Situated in a prime location along Tenerife’s sun-kissed south coast, Bahia del Duque stands as a distinguished symbol of Canary Islands hospitality, having opened its doors as the area’s first luxury hotel in 1993. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by friendly staff who assist with luggage and refreshments, all set against a backdrop reminiscent of a vacation paradise, featuring cascading pools and palm trees that lead to a beautiful sandy beach and the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel boasts lush gardens that thrive year-round and showcase vibrant foliage in terracotta planters lining the pathways. While the extensive offerings of bars and restaurants encourage guests to indulge in culinary delights, the lively dining scene in the nearby resort area of Costa Adeje offers additional tempting options.

Overall Rating 9/10

Accommodations

Rating 8/10Despite being a large establishment with 386 rooms, 58 suites, and 40 private villas, Bahia del Duque maintains a welcoming atmosphere through its thoughtful design, which emulates a traditional Canarian village centered around a bell tower. Elegant elements like balustrades, columns, arches, and balconies combine with a warm color palette of blush and caramel. Rooms evoke a sense of classic charm, highlighted by ceiling fans and cool terracotta flooring. Antique-style furnishings complement the botanical theme, featuring lush green leaf patterns on curtains and cushions. Luxurious marble accents adorn the bathrooms, and the most desirable accommodations offer breathtaking ocean views with private balconies or terraces. The newer Las Villas, positioned further from the beachfront, come equipped with private plunge pools and dedicated butler service.

Dining Options

Rating 9/10Bahia del Duque features one of the finest breakfast buffets on the island, enhancing traditional favorites with freshly squeezed orange juice, freshly cooked crêpes, and an assortment of exotic fruits, including a chocolate fountain. Breakfast is served at the spacious yet intimate El Bernegal, which offers a large outdoor terrace with stunning sea views. Guests can explore a multitude of dining options throughout the resort, including La Trattoria for Italian fare, Sua for Basque cuisine, La Brasserie for French dishes, Alisios Market Food for inventive meals, and Kensei for a taste of Japan. Additionally, the Michelin-starred Nub restaurant is situated near the villas.

For lunch, the Beach Club provides a fantastic dining experience with its terrace overlooking the main pool, offering a menu rich in fresh seafood options—especially the calamari—and classic paellas. A selection of Canarian wines is available, both by the glass and bottle, with recommendations like the Tenerifian Viñatigo. The resort also features several bars, including a piano bar that hosts live music events.

Additional Amenities

Rating 9/10Guests will discover a wealth of activities to fill their stay, from well-maintained tennis courts, padel, and squash facilities to a fully equipped gym and giant chess set. Kids’ clubs cater to children aged 3–12, and there is a teen gaming club featuring board games, Wii consoles, and television. Five swimming pools meander through the gardens, leading to the ocean, including a dedicated children’s pool. An engaging program of activities such as aqua aerobics, garden tours, and stargazing sessions at the on-site observatory is available. For relaxation, the Bahia Wellness Retreat spa offers a range of soothing treatments and an outdoor thalassotherapy circuit, complete with hydromassage jets and bubble beds.

Location

Rating 9/10The luxury resort is nestled within the bustling area of Costa Adeje, where a variety of shops and restaurants are conveniently accessible on foot. The hotel’s beach access opens directly onto the promenade leading to a stunning golden sandy beach, enhanced by beach sand imported from the Sahara. A car is only necessary for exploring more distant attractions, such as the harbor at Los Cristianos for whale-watching tours, which is a 20-minute drive, or the majestic Teide National Park, approximately 40 minutes away. Tenerife South Airport is also easily reachable in about 25 minutes.

Pricing starts for B&B doubles at £261, with main dishes in the restaurant beginning at £16. The resort is family-friendly and accessible for all guests.

Helen Ochyra contributed to this review of Bahia del Duque.