The 10 most luxurious hotels in the Canaries

Nestling in the heart of a superb golf course to the west of Tenerife, opposite the island of La Gomera, the Ritz-Carlton Abama 5* (not Obama) is without doubt one of themost luxurious hotels in the Canary Islands. The building has been designed as a veritable citadel in a style reminiscent of a red Moroccan ksar.

Guests enjoy excellent cuisine in its nine à la carte restaurants (including one with a Michelin star), seven swimming pools, a superb three-level spa inspired by Roman baths and a private beach. The 459 luxury rooms and suites offer unrivalled comfort. At the Ritz kids, the little ones can play in the ball pool, have their own restaurant and take part in workshops.

The most luxurious hotel in Fuerteventura, the Secrets Bahía Real Resort & Spa 5* is set on a small beach close to the majestic Corralejo dunes in the north of the island. It offers spectacular views of the islands of Los Lobos and Lanzarote from its spacious, comfortable rooms, beach and restaurants.

Set in lush greenery, the hotel boasts a first-class spa, six restaurants including a Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant, a sumptuous buffet serving foie gras and sturgeon roe, and a trendy chill-out lounge on the beach, built on stilts. The service is impeccable! It's easy to see why Christian Bale, Ridley Scott, Sigourney Weaver and the whole crew of the film Exodus, shot in Fuerteventura, stayed here!

Here we are in Lanzarote, the island of the artist César Manrique! The genius architect has left his mark on the Paradisus Salinas 5*, one of the most luxurious hotels in the Canary Islands and part of Lanzarote's cultural and artistic heritage. Designed in 1977, this top-of-the-range establishment in Costa Teguise, a seaside resort on the east coast of Lanzarote, boasts a first-rate interior design.

The huge lobby is home to a tropical garden with a flowing river full of fish. In the evening, you can hear the birds singing and the frogs croaking: the feeling of being outside is complete! The rooms are splendid, and the 1,800 m² saltwater swimming pool was designed by Manrique himself. Gourmets will be delighted by the quality of the cuisine. An ideal address for honeymooners.

The 5-star Hotel Santa Catalina is one of Las Palmas'legendary addresses, the place where celebrities and other royalty must stay when visiting Gran Canaria. Listed as a historic monument, this hotel, built in 1890, stands out for its traditional Canarian architecture. During the day, you can relax in its 2800 m² spa or take advantage of its beautiful outdoor swimming pool. In the evening, you can bet your savings at the casino!

The charming rooms feature king-size beds and large traditional Canarian balconies. The Carabela piano bar, built in the 19th century by the famous Indies Company, is a pure marvel! A chic city hotel ideal for couples looking for a bit of culture, a world away from the club hotels of Gran Canaria's south coast.

Located in Tazacorte, to the west of the island of La Palma, the 4-star Hacienda de Abajo is one of the most luxurious hotels on the island which, unlike its neighbours, has not yet fallen into the hands of the big hotel developers. Set in the heart of a large agricultural area, it was created from the restoration of a former seventeenth-century sugar farm.

Today, visitors come to enjoy this privileged setting. As the hotel is for adults only, there's nothing to disturb the peace and quiet. So you can relax in your spacious room, in the heated outdoor pool or in the on-site spa. The restaurant serves delicious local cuisine.

The small island of El Hierro is not known for its luxury establishments, but it is home to an unusual hotel that is well worth a visit. Perched on a cliff in the north-west of the island, the Hotel Puntagrande once held the record for the world's smallest hotel. That doesn't stop its five rooms overlooking the sea from offering great comfort to visitors.

The views over the ocean, the sound of the waves and the décor are all reminiscent of theCanaries' maritime history. The friendly owners are committed to preserving their island's environment. The hotel's restaurant offers gourmet cuisine based on local produce.

Overlooking the port of San Sebastián de La Gomera, the Parador de La Gomera 4* is a little gem! Its flower-filled garden, swimming pool overlooking the sea, panoramic views of the Teide, gastronomy and the undeniable charm of its 60 rooms will make your stay on the island of La Gomera unforgettable!

The hotel restaurant serves local cuisine in elegant surroundings. Finally, holidaymakers in Tenerife are likely to be jealous of those in La Gomera, because although the Teide is in Tenerife, it's at the Parador de La Gomera that you can enjoy the best view of the volcano!

Located in Costa Adeje, like the majority of luxury hotels on Tenerife, the Bahia del Duque 5* looks like a turn-of-the-century village with Victorian and Venetian influences. The hotel complex covers an area of 100,000 m², offering stunning panoramic views of the ocean and the island of La Gomera. The rooms are modern and it is even possible to book a private villa.

The hotel's staff will welcome you in traditional Canarian dress. Other original features include a jogging circuit through the tropical gardens and an observatory for admiring the stars. With eight restaurants, seven bars, five cascading pools leading down to the beach and a thalassotherapy centre voted the best in Spain, you won't know where to turn!

As its name suggests, the Sheraton Fuerteventura Beach Golf & Spa Resort boasts a superb spa and is situated opposite a large 18-hole golf course. It is one of five luxury hotels in Fuerteventura. It is ideally located right on the beach, close to a shopping centre, a multiplex cinema and a casino. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated.

This luxurious establishment also has the advantage of being genuinely designed for families, with its huge mini-club, oasis, artificial river and lagoon pools complete with waterfalls. To top it all off, you can enjoyone of the finest spas in Fuerteventura, with a seawater thermal circuit under a beautiful dome.

In Puerto del Carmen, one of Lanzarote's main seaside resorts, the 5* Hotel Lava Beach is a place to relax. Its spacious rooms with sea views invite you to rest, as does its wellness centre. And for a dip, you can choose between the large outdoor pool or direct access to Matagordabeach.

The hotel's restaurants and bars will allow you to discover local and international specialities. The hotel can also help you organise your excursions, but to be honest, it's hard to decide whether you want to explore the island or stay in the hotel for the whole holiday!