Hotel Royal Garden Villas

The Royal Garden Villas are located high up above the coast in the southern resort of Costa Adeje, around two and a half miles inland and opposite a golf course. The immediate vicinity is extremely peaceful, with the possible exception of the road which runs alongside the hotel, although there is not much in the way of any touristic infrastructure. The hotel does have a car park, a beautiful one at that, which is better decorated than some of the rooms we saw in other hotels. If you arrive by car, this will be taken off your hands immediately and your luggage brought to your villa by the valet/porter. The island's southern airport is 17 miles away by road while the northern one is 55 miles away.

The hotel is owned by the same people who created the Green Garden Resort and the Gran Oasis Resort. The lady of the husband and wife team, who is an architect, designed the property herself and has handpicked all the furniture and decoration found in the rooms from far flung places such as Java, the Philippines and Turkey (where all the hotel's marble originates). For fans of golf, you'll be pleased to hear that guests at the Villas are entitled to a 10% discount on the green fees of any golf course on the island.

As you drive up the winding road towards the Royal Garden Villas, you may be excused for sailing straight past (as we did) as the entrance is a small wooden door set into a wall running alongside the road. After ringing the bell you will be lead into the beautiful grounds of the hotel by a pleasant, well-presented member of staff. To the left and right are paths leading to the villas and restaurant while right in front is a cute little foot bridge running the stunning swimming pool which wraps around the reception area on the other side. Check in is a real pleasure, the receptionist making conversation as he or she registers you and no need to worry about dragging bags to your room, this is done for you. Around the welcome area are pieces of furniture and 'objets' from Asia such as intricately worked benches and fine carvings. The aforementioned swimming pool, which is beautifully lit up at night by lamps posed at its side, has at one end a view onto the golf course opposite and little ceramic frogs spouting water from their open mouths. This delightful setting can be enjoyed from the poolside too with stylish loungers and cabanas at guests' disposal.

Just by the reception area you'll find the hotel's spa, another exceptionally attractive space, whose front door was formerly part of a Thai temple. Inside, you'll find a spotlight pool, jacuzzi, massage waterfall, waterbed, ice fountain, hammam, Turkish bath and hydromassage showers which together make up a thermal circuit. In addition there is one treatment room where you can enjoy massages, body treatments and body rituals, while there are also several types of bath to be sampled. Although small, this is without doubt one of the most special wellness centres on the island. The hotel does have a fitness room too, however you'll find only the bare minimum in terms of machines.

The rest of the hotel's public spaces are, as you won't be surprised to hear, majestically maintained, with plants and flowers everywhere you look and soft music diffused along the walkways between villas. More examples of Asian art and culture are to be found too, with, for example, elegant flamingoes and a giant vase just outside the spa entrance. The staff is impeccable and any request is dealt with efficiency and a smile. Quite simply a wonderful place to spend time in.

The accommodation at the Royal Garden Villas is made up entirely of one-, two- and three-bedroom villas each one decorated differently but in a similar style. The amenities stay fairly constant, with just the number of bathrooms, surface area and terrace style changing. The one-bedroom villas, of which there are two categories, are, like all the others, appointed with furniture and décor from Asia, handpicked by the hotel's owner. The bedrooms boast ottomans, gorgeous linen and warm lighting while the beds themselves are king size. Amenities include telephone, flatscreen television, DVD player, free wifi and ample storage space. Other nice touches are the oversize cushions and the paintings and carvings on the smart walls. The marble bathrooms are blessed with both a deep soaking tub and massage shower as well as a double vanity and Bulgari toiletries. The spacious living space is adorned with yet more Asian art and 'objets' while there is also a bar complete with stools and a large selection of drinks and glasses to enjoy them in. Adjacent to the salon is a fully equipped kitchen with washing machine in the utility cupboard as well as a dining table for four. Outside is a terrace with quality, sturdy furniture and a private pool with view onto the golf course. The two- and three-bedroom villas are arranged on two floors, meaning they each have two balconies/terraces and either two or three bathrooms. In addition to the one-bedrooms they have several flatscreen televisions and a spin dryer. For large parties or for the ultimate in luxury, there is one four-bedroom villa, the Bora Bora, which has a fountain at its entrance, cabanas and dining table on its terrace and a walk-in wardrobe. One of the two-bedroom villas has its own entrance court while another is fully adapted for those guests in a wheelchair.

The hotel has a wonderful restaurant called Jardín, located a few floors down from ground level. Decorated in subtle tones of white, cream and beige, it consists of ten or so exquisitely laid marble tables, a stunning back wall and an imposing light fixing on the ceiling. Open in the mornings and evenings only, it delivers a superb level of cuisine in a relaxed yet formal atmosphere with tip-top service. The breakfast buffet is made up of fresh fruit, yoghurt, cereal, tarts and tortilla with a hot breakfast also available consisting of sausage, eggs and bacon. Omelets can be ordered separately, while at the end of your meal crepes are offered. In the evening a distinguished and elegant cuisine is offered in candlelight to the backing of Spanish music. We had the tasting menu which was both delicious and copious and which used the finest local produce to create a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable dining experience. For lunch it is possible to order room service from the menu found in your room. Or, if you are not hungry, then you can sit by the pool and sip on soft drinks, champagne, wine or coffee. The hotel also offers a supermarket service with your choice of products delivered to your door.