Tenerife: Why you should add this to your travel list.
Tenerife has been on my radar for a while. The UK market has long been in on the secret, but for American travelers, it's been a bit under the radar…until now. With a brand-new direct flight from Newark to Tenerife, it felt like the perfect time to explore and see what all the buzz was about.
And let me tell you…it absolutely blew me away.
Where We Stayed: Two Stunning Hotels, Two Distinct Vibes
We split our stay between two incredible properties, each offering a different side of Tenerife. First up was Hacienda del Conde, a peaceful adults-only retreat on the northwest side of the island. It’s surrounded by lush landscapes and set right on a beautiful golf course — an absolute dream for golfers.
Then, we moved to Bahia del Duque, a Virtuoso property in the south, which was full-on luxury resort vibes.
Bahia del Duque
It’s perfect for families, multi-generational trips, or anyone looking for that idyllic beachside escape.
Nature Like You’ve Never Seen Before
Tenerife is shockingly diverse — it felt like stepping onto an entirely different planet at times. One of the biggest highlights was visiting Teide Volcano, the highest peak in Spain. I’ve seen Etna, I’ve seen Vesuvius, but Teide? Absolutely unreal. The landscapes were otherworldly.
We also spent a day exploring Santa Cruz, the island’s bustling capital, which has all the charm of a classic Spanish city.
Then there was Anaga Rainforest — lush, green, and totally unexpected. Walking through it, I had to remind myself I was still in Spain and not in Peru or Southeast Asia. And if that wasn’t enough, we went whale watching off the coast of Los Gigantes, where we spotted pilot whales in their natural habitat. Just magical.
The Food? Out of This World.
If you know me, you know food is everything when I travel, and Tenerife did not disappoint. The island has this amazing mix of Spanish flavors with a tropical twist. Every morning started with the sweetest, juiciest papaya, and every meal was an event. Fresh seafood, incredible meats, vibrant vegetables — whether we were dining at our hotels or discovering local restaurants, everything was just delicious.
Unexpectedly Stunning Beaches
I wasn’t quite prepared for how beautiful the beaches would be. When you think of the Atlantic, you don’t necessarily expect those crystal-clear, turquoise waters — but Tenerife delivered. The south of the island had these breathtaking white sandy beaches, making it an absolute paradise for sun-seekers.
Who needs to go to Hawaii?
Final Thoughts: Tenerife Is Calling
This trip was one of the best I’ve taken in a long time. We hiked, we explored, we relaxed, we danced — we truly did it all. And the best part? I’m already planning my return trip.
If you’re looking for a destination that combines adventure, luxury, and jaw-dropping scenery with a side of phenomenal food, Tenerife is calling your name. And with that new direct flight from New York, there’s never been a better time to go. Trust me — you’ll be just as blown away as I was.