Ultimate Booking Guide to The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama
Ultimate Booking Guide to The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama
If you’re searching for the best luxury resort in Tenerife, The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama consistently ranks at the top — and for good reason. This Moorish-inspired oceanfront retreat is not simply a five-star hotel; it is a full-scale destination resort offering Michelin-starred dining, a championship golf course, Europe’s largest Ritz Kids, seven swimming pools, a golden sand beach accessed by private cable car, and a 2,500m² spa.
However, one of the most overlooked aspects of planning a stay here is booking strategy. As a TOP Marriott STARS Agency, Stars Desk provides exclusive VIP benefits that elevate your stay — at no additional cost over flexible public rates.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know: accommodations, Retreat vs Citadel differences, dining, wellness, golf, family experiences, current offers, renovation updates, and how to book intelligently.
Why The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama Is One of Europe’s Most Complete Luxury Resorts
Located on Tenerife’s sun-drenched southwest coast in Guia de Isora, the resort enjoys one of the island’s best microclimates with year-round sunshine and Atlantic Ocean views. The striking terracotta architecture rises above lush subtropical gardens, creating a tranquil sanctuary where sea, volcanic landscape, and Moorish design blend seamlessly.
With 462 rooms and suites, the resort is divided between:
The Citadel (central building)
The Retreat Exclusive Area (four private rows offering elevated privacy and benefits)
Guests enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean, Mount Teide, or manicured gardens. The scale of the property allows for diversity in experience — social energy in the Citadel and secluded refinement in the Retreat.
Retreat vs Citadel: Understanding the Difference Before You Book
One of the most important decisions when booking The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama is choosing between the Retreat and the Citadel.
The Retreat Exclusive Area
The Retreat is designed for guests seeking enhanced calm, privacy, and additional inclusions. It operates almost as a boutique enclave within the larger resort.
Retreat benefits include:
Dedicated reception area
Exclusive pools (including adult-only spaces)
All-day sips, bites, and refreshments at the Retreat Experience Area
Enhanced service personalization
Greater privacy and separation from the main building
Retreat Deluxe Room
Garden or Ocean View
1 King bed + sofa bed
50 sqm
Living and dining area
Complimentary WiFi
Retreat Family Room
Garden or Ocean View
2 Queen beds + sofa bed
60 sqm
Ideal for families wanting more space with elevated service
For ultimate exclusivity, the Retreat Suites with Private Pools offer an entirely different level of privacy and comfort. These are particularly popular for honeymooners, multigenerational families, and guests seeking discretion.
The Citadel
The Citadel is the vibrant heart of the resort. It houses the majority of facilities, dining venues, and services.
Citadel Deluxe Room
Floor-to-ceiling windows
Resort or Atlantic views
King or twin configuration (convertible to German twins)
Accommodates up to three guests
Citadel guests enjoy breakfast at La Veranda and access to Lagoon Pool and Cascade Pool. The central location offers easy access to the spa, Ritz Kids, cycling center, restaurants, and lobby bar.
If you prefer to be close to everything and enjoy a lively atmosphere, the Citadel is ideal.
Suites and Penthouses: Elevated Luxury Options
For travelers seeking more space or celebrating a special occasion, Abama offers an impressive suite portfolio.
Standard suite options include:
Retreat One Bedroom Suite
Retreat One Bedroom Suite with Private Pool
Retreat Two Bedroom Suite with Private Pool
Citadel Junior Suite
Citadel One Bedroom Suite
At the top end, the Penthouse Royal Suite and Penthouse Imperial Suite represent the pinnacle of luxury within the resort, offering expansive living areas and elevated privacy.
Suite inventory is limited, especially during peak winter sun season and holidays. Booking through a Marriott STARS agency increases upgrade priority and VIP handling.
Dining: A Destination for Culinary Travelers
The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama features 8 restaurants and 2 bars, making it one of Spain’s most diverse luxury dining destinations.
