The Ritz-Carlton, Abama

She said: The personalized service made us feel immediately at home. We made some truly special core #rcmemories on this gorgeous property. There is even an Akira Back here (we went twice!)… need I say more. He said: It’s well worth the upgrade to be in the Retreat. Also worth the double down upgrade for the private plunge pool. The grounds were exceptional and family friendly (outdoor shower, private sandbox, grassy area and high walls for privacy). The room was massive! The Kid said: This place was off the charts relaxing and fun. We even had our own personal golf cart 😎

From the upsetting arrival at reception to learn that Booking.Com had for some inexplicable reason (which so far they’ve not answered our query) the holiday became a joy. The reception staff were brilliant, they sorted out our accommodation, and they made us feel so welcome it was amazing. The room was private, large and airy and in a great location within the main building. Everyone was cheerful, helpful and couldn’t do enough for you. The two restaurants were great and again staff friendly and making sure we enjoyed every minute there. Cannot praise the hotel and staff enough, they even provided a special treat for my birthday, which was again an exceptionally nice thing to do.

Overall an amazing vacation. We were upgraded to a suite and connecting room which was ideal for our family. Huge thanks to Alfred on reception for sorting this out. He was terrific throughout our 2 week stay. The accommodation cost was very reasonable for a five star resort but the food and drinks were a bit pricey compared to outside the resort. I do appreciate that this is the norm but I am sure people would spend more if the prices were more comparable. We ventured out most evenings to some excellent restaurants to keep costs down. Breakfast was incredible…..Mercedes is an omelette demon! Facilities were great - loved the gym - loved the hydrotherapy pools (very cheap to use) - the main pool needs some attention but I suppose that’s why we got such a good deal. The sun lounger situation was ok but guests still commandeered sun lounges early doors and didn’t appear for hours at a time which I think the hotel should do more to stop but obviously this is tricky. Service at the pool was a little sketchy. As per the title…..1st world issues

Extremely Disappointing Service Experience People of color , DO NOT STAY HERE While some of your services at the property have been good, others have been absolutely unacceptable, and my upcoming review will reflect that. At your pool and bar area, my wife and I have been consistently treated as if we were invisible. We have personally witnessed multiple groups come in after us, receive immediate service, and enjoy full attention, while we sat waiting—often without so much as an acknowledgment. Over the past three nights, the only way we were able to get served was for me to physically go to the bar myself. On the beach, the experience was no better. We waited over an hour and a half for seats. We arrived on the shuttle with several other families, who all appeared to be seated quickly with no issue. It wasn’t until we questioned the long delay that we were told we would be next. Even then, we waited so long that we ultimately gave up and returned to our room. This is incredibly disappointing—especially as this trip was meant to celebrate my wife’s birthday. We specifically chose your resort expecting quality service and hospitality, but instead, we’ve experienced the opposite. My review will reflect these incidents, including the fact that guests may be treated differently depending on which “group” they appear to belong to.

From the moment we arrived, our experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Abama was nothing short of exceptional. Seeing the iconic terracotta-coloured resort emerge from the lush hills of Tenerife filled us with excitement – and the warm welcome we received upon arrival confirmed we had chosen somewhere truly special. Even before we stepped foot on the property, the concierge team impressed us with their helpfulness and professionalism. A heartfelt thank you to Bogdan, who assisted us with incredible care and attention to detail. His recommendations and guidance helped shape the perfect stay for our family. Dining at Akira Back was one of the many highlights. Based on the concierge’s advice, we chose the tasting menu, which exceeded all expectations. The staff went above and beyond to tailor dishes for our children, while we enjoyed an incredible culinary journey. As the sun set over the Atlantic, it became one of the most memorable evenings we’ve had as a family. Another unforgettable dining experience was at El Mirador. With its dramatic cliff-top setting and unbeatable views, we returned a second night simply because the first was so magical. The paella was hands down the best on the island, and again, watching the sun dip into the sea made for an unforgettable atmosphere. Breakfast each day was a dream. The variety, freshness, and quality of the food were outstanding, but what made it even more special was the staff. They always found us the perfect table with a beautiful view and were ready to help with anything we needed. Despite the number of guests, the team moved with grace and warmth, creating a calm and luxurious start to each day. We loved taking the resort train down to the beach. A big thank you to William, our driver on several occasions, who was incredibly gracious and always happy to chat, offer tips, and share his local knowledge. The beach staff were also fantastic—always ready to find us the ideal spot to relax. We visited the Beach Club twice, based on their suggestion, and it was everything we hoped for: fresh seafood, beautiful surroundings, and sunny sea views that made us feel like we were in a dream. The gym and spa areas were tranquil and spotless, with stunning views over the resort and ocean. Working out never felt so indulgent. We stayed in a full sea-view suite, and it was everything we had hoped for—spacious, beautifully appointed, and immaculately maintained. The evening turndown service was a thoughtful touch, and the Diptyque toiletries in the bathroom added a sense of luxury we really appreciated. The pool areas were just as impressive. The food service to the loungers was of restaurant quality, and the staff made the experience seamless. Our children were in heaven, and so were we. Evenings at the lobby bar were the perfect way to unwind. The cocktails were expertly crafted, the ambiance was elegant, and live jazz created the ideal soundtrack to end each day. But what truly sets The Ritz-Carlton, Abama apart is the sense of peace and tranquility that surrounds you. Walking through the lush gardens and koi-filled ponds felt like stepping into another world—calm, beautiful, and utterly serene. To all the staff at The Ritz-Carlton, Abama: thank you for making our summer holiday unforgettable. Your attention to detail, warmth, and professionalism made all the difference. For us, this is not just a hotel—it’s the only place to stay in Tenerife.