Apartment inside the wave II

The mountain scenery is lovely, but the ocean is what really surrounds this tiny studio, just 50 feet above it. You can hear waves pounding the lava rocks, smell the sea spray, and watch mist roll by. It all feels dreamy. There's a natural wading pool nearby if you fancy a refreshing dip.

That view is unbelievable.

We checked out the very next day. Thanks to our Tenerife group, we found a lovely place for the next three weeks, because this apartment was beyond words and we wouldn't give it even one star. The natural pool was the only good part, and it has nothing to do with the complex. The advertised pool on site hasn't been used for years, and there was no balcony despite what the listing said. We felt like we were staying on Alcatraz. It's the worst experience we've ever had, an absolute disgrace. I can't understand how the property gets close to five stars. Definitely not recommended.

There seem to be several apartments in the complex, and ours was newly renovated, modern, and had a spectacular view. The kitchen was well equipped, and the bathroom looked stylish and up to date. At night we left the balcony door open to listen to the sea; in the morning, we could see Mount Teide from bed in the early light. The host was very friendly, and parking was nearby. Mesa del Mar feels like a fascinating, almost surreal remnant of the 1950s. A few things could get annoying on a longer stay: there was nowhere to store clothes, no wardrobe or coat hooks, and the bed wasn't very comfortable. There isn't much in town apart from the beach and a small mini-market, so for any outing you have to drive a long way through the dull town of Tacoronte.