WHAT? WHERE?

Tivoli la Caleta Tenerife exterior and pool

Whether you’re chasing the sun, dodging the great British drizzle, Tenerife is a savvy pick for a sunny escape. With a quick 4 hr flight and only a 20 min drive from the airport – the south of the island is a breeze to reach. But before you get sucked into the neon clutches of Playa de las Américas, make your way to Costa Adeje, and more specifically, the newly glamorised Tivoli La Caleta Tenerife Resort?

Formerly a Sheraton, this iconic rust-red building has undergone a serious glow-up courtesy of a €20 million refurbishment. The result? A 5-star sanctuary with 284 rooms (including 20 suites) that oozes understated glamour. Tucked at the end of the palm-lined promenade and just before the charming fishing village of La Caleta, it’s the kind of place where you can instantly drop your shoulders, order a mojito, and begin living your best life.

First built in 1997, the hotel has kept its retro curves and African-inspired terracotta tones, standing out confidently among the whitewashed, honey-hued neighbours. The redesign by award-winning architect Melvin Villarroel (of Marbella Club fame) is a masterclass in modern island luxe: think wide open spaces, tactile natural textures, and lush landscaping that invites you to float from pool to palm tree without breaking a sweat.

THE VIBE

It’s luxe boho with a sun-drenched soul – all earthy tones, layered textures, and sleek curves that manage to feel both timeless and totally 2025. The creative vision behind Tivoli La Caleta’s new look comes courtesy of Bolivian-born designer Melvin Villarroel, whose portfolio includes some of the most iconic resorts in Spain. He’s brought a warm, organic elegance to the space – combining volcanic stone, terracotta hues and tropical landscaping to blur the line between inside and out.

It’s the kind of place where high design meets low effort. Think: palm-shaded walkways, calming water features, and interiors that look like they were ripped straight from a Kinfolk editorial. Style-conscious couples, honeymooners, and well-travelled grown-up families will love it here. It’s perfect for those who want their sunshine served with a side of sophistication – no wristbands, no loud music, just soft lighting, great taste and quiet luxury.

PILLOW TALK

Tivoli la Caleta Tenerife PREMIUM OCEAN VIEW ROOM

The rooms are modern, spacious and effortlessly comfortable. The standard rooms come with huge cloud-like beds, crisp white linens, smart lighting, and terrace seating for lazy coffee mornings. My view swept over the pool and out to sea – not bad for a ‘basic’ room.

Bathrooms are properly indulgent – vast bathtubs, separate rain showers, double sinks and a small but mighty detail: sockets that fit both UK and EU plugs. It’s a minor miracle that saves you digging around for adaptors before your first G&T. Upgrade to a suite and you’re rewarded with a lounge, dining area, sun terrace and more than enough space to do cartwheels, should the mood strike.

SCOFF & QUAFF

From decadent dinners to dreamy beach bites, Tivoli’s food and drink offering is as polished as its design, with eight bars and restaurants to test your waistband. for sundowners and Gusto, Seen, Yakuza, Guilty,

Tivoli La Caleta definitely delivers on the culinary front – absolutely zero soggy buffet trays in sight. The resort’s restaurants are overseen by Portuguese chef-restaurateur Olivier da Costa, known for turning good food into a full-blown vibe. Each venue brings its own mood, menu and magic – and yes, I dutifully sampled all three (for journalistic purposes, naturally).

Tivoli la Caleta Tenerife prawn linguine

Guilty: Don’t let the name fool you – you’ll feel no shame here. This fun, flirty brasserie-style spot is all about indulgence done right. Think gourmet burgers, lobster linguine, truffle fries, and crispy calamari with just the right snap. Interiors are moody and modern – dark wood, industrial lighting, and sultry playlist to match – perfect for a relaxed dinner with a side of sass.

I went for the tacos and prawn linguine, packed with fresh flavours. Add a cocktail (or three – the Spicy Margarita is a must) and you’ve got yourself a very happy evening indeed.

Tivoli la Caleta Tenerife yazuka restaurant

Yakuza: For something more elevated – both figuratively and literally – Yakuza is the jewel in the crown. It’s a stylishly curated Japanese restaurant that has a East meets West vibe, dressed up in sleek neutrals and glowing candlelight. The sashimi platter was pristine, the black cod melting and miso-glazed to perfection, and the grilled octopus surprisingly tender, served with smoky paprika potatoes. It’s definitely a ‘put on your flowing dress and gold hoops’ kind of place. Service is attentive without being stuffy, and the wine list is as globe-trotting as the clientele.

