VOLCANIC ADVENTURES

Simone Hellyer heads to the volcanic isle of Tenerife for sun, sea and cycling

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Tenerife has been a staple package holiday destination for decades, with trips there often working out cheaper than an equivalent stay back home. But that doesn’t mean sun-seekers can’t enjoy luxury and adventure on the volcanic isle.

With year-long temperatures averaging between 20-25 degrees, Tenerife is a great place to enjoy a sunny break in winter or spring. And with a flight time of just four hours from Gatwick, you’ll be sipping sangria and enjoying a Spanish siesta before you know it. We stayed at Hotel Jardin Tropical in Costa Adeje on the south-western part of the island during our visit – perfect for stunning sea views and not far from the tourist hotspots of Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos. Like a grand Moorish palace, the hotel is a whitewashed warren housing 419 rooms, five restaurants, four bars, two pools, a gym, a spa and plenty of sunbeds and Balinese beds offering stunning views of the bright blue sea.

The hotel completed a comprehensive €12m refurbishment in December 2017 and there are now four types of room available – from large double rooms to premium rooms that come with ocean views and access to the hotel’s club facilities. Ours was a comfy double bedecked with stylish touches such as bamboo mirrors, aquamarine tiles, a large bathroom and quirkily shaped balcony.