Iberostar Selection SΓ‘bila Tenerife: The best Adults-Only Hotel in Tenerife?
If youβre looking for a stylish, adults-only beachfront hotel in Tenerife, let me show you Iberostar Selection SΓ‘bila Tenerife. For me, this hotel ticks all the boxes for a relaxed yet luxurious getaway. From the beautiful and humongous pool to the incredible food, hereβs everything you need to know before booking Iberostar Selection SΓ‘bila Tenerife:
If youβre looking for a stylish, adults-only beachfront hotel in Tenerife, let me show you Iberostar Selection SΓ‘bila Tenerife. For me, this hotel ticks all the boxes for a relaxed yet luxurious getaway. From the beautiful and humongous pool to the incredible food, hereβs everything you need to know before booking Iberostar Selection SΓ‘bila Tenerife:
What You Need to Know About Iberostar Selection SΓ‘bila Tenerife
The Location is Perfect - Sitting right on Costa Adejeβs beautiful shores, Iberostar Selection SΓ‘bila Tenerife has direct access to Torviscas Beach and is also within walking distance of bars, shops, and restaurants. The area around the hotel is easily walkable, plus, Tenerife South Airport is only a 15-minute drive away. You can also rent a car and easily explore the south of the island including the incredible Masca Valley.
Stylish Rooms - Minimalist, bright, and modern - thatβs sort of the vibe here. We really loved our room at Iberostar Selection SΓ‘bila Tenerife and Iβd say they are definitely super spacious and very clean. We had a little coffee pod machine, a large balcony, a separate shower and toilet space, and a side sea view. The beds are massive and it felt like sleeping on a cloud tbh. Note: We stayed in a Star Prestige room - more about that later.
Foodies are in for a Treat - One thing that surprised me about Iberostar Selection SΓ‘bila Tenerife is how good the food is - especially the buffet. Yep, their buffet is honestly next-level, with super fresh, locally sourced ingredients where possible and a choice of dishes that was too big to try it all. It probably was one of the best buffets Iβve seen in my entire career. Oh, and thereβs even a dedicated Gourmet Market with different street food inspired stalls from around the world. Whether youβre into seafood, tapas, or international dishes, you wonβt get bored.
Sunset at the main pool
Wellness & Health Are a Big Deal Here - There is an incredible spa and gym available, and the spa at Iberostar Selection SΓ‘bila Tenerife is all about relaxation, whereas the gym is all about staying fit whilst youβre on holiday. You can experience anything from aloe vera treatments and hydrotherapy pools to outdoor yoga classes, spinning classes, and more. We βonlyβ stayed 3 nights, so we didnβt get to experience the spa or gym, but I have a strong feeling that whether youβre here to unwind or get fit, or both, theyβve definitely got you covered.
Sustainability Matters - I love that Iberostar Selection SΓ‘bila Tenerife is part of Iberostarβs βWave of Changeβ initiative, meaning theyβre making efforts towards sustainability. No single-use plastics, eco-friendly design, and a strong focus on marine conservation are some of the things they are trying to focus on. I would say we did notice the effort: There were water filters on our level, available 24/7 to refill your water bottle and I noticed a strong effort towards reducing food waste.
Lovely staff - Itβs rare to see such friendly staff around such a large property. No matter who we met, everyone was consistently friendly, animated and kind, and it didnβt feel forced in any way. I do understand that hotel staff definitely donβt have easy jobs, but I felt like the staff at Iberostar Selection SΓ‘bila Tenerife had fun whilst working and it really lifted our overall experience. Shout out to the guy at the buffet who made fresh pasta dishes for us! π
What is the Star Prestige Service at Iberostar Selection SΓ‘bila Tenerife?
If you want to take your stay at Iberostar Selection SΓ‘bila Tenerife to the next level, upgrading to Star Prestige is worth considering. Hereβs what you get:
Access to the exclusive rooftop infinity pool (this alone might be the reason to upgrade!)
A private lounge with snacks and drinks throughout the day
Premium rooms in the best locations
Early check-in, late check-out, and a dedicated reception area
Access to private areas across the property (including the most photogenic spots, Star Prestige dining areas & more)
Itβs essentially a VIP-like experience, so if youβd like a little extra comfort and privacy, itβs a really great option.