Tivoli la Caleta Tenerife Seen beach Club

Seen Beach Club: By day, Seen is all chic daybeds, ocean views and chilled beats – the place to soak up sun with a side of sushi and rosé. But come evening, the tempo lifts and Seen morphs into a full-on scene. DJs spin sunset sets, the cocktails flow (recommend the Lychee Martini for a sweet hit), and the mood is electric without tipping into Ibiza territory. I nibbled my way through the tuna tataki, veggie gyozas, and a showy rock shrimp tempura, watching the sky turn tangerine. With acrobatic performers, live music and a DJ rounding off our day in the sun.

SPA

If your idea of post-flight recovery involves something a little more elevated than a limp croissant at the gate, head straight to Anantara Spa – Tivoli La Caleta’s blissful cocoon of calm, and quite possibly the best way to say goodbye to travel stress and hello to holiday mode.

The spa menu offers a global mix of treatments, from Ayurvedic rituals to detoxifying scrubs, but the real standout is the 50min signature full-body massage. After a warm welcome and a consultation (firm or featherlight – your call), I was led to a beautifully tranquil treatment room where soft lighting, gentle music and the faint scent of lemongrass oil started soothing my senses before a single muscle was touched.

Tivoli la Caleta Tenerife ap treatment room

The massage itself? Heavenly. Expert hands worked out the flight-induced kinks in my shoulders and lower back, alternating between long, flowing strokes and perfectly-judged pressure point work. Just the right balance between therapeutic and indulgent – no chat, no rush, just bliss. I left feeling like someone had ironed out my soul.

Tivoli la Caleta Tenerife open air relaxation spa area

But the real magic happens after the massage. Step outside into the open-air relaxation zone, where the sound of rustling palms and gently trickling water forms the ultimate post-treatment soundtrack. The spa’s hot and cold contrast pools are tucked among tropical greenery, designed to revitalise circulation and ease inflammation (ideal after long-haul legs and overenthusiastic airport strides). Sip on herbal tea, take a book, or just float in and out of the warm bath as your only to-do list item.

Whether you’re kicking off your stay or winding down before flying home, it’s the kind of serene, sun-dappled setting that makes you forget airports even exist. A must-do for anyone in need of peace, polish, and proper me time.

OUT & ABOUT

While Tivoli makes it dangerously easy to stay put, there’s plenty to explore on this magical volcanic island. Top tip: book a boat trip to spot pilot whales and dolphins, who happily splash around in the deep Atlantic waters just off the coast. We went the luxe route, chartering a private catamaran from Marina del Sur, and were rewarded with a close-up of a pod of pilot whales and a few exuberant dolphins throwing shapes in our wake. A stop in a quiet cove for swimming, snacks and celebratory rosé rounded off the morning perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s also kayaking to explore hidden caves, scuba diving, and jet-skiing for adrenaline junkies.

And don’t miss Teide National Park, home to Spain’s highest peak and some of the most otherworldly scenery you’ll ever clap eyes on. It’s like walking on the surface of Mars – all scorched earth, lava fields and hardy alien-looking plants. The volcanic lunar landscape of Teide National Park is surreal by day, but utterly magical by night. Opt for a sunset and stargazing tour with a gourmet twist – many luxury operators include cava at sunset and a private astrophysicist guide for after-dark celestial spotting (Teide is one of the best stargazing spots in the world). Some even offer telescope setups and blankets under the stars. It’s romantic and wildly photogenic.

KID FRIENDLY

Yes, but only just. There’s no kid’ club, waterslides or high-pitched pool games. This one’s for the grown-ups who brought their well-behaved offspring or finally left them at home. Bliss.

ACCESSIBILITY

The resort is flat and spacious with ramps, lifts and accessible rooms – ideal for travellers with mobility needs. Staff are attentive and happy to assist.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: Couples, groups of friends, stylish solo travellers and chic families looking for sophisticated sun. Spa lovers and foodies will be particularly smug.

Not for: 24/7 party people and families with rampaging children who need a Kids Club to keep them entertained. The vibe is more chilled and grown up than that.

The damage: Rooms start from around £250 per night in low season. Suites can reach £600+, especially during peak times – but honestly, it’s worth the splurge.

GETTING THERE

EasyJet offers direct flights from London Gatwick, Luton, and Southend to Tenerife South. Flight time is approx 4 hrs 30 mins. Prices vary depending on the season: low season (Jan–Mar) from £33 return; high season (Jul – Aug) from £183 return.

Tivoli La Caleta is conveniently located just a 20 min drive from Tenerife South Airport. The hotel can arrange private transfers upon request, or taxis are readily available at the airport.

Review: Tivoli La Caleta, Tenerife – the chicest fly and flop destination

You may also like