When I think about a holiday to Tenerife, the first thoughts that spring to mind are not – peaceful, luxury, relaxing and boutique. Yet at the Gran Melia Palacio de Isora this does indeed exist, within its rarified, adults only Red Level. Look beyond the resort towns, the sprawling all inclusive hotels and some rather dated establishments and you will thankfully come across the very modern and ‘just so’ Gran Melia. Whilst it’s an enormous hotel, it played a great card with the Red Level – a hotel within a hotel, with a separate entrance, separate pools, gardens and facilities and with enough separation that to us it really did feel like two individual hotels.

The Red Level, boutique hotel on Tenerife

Location

We were easy walking distance in to the small town of Alcala but what really marks out the location is the stunning views. From the gardens there is a breathtaking view inland of Mount Teide, look west and Los Gigantes looms on the horizon and out to sea is the gorgeous volcanic island of La Gomera (pictured below). Its only a 40 minute drive from Tenerife South airport, yet a world away from busyness.

Rooms

We had a deluxe ocean view room with a terrace which had a hydromassage bathtub. There are only 6 of these available and they are some of the best in the Red Level. There are also villas and larger terraced rooms, but we chose the room for the view – quite incredible, looking across the pool and gardens to the sea – a gorgeous panorama at all times. It was perfect to pull the curtains back in the morning, open the large window and enjoy the vista. The bed was enormous – we have a superking at home and this was far bigger.

The room was effectively a junior suite – plenty of space, a separate dining area and also a sofa. Outside was the hot tub as well as two wicker seats. A large bathroom with a really good shower and another bath (just in case) – all with Clarins products. There is a hot tub ‘menu’ and one of the butlers will come and set it up.

Facilities

Wherever you go in the Red Level there is a solid peacefulness. There is a large pool with plenty of loungers with quiet chill out music playing.

The garden area is perfectly manicured and dotted with loungers and bali-beds. Both areas have their own bar (also serving snacks and lunch) and regular waiter service.

There is also a ‘club-house’ with sofas and a limitless supply of water, coffee and tea. This is where the butlers are based – all incredibly helpful and positive throughout our stay. With no shortage of places to relax and lie, the hotel was busy when we were there but we didn’t have any issues. In the main hotel there is a Clarins spa, as well as a gym and many other bars.

In addition the most enormous salt-water infinity pool and garden area stretches the length of the whole hotel. We left the confines of the Red Level just the once to see this, but didn’t go back – we had just what we wanted where we were – peace, a chilled vibe, courteous staff and guests and a complete absence of children.

Food and drink

Cava is free-flowing – literally – well certainly at breakfast and in the club-hour and we very much approved of this. This is included in the B&B rate and is based in the garden with unbroken views to the sea (apart from the odd palm tree of course).

Breakfast was definitely one of the best buffets I have seen – a superb choice of fruit, meats, fish etc. But alongside that a fantastic a la carte which was very swiftly cooked to order. The buffet and canapé selection in the club-hour was also of a very high standard.

For lunch dining we headed over to a little beach-shack that is run by the hotel, but is separate. Very chilled out here and popular with guests, it felt local and less hotel-like.

Evening meals were a little more tricky. There is just the one restaurant in the Red Level and I have to say whilst we had a superb fondu – it was rather over-priced to say the least, and far too small for the 80 or so rooms. Perhaps there are other options in high season inside Red Level?

For other evening meals you will have to stray outside the confines of the Red Level into the heart of the hotel where there’s a good range of eateries, varying in prices. We enjoyed Duo Tapas, Nami Asian Bistro and paella at the Pool Grille. There is a very big buffet but we didn’t give that a second glance.

For more information visit The Red Level.

Anna Parker

Whilst my job gives me the chance to visit clients across the world, in my free time I enjoy discovering new places either in the UK or abroad that, most importantly, are either unique or luxurious.