GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Hotel Features. Opened at the end of 2005, the hotel is popular with couples, families and business travellers looking for low-key luxury and high-class leisure facilities away from the main resorts. The Mondariz Spa provides a 2,500 square- metre palace of pampering. Unique products include the Canarian Thermal Circuit: a succession of hydro-massages in a replica cave and beauty treatments using local volcanic products, as well as a gym and pilates and yoga classes. Four swimming pools including one for children, wooden Balinese sun beds, and the proximity to Tenerife's best golden sand beach, the Bahia del Duque, offer other feel-good factors.

A complimentary buffet breakfast is served each morning, and four restaurants offer a variety of dining options from à la carte to poolside snacks. For a quiet nightcap, the piano bar stays open until midnight. A late night lounge club rounds off the evening with regular live jazz music.

A kids' club caters for children from 4 years of age upwards, weekdays from all day and half day Saturday morning. A hotel shuttle provides transport to Bahia del Duque, where water sports are available. For golfers, two championship courses are within five minutes' drive; the hotel offers a free booking and transfers.

Guestrooms. La Plantacion has 164 air-conditioned guestrooms, featuring contemporary decor with colonial influences, and large balconies overlooking the sea. Amenities include flat- screen TVs, high-speed Internet connections, minibars and safes. Marble bathrooms include separate hydro massage showers and tubs, bathrobes and slippers.

Expert Tip. Venture two kilometres to discover the fishing village of La Caleta, where six seafood restaurants huddle together within its whitewashed confines.