Michelin-Starred Excellence
M.B (Two Michelin Stars)
A benchmark for haute cuisine in the Canary Islands, M.B offers refined tasting menus and world-class culinary artistry.
Akira Back
A dynamic fusion of Japanese and Korean flavors created by Michelin-starred chef Akira Back. This restaurant has quickly become one of Tenerife’s most sought-after dining experiences.
Additional Dining Venues
Verde Mar – Mediterranean cuisine
El Mirador – Seafood with dramatic sunset views
Verona – Italian specialties
Txoko – Spanish-inspired dishes
Beach Club – Relaxed seaside dining
La Veranda – Breakfast and casual meals
Lobby Bar & Deli Café – Social gathering spaces
Given the popularity of Michelin dining, securing reservations in advance is strongly recommended.
Pools, Beach, and Relaxation
The resort offers seven swimming pools, each with its own atmosphere. Guests can enjoy:
Lagoon Pool
Cascade Pool
Serenity Pool
Persian Garden Pool
Retreat-exclusive pools
A golden sand beach is accessed via the resort’s private cable car, creating a dramatic and memorable arrival experience.
2026 Renovation Update
The Lagoon Pool will undergo renovation from May 31 through July 26, 2026. During this period, Serenity Pool and Persian Garden Pool will remain open for guests. Planning around renovation dates is important when selecting room categories and preferred pool access.
Wellness, Golf, and Recreation
The Ritz-Carlton Spa (2,500m²)
The award-winning spa offers:
Treatment rooms
Hydrotherapy facilities
Wellness programs
Fitness classes
Fully equipped gym
It provides a sanctuary for relaxation after days spent exploring Tenerife.
Abama Golf
Designed by Ryder Cup player Dave Thomas, the 18-hole championship course features dramatic Atlantic views and is considered one of Spain’s premier resort courses.
Abama Tennis Academy
Professional coaching and courts make this a serious destination for tennis enthusiasts.
Cycling Centre
Tenerife is internationally recognized for its cycling routes. The on-site cycling center provides equipment and guidance to explore the island’s scenic terrain.
Europe’s Largest Ritz Kids
Families benefit from one of the most comprehensive children’s programs in Europe. The Ritz Kids club provides curated activities and safe, engaging environments for younger guests.
Current Offer: €200 Resort Credit
Guests staying five nights or more can enjoy a €200 hotel credit. This can be strategically combined with Marriott STARS benefits for maximum value.
Why Booking Through Stars Desk Makes a Difference
As a TOP Marriott STARS Agency, Stars Desk provides access to Marriott STARS benefits at The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama.
Marriott STARS benefits typically include:
Complimentary daily breakfast for two
Hotel credit (where applicable)
Priority room or suite upgrade upon arrival
Early check-in priority
Late check-out priority
VIP recognition from hotel management
Personalized welcome amenities
At a resort of this size, VIP handling can influence upgrade success, dining access, and overall recognition during your stay.
Importantly, you pay the same flexible rate available directly through Marriott — but receive enhanced benefits and advocacy before arrival.
Who Should Stay at The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama
This resort is ideal for:
Families seeking a full-service luxury environment
Couples wanting sunshine and privacy
Golf enthusiasts
Culinary travelers
Winter sun seekers from Europe
Honeymooners booking Retreat private pool suites
Multigenerational vacations
Few European resorts successfully combine Michelin dining, large-scale facilities, private beach access, championship golf, and family infrastructure in one cohesive experience.
Final Thoughts
The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama is not just a luxury hotel — it is a self-contained destination that delivers year-round sunshine, culinary excellence, family programming, golf, wellness, and privacy within one of the Canary Islands’ most beautiful coastal settings.
But luxury travel begins long before check-in.
Booking through Stars Desk, a TOP Marriott STARS Agency, ensures your reservation is handled with VIP care, enhanced upgrade priority, and added value at no additional cost.
If you are planning a stay at The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama, booking intelligently is the first step toward an elevated experience.