Why Stay at Iberostar Selection SΓ‘bila Tenerife?
To sum it up, if youβre after an adults-only escape with incredible food, stylish rooms, close to the beach and a great wellness offering, Iberostar Selection SΓ‘bila Tenerife is a fab choice. Itβs got that perfect balance of relaxation and convenience, whether you want to chill by the pool all day or explore Tenerifeβs incredible coastline.
Would I stay here again? 100% yes. If youβre considering a trip to Tenerife, put this one on your list!
Discover the Best Places to See in AndalucΓa, Spain β 8 Must-Visit Spots!
AndalucΓa is full of surprises. You might even feel like youβve accidentally travelled to another part of the world with its beautiful mix of Islamic architecture and lively markets, but this is Spain. From ancient palaces and crazy, colourful souks to stunning landscapes and delicious tapas, AndalucΓa has so many must-visit places. Here is a short AndalucΓa travel guide and 8 must-visit spots β trust me, youβll want to add these to your AndalucΓa itinerary.
AndalucΓa is full of surprises. You might even feel like youβve accidentally travelled to another part of the world with its beautiful mix of Islamic architecture and lively markets, but this is Spain. From ancient palaces and crazy, colourful souks to stunning landscapes and delicious tapas, AndalucΓa has so many must-visit places. Here is a short AndalucΓa travel guide and 8 must-visit spots β trust me, youβll want to add these to your AndalucΓa itinerary.
Where exactly is AndalucΓa and how to get there?
AndalucΓa is located in southern Spain, bordering both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, with Portugal to the west. Itβs well-connected and super easy to reach: You can fly directly into places like Seville, MΓ‘laga, or Granada from most major European cities. If youβre already in Spain, high-speed AVE trains from Madrid or Barcelona can make for a quick and comfy journey to AndalucΓaβs key destinations.
βοΈ Book cheap flights from London to Seville here
βοΈ Book cheap flights from London to MΓ‘laga here
βοΈ Book cheap flights from London to Granada here
How to get around AndalucΓa?
The region has a pretty good rail network connecting cities like Seville, CΓ³rdoba, and Granada, and local buses serve smaller towns and villages. If youβre planning to explore more remote areas or want to take scenic drives through the countryside, Iβd absolutely recommend hiring a car, though. Generally, it is fairly easy to get around Spain, so you wonβt need much planning at all.
When to Visit AndalucΓa?
For me, the best times to visit AndalucΓa are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Both are perfect for exploring with mild temperatures, and youβll avoid the tourist crowds. Spring brings AndalucΓaβs landscapes to life, and autumn adds a warm, golden glow to the scenery β which is amazing for photos!
In the end, it depends on what youβre after, as summer (although hot) can also be great for a visit, especially if you want to combine a trip to AndalucΓa with a trip to Spain's famous Costa del Sol, Barcelona, or maybe the Balearics.
What are The Best Places to See in AndalucΓa, Spain? Here are my 8 Must-Visit Spots:
1. Walk Around the Patios de CΓ³rdoba β A Hidden Gem
Letβs start with the Patios de CΓ³rdoba, a true hidden gem. It honestly is kinda hard to describe, but Iβd say itβs basically an open-air museum full of beautiful clay pots filled with flowers. Locals spend all year carefully decorating their patios and arranging the flowers, and each patio is unique β youβll probably get a chance to meet the owners, too. Visiting feels a little like taking a peek into traditional Andalusian life, and of course, itβs absolutely perfect for photos. Now, I must admit, Sophie and I visited some years ago, so the prices have gone up a little, but below you can find a range of guided tours from Β£13.
π· Book a guided Tour of the Patios de Cordoba here
2. Marvel at the Alhambra β Granadaβs Famous Fortress
I know, visiting a fortress doesnβt sound super interesting at first, but trust me, the Alhambra is famous for a reason and far more than you may think. The Alhambra is an architectural masterpiece that transports you to AndalucΓaβs past. Youβll find a beautiful mix of palaces, gardens, and courtyards, each with so much detail thatβll leave you amazed and have you taking a photo on every corner. Wandering through, I couldnβt believe the intricate tile work and the sheer scale of it. If you visit only one spot in Granada, make it this one. It really is unforgettable and definitely one of the best places to see in AndalucΓa! Oh, and make sure to wear walking shoes, as you can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the grounds.
