Northern Tenerife: winter sun, relaxation, sea and mountains…

Warm beginnings

“The first thing I notice is the sun: it’s mid-January and literally freezing in the Netherlands. But here, everyone’s in summer dress. I drive my hire car through the mountains to Meliá Hacienda del Conde in Buenavista del Norte. It’s a stunning trip. Though I am quite relieved that it’s the middle of the day, as there seems to be no form of street lighting here. Tip: fly during the day; a hairy drive through the mountain roads in the pitch black probably isn’t the most relaxing way to start your holiday.

Meliá Hacienda del Conde – Peaceful, spacious and luxurious

Hacienda del Conde looks like a quaint little village with houses set among the banana plantations. This adults-only hotel is the epitome of peace and luxury. As I enter my room, I think there must be a mistake. But no: my room is standard room. It just looks like a junior suite. Smugly, I sit on my balcony enjoying a steamy espresso and stunning views of the sea, the mountains and the golf course. Insider tip: go for The Level service to benefit from extras such as a Nespresso machine in your room, pillow menu, sea view, free use of the water circuit and more.

Bikini time. It’s gorgeous by the heated pool, sheltered from the wind. I now totally understand the appeal for all those Canary Islands winter sun-seekers. Before retiring to bed, I book a soothing massage and have a go on the water circuit. For the next ninety minutes, the various parts of my body are massaged by water jets, whilst someone from the hotel tells me when to move where. The massages lower the blood pressure, leaving me completely relaxed for bed. No sooner does my head hit the pillow, and I’m out.

The next morning, I get up for a yoga session led by a true yoga guru. He explains how he was just a toddler when he took his first poses, as his father was yoga master, too. After an extensive buffet breakfast offering plenty of healthy options, I set off to the next hotel on my itinerary: the OCÉANO Hotel Health Spa.

OCÉANO Hotel Health Spa – A road to health

OCÉANO Hotel Health Spa in Punta del Hidalgo is located by the ocean on the outskirts of a small village. It’s a real spa hotel. The hotel reception greets me with a herzlich wilkommen. Though once they realise I’m Dutch, the staff immediately switch to English. This is a recurring pattern throughout my stay. And understandably so, given the resort’s popularity among German spa-goers. Here, it’s all about health and wellness.

OCÉANO is known for its A. F. X. Mayr detox programme, which cleanses you from the inside. Upon consultation with a Dr. Mayr doctor from the hotel, within just a few days, you’ll rediscover your natural balance thanks to an individualised approach and the right combination of nutrition, activity, rest and regular medical and therapeutic treatments at the thalasso bath.

 From a very comfortable room, decorated in light blue tones, I look out onto the sea and the natural pool with seawater, the ocean waves lapping over the pool’s sides. If the sea itself is too rough to swim in, this way, you can still swim in the seawater. The pool is open to the public, but it doesn’t seem to be busy.

 After a lovely stroll along the promenade, I have an algae body pack and plunge into the thalasso bath. The sense of warmth and wellbeing comes over me, and I doze off. That night, I climb into bed rosy-cheeked and with baby soft skin.

 At 8am, I am up again. This time on the rooftop of the 11-story building for a yoga class. Insider tip: the morning yoga classes offer views of the impressive Pico del Teide volcano, which at 3,718 metres high, is among the three highest volcanoes in the world.

 Back downstairs at the breakfast buffet (for those not following a Mayr programme), my clear head and healthy appetite lead me to opt for some fruit and eggs. Later in the day, I take my flight back to the cold Netherlands. But somehow I feel I can face it. After all, if it all gets too much, Tenerife is a mere four-hour flight away.”