Presents to take back for friends and family, are something of an obligation when going on holiday, but while you are at it, you may as well treat yourself, and in Costa Adeje, you are spoilt for choice, if you want a special shopping experience.

There are two major, modern shopping centres in Costa Adeje, Plaza del Duque in the up market area of Bahia del Duque, and Centro Commercial Gran Sur, in Fañabe, just on the north side of the motorway. Both have a large range of shops on several floors and ample parking and both love to put on a fashion show to give the shoppers a chance to see how all the latest styles will look once on.

Let’s have a look at fashion events held recently at both venues. Plaza del Duque (pic above) made full use of their three level centre, with the show taking place around the core with its view to the hills in the afternoon, and as evening drew in, the open top added the night sky as a backdrop. Family wear was very much in voque, and the change from day to night allowed a smooth transition from beach and casual wear to evening chic.

Gran Sur focussed on youth, and with the incentive “Do You Want To Be A Model” their competition pitched 240 would be catwalk boys and girls against each other in stylish competition. Eventually they were narrowed down to just 20, and in a nail biting finish, they selected a male and female winner, with each winning a professional portfolio to start them off on the road to international fame - hopefully.

In both cases, the shopping public were the winners as they relaxed among smart bars and restaurants and let the shows unfold around them. Shopping in Tenerife is a whole different experience and Costa Adeje has it down to a fine art.