3. Be in Awe at La Mezquita in CΓ³rdoba
You really canβt miss La Mezquita when youβre in CΓ³rdoba β itβs absolutely stunning! Originally built as a mosque in the 8th century, this place is now a cathedral, and itβs a beautiful blend of Islamic and Christian architecture. As you walk in, youβll be greeted by rows and rows of iconic red-and-white arches that seem to stretch on forever β Iβd never seen anything like it before.
If you can, try to time your visit with a guided tour; the stories and history behind each element really bring the place to life. Honestly, La Mezquita was one of those experiences that left me a little speechless and was a definite highlight of our trip! Itβs definitely one of the best places to visit in AndalucΓa. Good to know: When visiting La Mezquita, make sure you are respectful when taking photos, and be aware that it can be pretty dark inside, so you may need to make do with a photo similar to mine or bring a lens that shoots well in low light.
π€© Book a guided Tour of La Mezquita here
4. Go Shopping at the AlcaicerΓa β Granadaβs Souk
If you love noisy, fun markets, where you can easily get lost for hours, youβll feel right at home here. The AlcaicerΓa souk in Granada has colourful stalls full of ceramics, textiles, and trinkets. We spent ages just browsing around and if youβre into tea, donβt miss the chance to sit down for a pot of fresh mint tea. I loved the vibe here so much that we came back in the evening for a Flamenco show nearby. Honestly, such a fun spot.
5. Experience a Flamenco Show β An Absolute Must
You canβt leave AndalucΓa without seeing Flamenco β after all, itβs the actual birthplace of Flamenco! We found this fun venue in Granada, and it was one of the most eclectic performances Iβd ever seen. Being real, at first I didnβt enjoy it; I think somehow I expected something a little more melodic, maybe? But Flamenco music and dance are so unique that it took a good few minutes for me to get used to it. Shortly after, I found myself tapping along to the rhythm, and itβs definitely one of those experiences that stays with you. Highly, highly recommend!
π Book your Flamenco Show in Granada here
6. Take in the Views from Puente Nuevo in Ronda
Puente Nuevo in Ronda
Talk about breathtaking! This bridge spans across a deep gorge, and the views from the bottom are incredible. We took a short (I really mean short here β it probably only takes 15 minutes or so) hike down for the perfect Insta shot, and let me tell you, it was worth every step. Ronda is also a great spot to eat some local Spanish food, so make a day of it if you can. Itβs easily one of the most stunning places we saw on the trip.
7. Visit Barrio de Cuevas β Discover Cave Houses
Ever seen a real-life cave house? In Guadix, you can visit these unique homes where people have lived for generations. Some are still decorated with original bits and bobs, and thereβs even a recording of one of the former owners singing while she goes about her day! This was one of those discoveries that seemed random at first, but it turned out to be one of the coolest experiences we had in AndalucΓa, and itβs definitely one of the best places to see in AndalucΓa if youβre into unique things to do. I honestly think not many people know about this place!
8. Explore Toledoβs Historic Streets
Alright, so Toledo isnβt technically AndalucΓa, but itβs such a gem that I had to include it. The beautiful (and hilly) streets here were so fun to explore, and we found this cosy family-run spot that served up βcarcamusasβ β a super tasty pork dish. Toledoβs vibe is so welcoming, and itβs a perfect day trip if youβre heading north. Iβd say you can probably spend about 3 hours here or so. Good to know: For the best view of Toledo, and to understand why it has so many steep streets, head to the viewpoint just outside of town; you canβt miss it!
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to See in AndalucΓa
Every corner of AndalucΓa has something special to offer. Even though itβs part of Spain, it feels like youβre getting a taste of both Spain and Morocco all in one β how cool is that? From the peaceful patios in CΓ³rdoba to the stunning bridge in Ronda, whether youβre exploring the Alhambra, munching on the best tapas in Toledo, or tapping away to Flamenco in Granada, AndalucΓa had me wanting to come back for more. We totally fell in love with this place, and I know you will too!
