Honestly, if you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram looking at luxury hotels in Spain, you’ve probably seen the Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama. It’s that massive, terracotta-red (or is it pink?) Moorish citadel clinging to a cliffside in Guía de Isora. It looks like a movie set.
But here’s the thing. Most people think it’s just another stuffy, overpriced resort where you sit by a pool and eat expensive club sandwiches.
They’re wrong.
I’ve spent a lot of time looking into why this place remains the "boss" of Canary Island luxury even as flashier, newer hotels pop up in Costa Adeje. It isn't just about the brand name. It’s about the fact that this resort is basically its own ecosystem. You could spend a week here and never actually see the rest of Tenerife, which is both a blessing and a bit of a tragedy given how cool the island is.
The Reality of the "Pink Citadel"
The first thing you notice is the color. It’s bold. The architecture is inspired by Moorish design, full of intricate archways and hidden courtyards. It doesn’t feel like a standard hotel; it feels like a sprawling village.
There are over 450 rooms, but because the layout is so fragmented, you rarely feel like you’re in a "mega-resort." You’ve got the main Citadel building and then you’ve got The Retreat.
If you take one piece of advice from this: book The Retreat if you can swing it.
✨ Don't miss: Taking the Ferry to Williamsburg Brooklyn: What Most People Get Wrong
The Retreat is a collection of villas (casitas) tucked away in the gardens. It’s quieter. You get access to a private infinity pool (El Del Mar) where the service is significantly more "Ritz" than the main pool. Plus, they usually throw in free snacks and drinks throughout the day. In 2026, the resort is still leaning hard into this "resort within a resort" concept because, let’s be real, nobody wants to fight a toddler for a sun lounger when they’re paying five-star prices.
Eating Your Way Through Two Michelin Stars
Most hotels brag about their food. The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama actually has the receipts.
M.B, the signature restaurant by Martín Berasategui, holds two Michelin stars. It’s Basque-inspired but uses local Canarian ingredients. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. We're talking tasting menus that last four hours.
Then there’s Akira Back. It replaced the old Kabuki spot and brought a much-needed shot of adrenaline to the dining scene. It’s modern Japanese with a heavy Korean influence. If you’re there, you have to try the "Tuna Pizza." It sounds like something from a boardwalk stand, but it’s legendary.
- M.B: Formal, serious, life-changing.
- Akira Back: Cool vibes, great for a "fancy but fun" night.
- El Mirador: Seafood with views of La Gomera.
- Verona: Solid Italian for when you just want a decent pasta.
One thing to watch out for? Reservations. In 2026, the hotel is still seeing high occupancy. If you don't book your tables at least a week before you land, you’ll be eating the (admittedly good) room service burger more often than you'd like.
The Beach Situation: It's Complicated
Let’s talk about Playa de Abama.
🔗 Read more: Lava Beds National Monument: What Most People Get Wrong About California's Volcanic Underworld
The beach is stunning. It’s golden sand (imported) tucked into a volcanic cove. The water is turquoise and calm because of the breakwaters.
But getting there is an adventure.
You have to take a funicular—a little cable car—down the cliff. Or the resort train. It’s quirky the first three times. By day five, when you realize you forgot your sunscreen back in the room, it’s a bit of a trek. Also, it’s important to know that in Spain, all beaches are public. While the Ritz has a private area with loungers for guests, you’ll still see locals and other tourists there. It isn't a "private island" experience, so don't expect total isolation.
The Golf and Wellness Factor
If you play golf, you already know about Abama Golf. Dave Thomas designed it, and it is widely considered one of the best—and most challenging—courses in Spain. The elevation changes are wild. You’re basically playing on the side of a volcano.
For the non-golfers, the spa is the real anchor. They use a "Wellness Circuit" based on Roman baths.
In early 2026, they’ve also doubled down on their "Ritz Kids" program. Most luxury hotels treat kids like a nuisance. Here, they have a dedicated lab with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society. They actually teach the kids about volcanic soil and marine life. It’s a genius move because it keeps the kids busy while the parents are at the spa or the golf course.
💡 You might also like: Road Conditions I40 Tennessee: What You Need to Know Before Hitting the Asphalt
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that the Ritz-Carlton Abama is "old."
Yes, it opened in 2005. In hotel years, that’s ancient. But they’ve poured millions into renovations. The rooms in the Citadel were recently refreshed with a much lighter, more contemporary palette. They got rid of the heavy, dark fabrics that made it feel like a 90s executive suite.
Another mistake? People think the weather is the same as the rest of Spain. It isn't. Tenerife is the "Island of Eternal Spring." Even in January, you’re looking at 20°C to 24°C. However, the resort is on the west coast, which is a microclimate. It’s usually sunnier here than in the north, but the wind can kick up. Bring a light jacket for dinner. Honestly.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you’re planning a trip to the Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama, do these three things to avoid the common pitfalls:
- Fly into Tenerife South (TFS): The North airport (TFN) is almost 90 minutes away. TFS is a 30-minute drive. Don't make that mistake.
- Rent a car (maybe): If you plan to stay in the resort, just take a taxi (€55ish). But if you want to see Mount Teide or the Masca Valley, rent a car at the airport. Parking at the hotel is free for guests.
- Check the Renovation Schedule: Always check if any pools are being serviced. In mid-2026, they have a scheduled refresh for one of the main pools. It usually doesn't ruin a trip, but it's better to know before you check in.
- Download the Marriott Bonvoy App: You can use it to chat with the concierge before you arrive. Use this to book your Michelin dinners and spa slots.
The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama isn't a "cheap" holiday. It’s an investment in a very specific type of luxury—one that feels grand, slightly theatrical, and incredibly polished. Whether you're there for the golf, the stars at M.B, or just to hide in a villa at The Retreat, it still holds the crown for a reason.