After a mere few days at Barceló Tenerife, I had certainly soaked up enough sun to feel rejuvenated – but this short trip offered a lot more than some much needed warmth.
Set within the San Blas Environmental Reserve in the south of the island, Barceló Tenerife is a seafront hotel that can be best described as an oasis.
According to the Barceló group, it is the only hotel in the world set within an environmental reserve, and guests have access to more than 124 acres of near-untouched land.
This includes Guanche archaeological remains, ancient caves and a museum that reveals thousands of years of history – all a stone’s throw away from the hotel’s bars, restaurants and seven pools.
It meant that myself and other guests got the best of both worlds: all-inclusive luxury alongside culture and history.
A particular highlight for me was the tunnel experience, next to the museum (both situated inside the hotel itself), which gives visitors an interactive experience of not only the reserve but Tenerife as a whole.
Another unique experience is the reserve’s lake, which you can navigate across yourself.
Gastronomy is also a strong point at Barceló Tenerife, with various bars and restaurants including Drago Buffet restaurant, Italian restaurant La Dolce Vita and the Arrozante restaurant, specialising in paella and rice dishes.
During my trip, I was able to try La Dolce Vita, with a gorgeous sharing menu featuring carpaccio and burrata for starter and main dishes including paciotti and margherita pizza.
After lots of eating, exploring the reserve and relaxing by the pool, we were able to catch some evening entertainment: a Bee Gees tribute which got everyone up and dancing.
The cherry on the top was the rooms at Barceló Tenerife – clean and stylish, very spacious and featuring great views from the balcony.
