Hotel Las Madrigueras Golf Resort & Spa

Hotel Las Madrigueras is not just one of the top hotels in Tenerife, but in all of the Canaries. Built in 2002, its four-story buildings have Spanish Colonial style, which look especially pretty amid the immaculately tended tropical grounds, where ferns, palms, pygmy palms, dwarf umbrella trees, and flowering croton shrubs flourish. Inside, the look is as refined as the architecture and landscaping are stately: In the lobby, natural light fills the atrium entrance, wood alcoves house large Asian vases, and the floors are made of patterned coral, hunter-green, and cream-colored Italian marble. An exclusive scent gives the air of a ritzy department store. Las Madrigueras is a haven for Europe's rich and ultra-rich; one recent guest's month-long visit cost the equivalent of a new luxury car. On our visit to the hotel, we spotted the famous Spanish chef Juan Mari Arzak emerging from a dip in the quiet freeform pool. 

The hotel is a 180 from the area's typically activity-heavy resorts; here, the vibe is extraordinarily quiet. At times, the only audible sound is that of soft classical background music. Las Madrigueras is centered around one main activity, though: golf. It is located right on the side of the par-72 Golf Las Americas, where it has direct access to the first tee. All of the 57 luxurious rooms come with their own GPS-equipped golf carts and lockers with clubs (though many repeaters leave their own set at the hotel). Many Las Madrigueras guests spend much of their time on the course, so the hotel's intentionally hushed vibe can veer on downright deserted during the day. The unpeopled common areas, compounded by a semi-isolated location, might deter younger guests, but this hotel attracts primarily mature guests (from England, Germany, and Switzerland). In fact, although the hotel permits any adult at least 16 years old, its average guest age is 65 and older. From most points in the hotel are panoramic views of the Golf Las Americas course, with Playa de las Americas, the ocean, and La Gomera in the distance.

Las Madrigueras is located near the eastern corner of 18-hole, par-72 Golf Las Americas, near Tenerife's main highway. Besides the golf course -- to which the hotel has direct access -- and a couple of villa hotels, there is nothing within walking distance, and the area is a bit barren, with partially constructed roads and rubbly abandoned construction sites. A car is essential: It's a five-minute drive to Los Cristianos and Playa de las Vistas, a six-minute drive to Costa Adeje, and an 11-minute drive to Tenerife South Airport.

The posh but understated look of the hotel's common areas in carried over to its 57 rooms and suites, where welcome fruit and piped-in music greet arriving guests. Heavy area rugs add texture to the gleaming hardwood floors, and gauzy partial canopies and brass reading lamps frame the beds. Flower-printed curtains can block out the natural light streaming in from the sliding glass doors, which open to private balconies or terraces -- furnished with cushioned wicker furniture -- overlooking the pool or golf course. (Standard rooms come with Capri chairs with ottomans; suites have these plus chaise loungers.) Large bathrooms feature green-marble double vanities, shower/tub combos (in standard rooms), separate water closets, hairdryers, bathrobes, and an extensive set of hotel-branded toiletries. 

There are 44 Superior Double Rooms, Las Madrigueras' entry-level room type with golf-course views. The six Junior Suites add living rooms, and the four Duplex Suites are bi-level, with their one bedroom and master bathroom (with separate soaking tubs and walk-in showers) on the upper floor, and their living area on the lower. Duplex Suites have two balconies overlooking the fourth and fifth holes of the golf course. Two Royal Suites (called "Eagle" and "Albatross") feature a lounge, two bedrooms, and two full bathrooms, and overlook the fourth hole. The hotel's one-bedroom "Hole in One" Suite has two full bathrooms, and overlooks the fourth hole. 

All rooms with come flat-screen TVs with free satellite channels, minibars, writing desks, and air-conditioning. Housekeeping is performed twice a day, and pillow menus are available. Wi-Fi, safe usage, and late check-out are all free. Room rates include breakfast buffet and an assigned golf cart and locker with golf clubs (locker rooms are off of the garage where golf carts are parked).

Las Madrigueras' direct access to Golf Las Americas is the feature that draws nearly all of its guests, who enjoy discounted green fees and preferential tee times. When guests aren't working on their game, there are a number of hotel features at their disposal. A heated lagoon-like pool has a checkerboard-tile deck, where beige-cushioned wicker sunbeds are paired off under canvas umbrellas, and an adjacent outdoor bar. Belle Vue restaurant serves lunch with terrace seating, while the formal and traditional Bogey's Restaurant opens for a la carte dinner. Note that terrace seating is competitive, with many guests booking at least a day in advance. The hotel's wood-paneled piano bar is upscale and clubby, with checked carpeting, coffered ceilings, framed antique maps, and a glossy black piano. Smoking is allowed on the piano bar terrace.

The fitness center has large wood-framed mirrors on the walls, Technogym equipment, and exercise balls. It is in a lofted space with porthole that looks over a spiral staircase leading to the spa. Guests get free access to spa's whirlpool, cold plunge, sauna, sensation showers, and heated tile relaxation bench with foot deluge. A library, business center (no printer), hairdresser, and meeting room that can accommodate up to 40 people are available. The hotel's room service is operated 24 hours a day -- a rarity in Tenerife. Late check-out, parking, and hotel-wide Wi-Fi are all free at Las Madrigueras. Guests must be at least 16 years of age.