or just sit and relax at the Club House. The golf course is peppered with 22 lakes and over 90,000 palm trees and, situated in a very peaceful area in Guía de Isora, West Tenerife, the resort is ideal for a holiday with a difference.
Amarilla Golf sits right next to the ocean, and landscape designer Donald Steel created an 18-hole golf course overlooking the sea where you are sometimes required to drive the ball over the waves onto the next green. Palm trees, cannas indicas, Canary pine trees and obstacles liven up your round of golf at this course, which also boasts fantastic views of Mount Teide. The club has a pitch and putt course, a swimming pool and a horse-riding club.
Buenavista Golf, designed by Seve Ballesteros, is located on striking cliffs and is flanked by the impressive Teno Country Park, and on several of the greens it feels like you are hitting the ball into the ocean. A large central lake in front of the Club House between the 9th and 18th holes and a waterfall are water obstacles that lend a fresh feel to this unusual course in North Tenerife.
Centro de Golf Los Palos is a nine-hole, par 27 golf course and a luxuriant, colourful garden. Virtually on one level and featuring refreshing water obstacles of lakes and streams, it is perfect for beginners or for improving your short game. Designed by Integral Golf Design, José María Olazábal’s company, it boasts a lovely terrace overlooking the entire golf course.
Golf Costa Adeje was superbly adapted to its surroundings by Pepe Gancedo, who designed an unusual layout respecting the old farm terraces that slope down to the sea framed by the original dry-stone walls. With beautiful views of the ocean, the island of La Gomera and the rugged Adeje mountains, this unique golf course features 27 holes on wide greens and obstacles such as gorges and lakes.
Golf del Sur opened in 1987 with a professional golf tournament, the first of a history of sporting events. Pepe Gancedo designed the layout which was later modified by Manuel Pinero, who enhanced all the natural protected areas that surround the 27 holes, between the ravine, highlighting the beautiful indigenous flowers; cacti, palm trees and other large colourful plants. Its wide paths are flanked by an impressive ravine of coloured rocks where spectacular indigenous cacti grow with views of Mount Teide.
Golf Las Américas sits in the centre of Playa de Las Américas, one of the most famous holiday resorts in the south of the island. The course stands out for its fantastic location in a natural amphitheatre facing the sea with superb ocean views of the island of La Gomera. The designer, John Jacobs, gave priority to the obstacles on this 18-hole, par 72 course, which covers a total of 6,039 metres. The club house is an architectural gem with comfortable balconies offering excellent views of the golf course.
Real Club de Golf de Tenerife, founded in 1932, is the second oldest golf club in Spain and still preserves a typically British air of distinction. Situated at 600m above sea level it boasts 18 holes in undulating fairways that ascend with a spectacular view of Teide. The 4th hole is one of the most difficult because you have to be on the green at the second stroke, as there are out of bounds to the left and drops to the right.
Tecina Golf in La Gomera, was designed by Donald Steel, who crafted a striking 18-hole golf course perched on a cliff, overlooking the sea and Teide, thus boasting impressive views. The native vegetation in the upper areas becomes more and more exuberant as the course slopes down to the sea until it reaches a beauty spot full of tropical and fruit trees.
What about wellness?
As mentioned, it’s not just golf that often attracts golfers to a course, but the wellness amenities that often go hand in hand with a game, too. Recent growth in the luxury hotel industry has brought a series of leading spas offering indulgent massages and treatments, many of which combine eastern and western methods, or Canarian programmes featuring volcanic lava therapy and banana pulp facials.
Whether it’s the soothing powers of sunlight, the tranquil ocean breeze, or the selection of leading spa facilities, Tenerife offers a perfect and often well-earned break. In fact, small but refreshing experiences such as walking barefoot on the sandy beaches, taking a dip in the sea, or listening to the waves hit the shore, are sometimes the most pleasant yet accessible ways to relax and invigorate.
Regarded as a natural stimulant, sunshine is one of Tenerife’s most noticeable assets. Over 3,000 hours of sunlight per year welcome visitors seeking sun-drenched beaches to escape and unwind from a stressed life or gloomy weather. Renowned since the eighteenth century, the island’s therapeutic climate has continuously attracted British visitors, but besides sunshine, the island of Tenerife is a source of volcanic minerals and aloe vera, as well as tropical fruits and wines which are rich in antioxidants and are often used toexfoliate during spa therapies.
Where to stay to play and get your health fix at the end of the day?
With an impressive range of golf courses dotted around the island, and a notable mix of luxury hotels that offer a game or easy access to courses along with exquisite spa and wellness facilities, we’ve compiled a directory below of where you can stay to get your golf and wellness fix.
Ritz-Carlton Abama- abamahotelresort.com
Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife – hrhtenerife.com
Hotel Botanico and The Oriental Spa Garden – hotelbotanico.com
Hotel Jardin Tropical – jardin-tropical.com
Hotel Las Madrigueras Golf Resort and Spa – hotellasmadrigueras.com
Hotel Melia Hacienda Del Conde Golf and Spa – melia.com
Hotel Sir Anthony – marenostrumresort.com
Iberostar Grand Hotel El Mirador – iberostar.com
Iberostar Hotel Anthelia – iberostar.com
Las Terrazas De Abama – abamaterraces.com
Barceló Tenerife – barcelo.com
Sheraton La Caleta Resort and Spa – sheratonlacaleta.com
Hideaway Corales – barcelo.com
Gran Melia Palacio De Isora – melia.com
Hotel Suites Villa Maria – hotelsuitevillamaria.es
Hotel Jardin Tecina – jardin-tecina.com
Arona Gran Hotel – springhoteles.com
Factbox
Visit webtenerife.co.uk/tenerifegolf for more information about the golf courses in Tenerife or contact tenerifegolf@webtenerife.com.
For further information on Tenerife’s wellness opportunities visit webtenerife.co.uk/what-to-do/health-and-wellbeing.
For information about Tenerife as a destination, visit webtenerife.co.uk.
All imagery provided by Turismo de Tenerife.
