Sandos San Blas Nature Resort & Golf

If Gaudi had watched the Flintstones, he might have ended up creating something similar to Sandos San Blas. Inspired by the volcanic landscapes of Tenerife, this upscale resort property spread across a gently sloping hills attracts families and older couples (mostly from the UK) with its quiet, relaxed atmosphere -- this is not the kind of place you'd want to go to party. And while there are plenty of activities for kids, it doesn't have the same family-focused vibe as some of the larger (and louder) resorts in southern Tenerife, and there are adults-only areas in the restaurant and at a couple of the pools that adults without kids in tow might appreciate. 

The property consists of a series of interconnected terra-cotta buildings that wrap along a sloping series of swimming pools flanked with lounge chairs. At the bottom is the restaurant, more pools, a spa, and an outdoor mini sports complex that has a sandy volleyball court and a climbing wall. There's no direct beach or swimming access, with just a small patch of sand and a few lounge chairs. There's a tunnel that spans the resort, and though it's not very large, there's a buggy for guests with limited mobility. 

Sandos San Blas is located on a windy road in San Miguel de Abona, a small resort-dominated community just west of Tenerife South Airport, a 10-minute drive away. A small rocky area overlooking the sea is located at the base of the resort (accessible through a secure gate), and there's a nature preserve run by the property just across from the hotel's main entrance.

Sandos San Blas makes for an excellent base for exploring the south of the island of Tenerife, but there's not much within easy walking distance, so guests are better off with a car (although the resort does offer a free shuttle service to the celebrated Playa las Americas, a 15-minute drive. From here, it's easy to access a number of local attractions, including waterparks such as Aqualand and Siam Park, mini-golf at the sprawling 18-hole Vivo Las Americas, the Jungle Park wildlife park, and entertainment options ranging from casinos to comedy dinner shows hosted by drag queens. 

Attractions farther afield include Loro Parque, with marine life mammals, including red pandas, which is about an hour by car. Mount Teide, a beautiful volcano at the center of the island with a cable car, an astronomical observatory, and plenty of high-altitude hiking opportunities, is a little more than an hours' drive. Getting to Masca, the base for trekking through the popular Masca Valley, is a 45-minute drive from the hotel.

Sandos San Blas offers three room types: Deluxe, the nearly identical Deluxe Ocean View, and one-bedroom Suites, which add separate living areas. Decor is simple and pleasant, with off-white walls and dark-wood furniture, accented with olive-green and autumnal-orange throw pillows and bed runners. All have wide, furnished balconies (Suites add loungers), some offering sea views.  

Standard features include pull-out sofas, desks, flat-screen TVs, kettles, safes, black-out curtains, and free Wi-Fi. There are mini-fridges, but they only have a couple of free bottles of water, and guests have to order items from the front desk. Some past guests have complained about lumpy beds, which are all two twin mattresses pushed together, and pool-facing rooms can be noisy in the evenings, particularly those closer to the main bar. Also, sensitive sleepers should be aware that with the nearby airport, there may be noise late at night from planes flying overhead. 

Bathrooms are a highlight, with attractive vanities and double basin sinks, deep jetted bathtubs, and walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. They come equipped with small hairdryers, robes, slippers, and toiletries. All have glass walls and are visible from sleeping areas, but there are sliding wood doors for privacy, though they don't lock.

Sandos San Blas offers ample features for a comfortable stay, though amenities aren't all upscale. Those with an interest in local natural history will likely appreciate the on-site museum, a small room full of glass-encased artifacts highlighted via a series of educational videos shown across four screens. The museum experience is generally paired with a visit to the property's "Historical Experience Tunnel," which recreates the experience of living in Tenerife in times past, up to when many Tenerifians migrated to the Americas. The museum package also includes a guided visit to the San Blas Ravine, a nature reserve experience right across from the hotel. Note that the educational program is not included in room rates and is open to outside guests for a fee, though those staying at the hotel do get a discount.

Wellness facilities include eight swimming pools, six of which are unheated saltwater pools (two are adults-only), plus two freshwater heated pools. There's also a spa, and a 24-hour fitness center, but both are small, and the gym only has a couple of cardio and weight-training machines, and some free weights.

Other leisure features include a lake area with paddle boats, multiple clay tennis courts, a volleyball court, and even a rock-climbing wall, and the hotel offers bicycle storage and a bike shop for cyclists on tour of the island. Bike rentals can be arranged through the front desk. There's a kids' club, a game room in the main building, plus foosball and billiards on a large patio overlooking the ocean next to the restaurant. There's also a conference room and an auditorium that can accommodate up to 144 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and there's plenty of free underground and surface parking available. 

San Blas is an all-inclusive resort, with no options for half-board or breakfast-only rates. The service includes all three meals, served buffet style in the main Cueva de Atxona restaurant. The spreads are huge and clearly labeled with potential allergens (gluten, dairy, eggs), while vegetarian items are marked with a big "V." There are also specialty sections, including an Italian corner with pizzas and pastas, a seafood area, and a great dessert bar. A few local Canarian specialties and a hodgepodge of international dishes -- from Middle Eastern couscous to Indian curry -- are also provided. Note that the restaurant can get busy, but there is an adults-only section. There's also a lobby bar where tea, coffee, and alcohol is served in a large indoor seating area with a big-screen TV and a terrace with ocean views. Two additional bars can be found next to the pools. 

Guests staying for five nights or longer get a free meal (with advanced reservation) at the fine-dining a la carte La Proa restaurant, which serves four-course meals featuring veal, fresh seafood (including lobsters straight from the tank), and a number of vegetarian options. For those staying fewer than five nights, reservations are available for a supplemental fee. There's also a snack service in the late morning, at tea time, and late at night (at the bar). A large selection of beer and wine is also included, and guests with the a la carte option get discounts on top-shelf liquors and wine.