The best Things to do in Murcia - Spain
The Region of Murcia is in south east Spain, it has 323 days of sunshine a year and itβs coastline Costa CΓ‘lida has 250 kilometres of beaches! What to do when visiting Murcia? Here are my top 7 tips of how to best explore this beautiful hidden gemβ¦
The Region of Murcia is in south east Spain, it has 323 days of sunshine a year and itβs coastline Costa CΓ‘lida has 250 kilometres of beaches! What to do when visiting Murcia? Here are my top 7 tips of how to best explore this beautiful hidden gem. Oh and before I forgetβ¦Murcia is best explored active! :) Youβll see what I meanβ¦
1. Go snorkelling - The area is known for itβs super rich marine life and interesting lesser seen species such as the moon fish, and if youβre lucky you might get so see some seahorses too! It is also a paradise for divers. When we went, we saw so many diving schools and diving boats out at sea exploring and because snorkelling was already so fun, it really inspired me to maybe look into learning to dive soon :)
2. Go Cycling - The coastline is too beautiful not to be explored intensively and therefore cycling along it is the best was to see as much of it as possible if you ask me. I love cycling and I love an activity holiday so when we got introduced to the guys from Ecoadventure who offer exciting cycling trips with electric or non electric bikes I was excited. It was hard, it was 35 degrees, it was gritty, it was off road and it was so much fun! Half way we found a little hidden beach to cool down and once we reached our final destination we were rewarded with Spanish ham & ice cold beer!
3. Go Hiking or Trekking - Another active way to explore Murcia? Yes! I understand cycling isnβt for everyone and it is exercise. So trekking along the coastline might be for you. More time to stop and take epic pictures of the incredibly beautiful scenery, more time to explore the vegetation and just as rewarding when you reach viewing points like the one in the thumbnail of my vlog:
5. Visit the Lighthouse of Cabo de Palos - There is a legend that says it was once owned by a family who then got swept away by the ocean and not it is electric. Nobody know if this is true, but what is true is that the views from the top of the Lighthouse are insane! I almost felt like I was filming with a drone, this is how far you can see :) More in the video
6. Eat the food - I mean for any trip to Spain this should be a must do, right? But with all these holiday activities I tell you, you will get hungry. And the food in Murcia is best described by wholesome seafood with a sweet twist. Arroz Caldero was my favourite, but they also make an amazing honey and walnut salad, too! Yum yum!
7. Visit the cities - Lorca, Γguilas and Murcia city itself are 3 tips from me to you. On our trip we went to Lorca which is a beautiful and calm city so full of history I wouldnβt know where to begin. And Γguilas is a seaside town in love with Carnival and crazy fun traditions. We went on a boat trip with Don Pancho there which took us a long the coastline, showed us some hidden beaches, and turned out to be much more entertaining than I had anticipated! :)
The best seafood in Spain!
Little did I know, that a trip to Galicia in Northern Spain would become a seafood extravaganza experience of a lifetime! Read on if you are a seafood lover, because weβre gonna get fishy!β¦
Little did I know, that a trip to Galicia in Northern Spain would become a seafood extravaganza experience of a lifetime! Read on if you are a seafood lover, because weβre gonna get fishy!
Galicia is the the north-western tip of Spain, just above Portugal, and you will probably know it for the very famous Camino de Santiago, the pilgrimage trail. At least that was the case for me. People from all around the world travel to Santiago de Compostela to walk the trail. My fellow traveller Paul from Global Help Swap and I travelled there to eat.
My favourite restaurant we went to on our 48 hours trip was Taberna do Trasno. A short drive from Santiago de Compostela to Cambados and here we were. I went for clams! Clams with so much butter and garlic that it was almost too much yet just so perfect!
Another highlight for me was La Galiciana - An indoor food market par excellence. The fact that itβs indoors is pretty important because it always rains in Galicia (they say). To be fair, it rained a lot when we were there, too :) At La Galiciana I ate this:
Freshly caught, cooked and sliced Octopus bathed in the finest oil. Probably one of my favourite dishes of the entire trip! The food market also caters for vegans, which I thought was great! You can try a vegan Spanish tortilla & more goodies, all plant based.
And finally, before I let you go and watch my vlog below, I want to talk about the portion sizes. Please come hungry! Seafood tends to be the kind of dish served in small portions due to itβs price - all I can say is that this is not true in Galicia! Enjoy!