TRAVEL
LUXURY, GASTRONOMY AND ISLAND SOUL...
TENERIFE’ S
ROYAL HIDEAWAY
CORALES
RESORT
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 the the Royal Hideaway Corales has managed to bottle that spirit and pour it into every aspect of a stay here. 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 internationally acclaimed Tenerife architect Leonardo Omar, the 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 mimic 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 the Royal Hideaway Corales 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
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