Santa Barbara Golf And Ocean Club

We appreciated the quieter coastal setting beside the marina, with lovely sea views and restaurants and bars close enough for a wander. It’s away from the main tourist spots, which suited us. We ate out most evenings, and there are plenty of local restaurants within easy walking distance. Our top-floor suite was spacious, spotless, and well equipped, with a proper living area. It felt more like a stylish apartment than a typical hotel room, and the ocean view when we stepped out in the morning was breathtaking. The resort has a relaxed holiday feel. The pool area was lively but not chaotic, with plenty of loungers if you went down at a reasonable time. Pool staff were friendly, attentive, and quick even when busy. We were also pleasantly surprised by the fresh, generous poolside food. A meal and cold drink in the sunshine was one of those simple holiday pleasures. We left feeling completely relaxed and would happily return. The suite made the stay especially nice.

Eduardo’s aqua aerobics was a highlight for me. I was also upgraded to room 856, a spacious six-person apartment upstairs with a sea-view balcony. A winding staircase led to a secluded top level with a jacuzzi and sunbeds. The full kitchen, including a filtered water tap, was a godsend on days we didn’t fancy going out. No need to buy bottled water at the local Corivan shop. The hotel was immaculate, and everywhere looked like a postcard. It can be confusing to find your way at first, especially at the ends of the building, but there are lots of lifts and ramps for buggies and wheelchairs. Remember, level 4 is the entrance and reception, basically level 0. The pool was a decent size and well cleaned, and you can reserve sunbeds ahead to avoid a daily scramble. Staff were friendly, spoke different languages, and the cleaners were angels. There are a few restaurants within a five-minute walk, but the hotel is away from the tourist bustle. For a kebab or excursions, it was a 25-minute cab ride. I wish I could have stayed longer. Thanks for a lovely visit!

The rooms are beginning to show their age and could do with a refresh, and most of the restaurant food was poor. The delicious croquettes were the exception. Still, my boyfriend and I had a wonderful stay. The resort was very clean and well maintained, and everyone working there was friendly, helpful, and funny. Service was top-notch, and we loved the drinks at the bar during the live performances. Despite the drawbacks, we came away with a very positive impression.

Golf Del Sur was just the quiet, relaxed area we wanted for our first Tenerife trip and honeymoon. There aren’t golden beaches nearby, and the hotel is a little out of the way, but we loved the calm atmosphere and made trips to other parts of the island. It’s free of tourist crowds and street sellers. We’re already talking about coming back next year and asking for the same room. Especially good if you have children, as the staff are very accommodating. Our family apartment had a bedroom plus sofa bed, a main bathroom and ensuite, both with showers, a big balcony with a table, chairs and two loungers, and a working kitchen with filtered water and a large fridge. The apartments are among the cheaper options nearby, with most things on site. There’s a mini-market, souvenir shop, play park for young kids, arcade room for older ones, and an excursions desk that can arrange tours and transport. The pools were great, and we could reserve sunbeds. If you book one but haven’t arrived by 10:30am, it’s released for others. We saw some confusion around 11:15 when people thought their booked spots had been taken, but the rule helps stop people keeping loungers unused. Afternoon pool visitors can book for later. The pool bar had happy hour and cheap beers. Pool food was decent and inexpensive, though the area has plenty of other food options. We found some good places on the promenade behind the hotel, and the upstairs main bar was nicer for food. Reception often listed the evening sports. The private airport transfer was expensive since we couldn’t split the cost, but it worked really well. We had no idea where to go, and it saved us hours; thousands of people were queuing for buses and taxis while our blacked-out Merc people carrier was waiting. At check-in, the team connected us with them on WhatsApp. We could ask for transfers, fresh towels or sheets, refuse bags, or anything else, and they’d help. We had to check out at 10am, but luggage storage was free and we could book a courtesy room with a seating area, changing table, two toilets, three sinks, and two showers. Our flight wasn’t until 7pm, so we left our bags in a very secure room, went out for a few last-minute things, then came back for showers and our arranged ride to the airport. The location is the main drawback if you want beaches or nightlife. The bus stop on Puebla Primavera is about a five-minute walk. Bus 483 to Los Cristianos comes hourly, takes 20 minutes, and costs about €1.75, though it’s often packed. A taxi to the centre of Los Cristianos is around €20-25. For supplies, HiperDino in Las Chafras has fresh meat, bread, cheese, and plenty more. Take the 415, 470 or 483 to El Guincho, then walk about five minutes. We wanted a quieter stay and were happy with the tradeoff.