There are holidays and then there are places that feel like an experience in themselves. My recent stay at the Royal Hideaway Corales Resort in Tenerife fell firmly into the latter category. Perched on the island’s south coast, this resort combines striking architecture, world-class dining and sweeping Atlantic views in a way that feels effortless. BY ADAM READY

It had been more than 20 years since I last set foot on Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands. I remembered the volcanic beaches, the spring-like climate and the dramatic landscapes. But, what struck me most this time wasn’t just the island’s beauty, it was how Corales Resort has managed to bottle that spirit and pour it into every aspect of the stay. This isn’t a hotel that just happens to be on Tenerife, it’s one that reflects and celebrates the island at every turn.

Designed by the internationally acclaimed Tenerife architect Leonardo Omar, Corales Resort is more than a hotel – it’s a sculpture carved into the coastal landscape. The structure itself takes inspiration from the sea, with its white, organic exteriors mimicking the coral reefs that lie just offshore. Inside, natural light floods every corridor, while expansive glass walls invite the outside in, blurring boundaries between building and nature.

The rooms are equally impressive. Spacious, calming and designed with clean lines, they frame the island perfectly. Step out onto the balcony and you’re caught between two worlds: the endless Atlantic in one direction and Mount Teide’s volcanic slopes in the other. From the rooftop infinity pools, that contrast is even more striking, with the ocean to the west and rugged peaks to the east. I found myself losing track of time there, cocktail in hand, watching the light change over both landscapes.

And then there’s the food. If Corales Resort is unforgettable for its design, it’s truly exceptional for its gastronomy. With more Michelin stars under one roof than any other hotel in Spain, dining here isn’t just an option, it’s the highlight of the stay.

The first evening I dined at one-Michelin star Il Bocconcino, where modern Italian cuisine takes centre stage. The dining room, elegant yet unpretentious, sets the stage for a culinary symphony of textures and flavours.

From the first bite of head chef Niki Pavanelli’s menu, it was clear that this was Italian food redefined. Handmade pastas, each crafted with almost sculptural precision, arrived with sauces that sang of Mediterranean warmth yet felt fresh and inventive. A truffle risotto shimmered with decadence, while the sommelier’s carefully curated wine pairing journeyed across Italy’s greatest regions.

What I loved most was the balance: authentic Italian soul elevated by technique and creativity, all without losing its warmth. By the time dessert arrived – a deconstructed tiramisu with flavours that lingered like a gentle aria – I was convinced that Il Bocconcino alone would be reason enough to stay.

While Michelin stars shine brightly, there’s something deeply compelling about Starfish, the resort’s restaurant that champions sustainability and ‘0 km’ dining, meaning almost everything on your plate is sourced from the island itself.

The menu is a love letter to Tenerife: freshly caught Atlantic fish grilled to perfection, vegetables plucked from local farms and dishes that honour the island’s culinary traditions while presenting them in a modern, refined style.

What struck me most was the integrity of it. Every ingredient tasted alive, vibrant and connected to the land or sea from which it came. Dining at Starfish felt like a reminder of what food should be: honest, sustainable and deeply rooted in place.

On the final evening of the stay I dined at one-Michelin star San Hô. Saving the best until last, which will remain etched in my memory. Its philosophy of ‘borderless cuisine’ takes inspiration from the Atlantic Rim – the cuisines of Peru, Japan and Spain – weaving them together with exquisite precision. The result is an astonishing 12-course journey that celebrates Canary Island produce while telling a global story.

Each course was a revelation: delicate sashimi reimagined with Canarian tuna, smoky notes that hinted at the island’s volcanic soil, and ceviche elevated by citrus grown under eternal island sunshine. Flavours danced between umami, acidity and subtle sweetness, each bite layered with intent and artistry. The wine pairings were equally masterful, showcasing both international labels and standout local vintages that reminded me just how underappreciated Canary Island wines are.

Spanning the entire evening from 8pm until midnight, it was, quite simply, one of the finest dining experiences I have ever had.

As if two Michelin-starred restaurants weren’t enough, Royal Hideaway Corales is also home to El Rincón de Juan Carlos, a two-Michelin-starred dining temple led by the renowned Padrón brothers. Their cuisine is a masterclass in refinement, creativity and respect for the island’s heritage; the perfect crescendo to the resort’s unparalleled gastronomic repertoire. 

Outside the restaurants, the pace slows. Mornings began with long breakfasts overlooking the ocean, afternoons with rooftop swims or spa treatments inspired by the sea. The resort also encourages guests to explore the island and trips to Mount Teide and local vineyards reminded me how varied and surprising Tenerife can be. Yet each return to Corales felt like coming back to a sanctuary.

One of the resort’s strengths is how thoughtfully it’s divided: a wing for families, full of activities and facilities, and another reserved just for adults. It means both couples and families find exactly what they’re looking for, without compromise.

By the time I left, I realised Tenerife had given me much more than I expected. I’d come for sun and sea, but I left with memories of extraordinary meals, volcanic landscapes and a hotel that feels more like a destination than a base.

Royal Hideaway Corales Resort isn’t just one of the best places to stay in Tenerife, it sets a standard for luxury resorts across Europe.

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