Just a short walk up from the seafront, Tropical Park has 164 spacious and fully equipped 2 or 3 bedroom apartments giving views of the Atlantic and the island of La Gomera beyond, or inland of Mount Teide, the highest point in Spain at 3,718 metres high. Callao Salvaje is a bright modern village with a friendly relaxed feel, placed located on the south west coast of Tenerife, with easy access to all main points on the island.

It’s a great place to relax by the 2 swimming pools, but if you want to be more active, we will certainly put your energy to the test. How about trying the tennis court, the 2 squash courts, the 2 saunas, jacuzzi, gym or physio area. You can take basic courses in scuba diving a t one of the pools before moving on to the sea, and if you find you still have some energy in the evening, the disco pub will keep you dancing until 2.30am.

All the services you need are on hand, a supermarket, a poolside snack bar and restaurant grill. Callao Salvaje has a good range of bars and restaurants for you to explore, and you are on a main bus route, or just ask at the 24 hour reception if you want to go off on tour of the island. If you just want to enjoy the sun and forget all your cares, that’s fine by us, just pull up a sunbed and a drink and enjoy your holiday.

FACTS AND FIGURES

• Tropical Park
• Avenida El Jable 41
• Callao Salvaje
• Costa Adeje
• Tel (0034) 902115245
• reservas@tropicalpark.com
• www.tropicalpark.com

There is barely a ripple on the two outdoor pools but a small flat robotic cleaner glides across the floor of the olympic size 50 metre main pool ensuring a clean finish to go with the constant 27 degrees of the water. Looking down from the swimming level, the floodlight pylons of the 2 football pitches frame the view of La Caleta below and the clear Atlantic beyond. It’s going to be another hot sunny day, and perfect for pursuing sporting excellence.

This is the 56,000 square metre site of Tenerife Top Training, or T3 to its friends. The site has been supplied by Adeje council on a 25 year lease, and is in the final stages of development by Kurt Konrad S.L , financed by private money. Director Carlos Paulsen gave me a guided tour of the complex as workmen beavered away to have things ready to welcome the first eager sports enthusiasts at the end of August.

Starting down at pool level, the setting is impressive, the backdrop of the mountains and palm trees is complemented by the freshly planted shrubs on the banked sides of the complex surround. Golf Costa Adeje is T3’s neighbour, and like them, T3 has used traditional old Adeje stone walls to give a natural feel to the complex. Both the main pool and its half size twin, are headed at one end by a large roll over cover that will protect them from sand and dust, and also hold the water temperature in overnight, there’s no point in wasting the energy that is soon to be produced by solar panels.

Sports treatment and therapy are very important to T3, the whole complex is linked by ramps and lifts to make it wheelchair friendly and the main pool has already been sampled by disabled swimmers, over for the recent championships in Santa Cruz. For the dedicated swimmer, a third hi tech pool hides below and uses cutting edge bio mechanics to study a swimmers strengths and weaknesses. Three cameras below, above and outside the pool, produce a 3D image on a giant screen, as the swimmer heads into a 2.5 metre per second water stream for a 30 second burst. This piece of kit is unique in Spain and one of only 20 in the World.

Back outside, on the way down to the football pitches, we pass the court areas, where 3 tennis courts are just along from 7 padel courts. Padel is a fast growing, easy to play game, invented in Mexico and popular in South America and Spain. A seperate grass area is set aside for goalkeeper training, but the main pitches are a newly seeded natural pitch and an artificial surface, both will be in use until 10pm thanks to the floodlighting.

Inside the main building, changing and shower areas are kept seperate for swimming and pitch users, there are also large physio and general exercise areas plus an all purpose zone that can be used as a conference centre. T3 will be open to the general public daily, but they will also be attracting teams and clubs that want to combine a holiday with some intensive training. The Jardin Caleta hotel, on the coast and clearly visible from T3, will provide the accomodation for guests, already several european sports sides have made bookings for T3.

In this Olympic year, and with Spanish sport enjoying a major upturn, the timing is perfect for the opening of a new sports centre where the science and sheer enjoyment of sport can combine, T3 has the most up to date facilities to cope with this demand and experts on hand to coach and encourage.

Set in Callao Salvaje, a small select village on the west coast, Pearly Grey Ocean Club stands proud, looking out to the Atlantic and across to the island of La Gomera. The views are just one small part of your holiday experience in this lively modern community.

The large pool is the centre piece of the sun terrace that faces the ocean, and with special play areas, it is perfect for families and a great setting to watch the sunsets. The 112 high standard apartments are stylish and welcoming, a real home from home. The staff at Pearly Grey are very friendly and approachable, always glad to offer help or just to get your feedback.

If you want to explore during your stay, you are in the right place. Callao Salvaje is just 20 minutes from Los Gigantes to the west, 10 minutes to Playa Las Americas in the east and 20 minutes to the south airport, so no long delays to get your holiday started. Pearly Grey has its own fleet of hire cars, if you want to get out and about, and is also on the main bus route.

