Green Garden Resort & Suites

The Green Garden Resort and Suites was built in 1998, right in the middle of the 18-hole golf course Las Americas, which is known for its beautiful lakes and streams. The resort was designed by the owner, whose aim was to replicate the colonial architectural style of the Canary Islands and offer an outdoor environment reminiscent of tropical gardens. The grounds are certainly gorgeous and expansive, featuring lots of flora and palm trees. Inside, the common areas have an eclectic mix of styles -- packed with decor pieces and artwork sourced from places such as Bali, Mexico, and Italy. The black-and-white themed lobby is tastefully accented with embossed wallpaper, checkered floors, and two large cast-iron bird cages. The two restaurants are particularly interesting spaces, decorated with wooden tables, sombreros, and rooster centerpieces. Thanks to many kid-centric facilities and daily activities, the overall vibe is fun and family-friendly.

The Green Garden Resort & Suites is in a quiet location on the south of the island, surrounded by the popular Las Americas golf course. It's about a seven-minute drive to the restaurants, shops, and bars in both Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos resort town. To get to Las Vistas, one of the few white-sand beaches on the island, it's a seven-minute drive away, while Monkey Beach can be reached in about five. Siam Park, a huge and popular Asian-themed water park, is about a five-minute drive away. The hotel has a free shuttle to Siam Park and other area spots. Tenerife South Airport is a 20-minute drive away.

The spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments have contemporary decor utilizing wood and wicker in tropical blues or warm earth tones that give it a Caribbean colonial-like feel. Large botanical paintings, white curtains with potted-palm-plant motifs, and canopies over the beds add to the tropical vibe. All have separate living areas with dining tables, private furnished outdoor spaces, and fully equipped kitchens outfitted with refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, stovetops, coffeemakers, and cookware. Additional amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and safes. The marble-tiled bathrooms are mostly modern, aside from the colorful plastic curtains in some. They either have walk-in showers, or showers and separate tubs, but all have hairdryers and toiletries. Ground floor terraces are furnished with daybeds and hammocks while the balconies serve as an extra outdoor dining area. Note that some balconies overlook the street versus the gardens.

The resort caters to its family clientele by offering two large pools with whirlpools, divided by a bridge with a Balinese temple structure in the middle. Another shallow pool for children is also available. The pool deck is laid with artificial grass to prevent slippery accidents, as well as plentiful sun loungers and a couple of cabanas with daybeds. Kids also have access to a playground, game room, and daily and evening entertainment schedule put on by the animation team. Adults, on the other hand, can visit the spa, which offers a wide range of treatments including massage and body wraps. Turkish baths and a whirlpool are also available, but it costs an hourly fee to use. In the same building is a small but well-equipped gym. Self-service laundry machines are also on-site. The resort also offers discounts to the adjacent golf course and Siam Park. Wi-Fi is free throughout and the hotel provides free shuttle service to center of Las Americas and Siam Park.

The main restaurant, Las Palmeras, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet-style and has a show cooking station. There's a separate dining area for kids and the food receives mostly positive reviews. The a la carte Italian restaurant, Sahara, is a more refined option specializing in Mediterranean cuisine. The eatery is only open for dinner and also gets busy, so it's wise to book ahead. All-inclusive guests can replenish their glasses at the self-serve wine, beer, and soft drinks machines, but note that not all liquor is covered under the package. For self-catering guests, there is a large and well-stocked grocery store.