We say so often that a hotel's lobby paints a thousand words about the rest of the establishment and the magnificent hall of La Plantación del Sur is no exception. The space, which has been appointed according to the rules of feng shui, features exceptional furniture and décor from the hotel's colonial collection. Highlights include the mid-20th century gong from Timor, used to call the faithful of the island's churches, the 'trunk of life' from Borneo which faces the sun and which brings good luck if you touch it and the lamps just above this marvelous piece of wood which represent the sun. Also in the lobby placed on furniture around the stylish low seating are vases from Yogayakarta, boundary stones used to mark out the edges of rice plantations in the Sultanate of Cirebon and, next to the lifts, a cabinet once belonging to the former governor of Java, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. The hotel has five swimming pools (including one for children), which are arranged in a kind of terrace system and which are in a fabulous setting with palms and the pretty architecture of the hotel itself surrounding them. The whole area is extremely spacious and peaceful and the main area has large cabanas in which could fit a whole family! One of the pools is a special thalasso pool, another is especially for fitness and the one right at the top of the terraces has great views of the surroundings.
Perhaps the most impressive part of the hotel is its spa, nAmmu, a Vincci brand. One of the most complete on the island, and partly made to look like a cave, the centre has a comprehensive list of treatments including massage, thalasso therapies, body treatments and facials as well as some divine circuits and thermal programs. The setting is one of the finest anywhere in Tenerife and the facilities, techniques and products top draw. Of course this all comes at a price but if there is anywhere worth parting with your money, it's here.
There is an animation programme for both kids and adults, although it is not as comprehensive as in most hotels. Pool competitions, Pictionary and a mini Olympics are put on for grownups will kids can enjoy painting t-shirts or even on windows. There is also a super kids club called Vinkey attended to by jolly English-speaking staff who will take great care of your children. The room itself is set up like a primary school classroom and has everything you could imagine to keep the little ones entertained.
Other facilities at the hotel include a shop where you can buy supplies and souvenirs, free wifi in the lobby and free access to the PCs. The public spaces of the hotel are impeccable and it is a pleasure to discover the magnificent furniture collection along the corridors as well as some original black and white photography from the days when the hotel was a plantation. You'll notice also that everywhere you go a different odour lights up your senses ? a real olfactory pleasure!