Many guests decide not to stray far, and who can blame them when Pearly Grey has a hair salon, a gym, and a beauty salon. When it comes to food and drink, you are spoilt for choice. Razzmatazz restaurant and entertainment lounge will take you through the night, starting with a 5 to 6.30 Happy Hour at the bar from Sunday to Friday. Saturday is the special Welcome Barbecue on the lower pool deck with live music. Back at Razzmatazz there’s fun, games and live professional entertainment from 9pm, ending with a disco and fun with the resident comperes. Look out for Sunday nights roast buffet and Wednesdays international buffet. There’s always plenty going on, just pick your favourites.

FACTS AND FIGURES

• Pearly Grey Ocean Club
• Callao Salvaje
• Costa Adeje
• Tel (0034) 922743903
• laura@pearlygrey.com
• www.pearlygrey.com

Fun, safe and entertaining, Aqualand combines a water park with a live dolphin experience of shows and close up discovery and education. It’s a perfect day out for families and a great way to cool down from the heat of the day. The park is just above San Eugenio, a short walk over either motorway bridge, or a cheap taxi ride. There is a series of free buses that pick up from around the main resorts of south Tenerife, just check the website, ask your hotel reception or pick up a leaflet at any information centre.

One inside, the fun starts to flow, the water slides are a great favourite and there are a lots of scary variations like the twister and tornado that are sure to thrill. The open pool areas are relaxing and spacious, and the kids are well looked after with the childrens castle, and trampolin. Families can enjoy the rides together and share the excitement and the refreshment of the water.

Aqualand has 10 bottlenose dolphins and they perform a dazzling show at 1 and 3.30 from Monday to Thursday and at 3pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. These graceful animals will impress everyone with their intelligence and sense of fun. For a closer view, the dolphinarium gives a chance to learn more about these rare creatures and appreciate their endangered status.

FACTS AND FIGURES

• Agualand
• Avenida de Austria 15
• San Eugenio Alto
• Costa Adeje
• Tel (0034) 922715266
• www.agualand.es/tenerife
• Open every day from 10am to 6pm
• Adults €24.50, children €17, book on line for a 15% discount

If you like to be at the centre of things, welcome to the 4 star Iberostar Las Dalias in San Eugenio, the hub of Playa de Las Americas. All roads converge on the San Eugenio shopping centre, and nestling alongside it, this 9 storey, 404 rooom hotel, is perfectly placed for the main beaches, Puerto Colon marina, and is just a few minutes walk from the main bus station.

In the summer of 2005, the hotel had a complete make over and is looking good, right from the moment you enter the lobby and reception area. Families will find Las Dalias to be the answer to their prayers as they pay special attention to the childrens needs. There is a Mini Club for the 4 to 12 year olds, with plenty of organised activities, and a childrens playground area. The large open garden area contains 2 big swimming pools, but there is also a seperate childrens pool. Parents aren’t overlooked, there is a hair salon and a bar, plus a restaurant where the family can enjoy good food.

The Aqualand park is just up the hill and the new Siam Park will be opening a short walk down the road. At night there is a wide range of entertainment at the many local bars in San Eugenio.

• FACTS AND FIGURES
• Iberostar Las Dalias
• Avenida de Los Pueblos
• San Eugenio
• Costa Adeje
• Tel (0034) 922797675
• las.dalias@iberostar.com
• http://www.iberostar.com/EN/Tenerife-Sur-hotels/Iberostar-Las-Dalias_3_27.html

To get a really great idea of the beauty that Costa Adeje offers, take a long panoramic view from the sea, on board a catamaran from Freebird Sailing. Based in Puerto Colon, Freebird have a fleet of crafts to meet everyones needs, and they are a great way to make new friends and learn a bit about Tenerife in a fun way.

The most popular trips are the dolphin and whale watching excursions. The Canary Islands are blessed with a third of all species of these creatures, either living here or passing through. They are magical and majestic creatures, and a trip to the Canaries wouldn’t be complete without seeing them close up in the wild. The Freebird crew will fill you in on all the species that you see and any other sea creatures that you may encounter, no two trips are exactly the same.

Some things do remain constant on Freebird trips, a light buffet and drinks, entertainment for the children, a stop just off a deserted stretch of coast to swim in the clear waters,sunbathing on the decks and sun nets, and the chance to buy a photo or video reminder of your special trip. As well as the main trips, there are special variations such as a party cruise with music, V.I.P trips for that bit extra, family days,a la carte food trips and sunset voyages.

It’s a fantastic feeling as the sea breeze ruffles your hair and the gentle spray of the water refreshes you. The coastline will unfold in front of you and the full extent of Tenerife’s charms work their magic on you, it will leave you hungey to learn more about the romantically named coves, small intimate beaches and luxurious homes and hotels. It’s no wonder so many holiday makers chose to make the permanent move to Tenerife, if you check out this website, it will give you a few ideas of buying options around the south coast. Meanwhile the catamaran eases back into port and another happy crew departs with a tresure trove of memories of Tenerife’s Atlantic coast. 

It’s hard to believe that Jardin Tropical is a 4 star hotel, its facilities, service, and beachfront setting give the impression of a top of the range 5 star resort. International designer, Melvin Villarroel took an Arab theme and added in plenty of natures own handiwork, to compliment the views out over the Atlantic ocean.

