Hotel Hacienda del Conde - Meliá Collection

For travellers wishing to explore the majestic scenery and extensive hiking routes of Tenerife's unspoilt Isla Baja region without compromising their creature comforts, the Hotel Meliá Hacienda del Conde is an obvious choice. Nestling against the hillside just outside the small town of Buenavista del Norte, this 5-star hotel is set against the spectacular mountain backdrop of the Teno Massif and looks out across an 18-hole golf course designed by Severiano Ballesteros to the ocean beyond.

Attractively designed to resemble a traditional Canarian village, with local style elements and plenty of natural materials used in the construction, the hotel fits harmoniously into its natural surroundings. An impressive "manor house" at the top of the site houses the reception and public lounges, whilst the bar has been create inside a replica of Buenavista's parish church, complete with bell tower. From here, several smaller buildings containing the 117 guestrooms cascade down the hillside, connected by a succession of terraces and landscaped gardens.

The three main room categories are classified as Junior Sites and are identical in terms of size and amenities, and only differentiated by their position and outlook: standard Junior Suites are located on the lower levels and have garden views, while moving higher up they benefit from views over the golf course or sea views. All the rooms are extremely spacious and very well furnished and decorated, each having a comfortable sitting area, large beds that can be arranged as a double or two singles, a sumptuous bathroom with twin basins, a bathtub, separate shower cubicle and WC, as well as a large walk-in wardrobe. All are equipped with satellite TV (limited English-language channels), air-conditioning/heating, telephone, safety-deposit box, minibar and free WiFi, whilst the bathrooms are provided with hairdryers, bathrobes and slippers. Naturally, each rooms also has its own balcony or terrace.

The hotel's location is ideal not only for golfers, but also for keen walkers, nature lovers and those who wish to explore some of the traditional towns of this region using the hire car that is included in your holiday cost. Icod de los Vinos, renowned for its millennial dragon tree, and the historic seaside town of Garachico are just a short drive to the east, or head south across the mountain pass near Santiago del Teide to visit the island's sun-drenched west coast. A small company organising guided walks and other nature-based activities is based at the hotel and can, amongst other things, arrange a day's outing descending the magnificent Masca gorge.

Whilst the hotel's location will appeal to active holidaymakers, its facilities also allow for complete relaxation, with two free-form swimming pools, one of which is heated during the winter season, set amidst several terraces. For those who enjoy a little pampering, the hotel's Yhi Spa (payable locally) offers a complete thermal circuit with hydro-massage pool, steam bath, bi-thermal showers and relaxation area, as well as a whole host of beauty and massage treatments. For those who wish to keep fit on holiday, there is also a small gym.

The Meliá Hacienda del Conde is available on a bed-and-breakfast or half board basis. Breakfast is an extensive buffet of hot and cold offerings, and for those opting for the half-board option, dinner is also served buffet-style in the main restaurant (at times of low occupancy, a table d'hote menu with waiter service may be offered instead). The hotel's à-la-carte restaurant, El Gourmet Canario, serves Canarian specialities in an intimate setting, or you may of course wish to sample some of the local restaurants in Buenavista or Garachico from time to time, making use of your hire car or local taxis.