This matchless pearl in Northern Tenerife nestles between the brooding majestic mountains and the cerulean Atlantic Ocean, an exclusive Meliá luxury adults-only hotel, with all the elegance and facilities that you would associate with this world-renowned brand. It wears its banner of eternal spring with poise and grace.
We were welcomed with genuine warmth by the reception team, resplendent in charming Canarian costumes and offering a cool glass of the driest rosé!
The main building is in the colonial style, featuring all natural materials – a dark polished teak staircase, timeless traditional ceramic tiles, reminiscent of times past in the home of the Count.
The resort is built around a replica church which houses a sophisticated bar and lounge Ikko with ecclesiastical features such as the soaring columns and is open to local residents. The ambience is a scene straight out of a Canarian village.
There are 117 suites, some specially adapted for less abled persons, and 120 staff approximately, such is the commitment to the guest experience by the Meliá collection
We were impressed by our substantial suite, boasting a breathtaking view of the infinity pool and terraces, and beyond that, the Atlantico Ocean’s Club basking on magma that cooled and solidified eons ago.
Our suite was in the main building on the 7th level and opened to layers of buildings and pools descending to the ocean; just like a Canarian village in the mountains. Fortunately, there are escalators plunging right down to level 1 for those unable to manage the steps.
The many levels of terraces, accessible pools and solaria means that the resort never feels crowded. The architecture is sheer genius, as the hotel was built to follow the natural undulations of the volcanic rock, a sympathetic fusion with nature. There are several hidden gardens ensconced where the mountain has been left in its natural state and embellished with little pockets of lush mature palms and native flora, truly an oasis of calm.
There are three exceptional highlights from my stay that deserve special mention: the effortlessly glamorous Atlántico Ocean’s Club, the deeply restorative Alqvimia Spa with its outstanding wellness offering, and the magnificent Severiano Ballesteros-designed golf course, where spectacular coastal views accompany every round.
The piéce de résistance of Hacienda del Conde is Atlántico Ocean’s Club, the absolute unanimous favourite amongst guests. We were chauffeured from the hotel in a golf buggy, as access is through the state-of-the-art golf club – tremendous fun!
The infinity pool follows the curve of the volcanic rock jutting out onto the black lava rocks into the wild sea, as rugged and idyllic as my homeland on the Cornish coast. We nibbled on a light lunch with a welcome glass of ice-cold cava, well OK, the bottle, and settled down on the comfortable loungers to a hard afternoon’s sunbathing.
This may well be the more temperate North, but we positively gleamed in the sun, cooled off in the azure infinity pool – which was continually replenished by water trickling over the baked lava. We took advantage of the facilities to refresh ourselves before heading off to the airport for the flight home.
The glorious golf course was designed by Seve Ballesteros, the Spanish golfing legend. My companion is a golf widow in the UK, her spouse is a well-known personality in the golfing world with ties to Turnberry and Kent; he was positively salivating at the photos of the luxuriant grounds, the undulating greens of this world class golf course. He considers that the golf course is intriguingly complex and challenging and admired throughout the golfing fraternity. The greenery is kept in tip-top condition by sea water reclaimed from the sea and that desalination keeps everything fresh.
The lush gardens throughout the resort are meticulously tended. Even in the temperate north of the island, with mist in the foothills, they require an army of proficient gardeners hence the truly lovely Paseo Botanico, a cool pathway of discovery in the shade of Canarian trees, fruiting lemon and figs, local shrubs. There are many unexpected corners, like the comprehensive herb garden with astounding natural fragrance – the herbs are used in the restaurant kitchens.
It is reassuring to hear that in addition to the commitment to traditional values that the Meliá Collection and Hacienda del Conde are champions of innovation, particularly in ecotourism and sustainability.
I spent a leisurely morning at the beautifully appointed Alqvimia Spa in the company of couple and ladies whose husbands were busy playing the best golf of their lives
There was also Sauna and steam room, Jacuzzis and three pools: warm like a bath, mild and temperate and a brutally frigid cold plunge pool, (no, thank you). There was a range of treatments available, and my only regret was that I could not fit in another massage before I left, to prepare me for the flight home.
We ate at gourmet restaurants offering locally sourced sustainable fare and Canarian cuisine- there’s also Il Rosmarino, fine Italian dining and Buenavista del Norte International buffet restaurant.
We were fortunate to partake of a tasting menu El Palmar in Montenegro restaurant created by Seve Diaz which was absolutely delicious: Little tastes of Canarian local produce at its finest – my favourites being Cherne – traditional escaldon with mojos served over papa bonita , and smoked cheese and thyme crumble. Sipping a Canarian dry white wine whilst watching the rose gold sunset slowly slipping below the horizon gave us a sense of wellness and serenity.
There is a schedule of activities including morning stretch and yoga in the sunny square overlooking the sea, candlelight meditation and evening entertainment – an accomplished singer with saxophone accompaniment. To work off all these extra calories, the gym is equipped with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and is open 24 hours. Just outside is a huge open air jacuzzi that you can actually swim in and an exciting outdoor exercise area with equipment constructed from local timber.
Hacienda del Conde has a dedicated and outstanding service team led by Resident Manager Luciá; many are local and genuinely love their work, for them it’s a vocation. The consideration and solicitousness shown by the staff is truly a reflection on just how special this resort is. I cannot emphasise the sense of wellbeing afforded by my Séjour at Hotel Hacienda del Conde – Meliá Collection Golf and Spa; truly sublime.
As we checked out, we were bid farewell by the lovely reception staff and felt sad we were leaving this grand home from home where we felt so welcome. Never fear, my companion’s husband is already organising a golfing party in the autumn and of course I accepted my invitation.
@hotelhaciendadelconde | melia.com
Paseo Severiano Ballesteros s/n 38480 Buenavista del Norte S.C. de Tenerife – Canarias – ES