The 390 rooms and suites have balconies that take in not only the sunsets over the island of La Gomera, but also the sub tropical gardens and pools of Jardin Tropical. It’s the special attention to detail that impresses the visitors to the hotel, golfers flock to this part of Tenerife, so Jardin Tropical has a special golf department to make bookings at local courses and even arrange preferential rates.

Then there is the Tropical Wellness centre, hows this sound for pampering, hot stone massage, a Turkish or algae bath, and lymphatic drainage, all in relaxing surroundings. That will set you up perfectly for the hair dressing and beauty salon. You can also treat yourself to the finest cuisine in one of the five restaurants. Los Cucurochos serves mediterranean meals and Las Mimosas offers similar but in a buffet form. Las Cuevas specialises in fish and rice, El Patio has an international flavour, and Los Rocas is a cliff side delight where the food and views are appetising.

Warm bright colours, airy rooms and suites, conference and banquet facilities all add to the attractions for holiday and business visitors. Jardin Tropical is in a prime location, close to the sea, and a short drive from the airport and main motorway to the north, but many of the guests don’t stray far from the comfort and beauty of the resort.

• FACTS AND FIGURES
• Jardin Tropical
• Calle Gran Bretaña
• Costa Adeje
• Tel (0034) 922746000
• hotel@jardin-tropical.com
• www.jardin-tropical.com

To the west side of Costa Adeje, La Caleta village is where Canarian tradition and charm meets modern leisure driven accommodation, and Sheraton La Caleta Resort & Spa offers you 5 star comfort backed by a whole range of activities and fine foods.

Prepare for your busy days, on a Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed, there’s one in each of the 284 rooms and suites. Of course you might just want restful days and that’s easily taken care of at the Pool Village, which has 3 heated outdoor pools in leafy surroundings. The children can make good use of the kids club, with its own pool and play area, or try a family challenge on the mini golf. For the full size game, the 27 hole Golf Costa Adeje is just a short chip away.

When you feel hungry, you can chose from 4 restaurants, La Venta offers Spanish cuisine and live entertainment, there’s the Kamakura Japanese restaurant, El Parador for buffet or a la carte service, and the Vivace pool restaurant for light snacks, steak and seafood, and delicious views. How about a relaxing drink in good company, the Coral pool bar will please everyone with ice cream and snacks poolside and later La Glorieta lobby bar has the finest cocktails and is open until 1am.

Don’t feel guilty about over indulging, just get along to the spa for a thorough top to toe healthy treat. From a steam bath to a sauna or a gym workout to a treatment pool, they have the full range of well being services. The resort also has a hair salon, a gift shop and 24 room and reception services.

• FACTS AND FIGURES
• Sheraton La Caleta Resort & Spa
• Calle La Enramada 9
• La Caleta
• Costa Adeje
• Tel (0034) 922162000
• lacaleta@sheraton.com
• www.sheraton.com/lacaleta

From the mountains down to the Atlantic ocean, Costa Adeje is a wonderous sight, and there can be no more exciting way to see than from the air. As you pass through Adeje, a glance upwards will reveal shimmering swirls of colour as keen hang gliders soar down from their rocky lauch pads.

Adeje is perfectly suited to “parapente” due to the high mountain ranges and wide open landing areas near to the shoreline. The deep undulating ravines are responsible for a terrific range of thermal currents for the gliders to tap into on their way down. One of the most popular local flight paths is from Taucho down to just beyond the town of Adeje, a drop of some 800 metres.

There are several parapente clubs that operate in the south of Tenerife and they can be found via the Canary Islands Federation of Air Sports web site. It is possible to arrange gliding lessons, complete with instructors and equipment hire, there are even tandem glides where an instructor can guide you down. So if you want to be a little daring, Costa Adeje will rise to the challenge, and reward you with some great memories and photos.

Even in a stylish area like Bahia del Duque, this 5 star top of the range hotel is something special. The majestic design of the 19 buildings is complimented by the explosion of natural colour provided by the expansive sub tropical gardens, featuring 300 species of plants, and swimming pools. Bahia del Duque beach is one of the finest on the south coast and you can walk straight out to the sand from the resort.

The 311 rooms and 46 suites offer balconies or patios and the highest possible comforts. The resort is proud of its reputation for attentive service, and that theme runs throughout the resort. All your food and drink needs are well looked after with 8 cafe bars and 8 restaurants featuring the finest of local Canarian and international cuisine, inside or out over looking the pool.

There is a wide choice of entertainment in the resort or at many of the local night spots in this select area of the coast. Shopping is a pleasure with the prestigious Plaza del Duque a short walk away, and packed with designer labels. There is a new way to pamper yourself in the resort this summer with the opening of a spa built on 3 levels and staffed by beauty experts. For pure style and comfort the Gran Hotel is the last word in luxury.

• FACTS AND FIGURES
• Gran Hotel Bahia Del Duque resort
• Avenida Bruselas
• Costa Adeje
• Tel (0034) 922719421
• info@bahia-duque
• www.bahia-duque.com