At the time, I was a high street travel agent. As soon as the resort launched, I booked a stay and arranged a full inspection through the hotel’s in-house sales office so I could gain the very best product knowledge.

We fell in love with it instantly.

Money was tight back then, so we accepted that we would probably never return.

David and I married in 2005, and he completely surprised me with a five-night honeymoon back at the hotel. We hadn’t planned to have a honeymoon because we worked together and had nobody to run our business while we were away. Staying in one of the villa suites made it even more special.

From that visit onwards, we decided we would return every year to celebrate our anniversary. It became our special place.

Since then, we’ve returned exactly 30 times. That gives me a unique perspective—not just on what the hotel is like today, but on how it has evolved over the last 23 years.

Of course, somewhere this wonderful couldn’t remain our secret for long. Over the years we’ve visited, sometimes twice a year, taking friends and family with us. Every single person fell in love with it, and everyone recommended it to others. I genuinely can’t remember anyone ever having a bad word to say about the resort.

As we’ve got older, we’ve naturally found ourselves preferring what we always called “the top hotel” – now the Bahia Principe Escape Tenerife – because it offered a quieter, more relaxing atmosphere.

A New Beginning

In January 2025, Bahia Principe Escape Tenerife closed for a complete refurbishment after the Piñero Group sold a 50% stake in the resort to Hyatt. It reopened as an adults-only hotel, which, for us, was an added bonus.

We returned just four days after the reopening, excited to see all the changes and to find out whether the hotel justified its new, higher price point.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t write a blog after that visit.

There were simply too many teething problems. The staff, who had been away during the refurbishment, understandably needed time to adjust to operating what was now a premium adults-only resort rather than the four-star family all-inclusive they had known for years.

Giving It a Second Chance

Earlier this year, our planned holiday to Thailand was cancelled because of the conflict in the Middle East. Around the same time, David underwent surgery and experienced a few complications.

Once he was finally given the all-clear to travel, nothing really appealed to us or fitted within our budget.

Then an offer for Bahia Principe Escape Tenerife appeared.

It didn’t take much convincing for us to give it another chance, and I’m so pleased we did.

What a transformation.

Everything now runs smoothly, the service is polished, and the refurbishment has elevated the hotel to a standard that genuinely justifies the higher price.

The Location

This hotel won’t suit everyone.

If you enjoy staying in the centre of a lively resort, this probably isn’t the hotel for you.

It’s located on the outskirts of Playa Paraíso. Walking into the resort takes around 30–45 minutes and includes some fairly steep hill.

Likewise, if you’re looking for a sandy beach on your doorstep, this probably isn’t the right choice. The hotel sits in a slightly elevated position and doesn’t have a beach of its own. You can walk down to where the rocks meet the Atlantic Ocean to enjoy the spectacular views, but it isn’t suitable for swimming.

There is, however, a lovely little bay with a beach and beach bar at El Puertito (also known as Turtle Bay), around a 30-minute walk away. It’s the perfect place to escape from it all and enjoy a swim in the sea.

The hotel operates a  shuttle bus to Playa de las Américas, at a cost of €4,50 return which is approximately 15 minutes away, while taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced.

Local buses are another excellent way to explore the island, with a bus stop just a five-minute walk from the hotel.

Airport transfers are also quick, taking around 25 minutes.

Dining

The hotel can be booked on either a Half Board or All Inclusive basis.

If you’re planning to explore Tenerife most days, Half Board could be the better option.

The buffet restaurant, Badana, is superb. Fresh meat and fish are cooked to order alongside a wok station, pasta station, freshly made pizzas, salads, hot dishes, cheeses, desserts and ice cream, with something to suit virtually every nationality. You certainly won’t go hungry.

Breakfast is equally impressive, offering everything from continental selections and pastries to a full cooked breakfast, eggs cooked to order, pancakes, French toast and churros.

Room service is also available during selected hours for an additional charge.

There are two speciality restaurants:

·         Volcán, a grill restaurant.

·         Gofio, serving traditional Canarian cuisine.

Guests staying on the All Inclusive package receive one speciality restaurant dinner per week of their stay and may also enjoy lunch at Gofio instead of the buffet.

Half Board guests can enjoy lunch in the buffet for €25 per person or dine at Gofio, where dishes are individually priced. Evening meals in the speciality restaurants are also available at an additional charge.

Personally, unless you’re planning to spend most days away from the hotel, I think All Inclusive offers much better value.

If it’s your first visit to Tenerife, I’d also be delighted to recommend some fantastic excursions, as I’ve enjoyed many of the island’s tours over the years.

The Rooms

The rooms are spotlessly clean, the beds are exceptionally comfortable, and the showers are to die for.

Most rooms also enjoy sea views.

Superior Side Sea View Rooms are slightly smaller but feature generous balconies complete with a table, chairs and sunbeds.

My personal favourite is the Junior Deluxe Suite. The room itself is much larger, includes a comfortable sofa, and although the balcony is slightly smaller, it still has a table and chairs.

For something extra special, consider upgrading to a Club Room.

These are situated at the far end of the resort and all face west, offering spectacular sea views, unforgettable sunsets and, on a clear day, wonderful views across to the neighbouring island of La Gomera.

Club guests also enjoy exclusive access to a private infinity pool, along with an air-conditioned lounge offering complimentary snacks and self-service drinks throughout the day.

Pools & Entertainment

Excluding the Club Pool, guests have access to two swimming pools.

The heated pool has a gentle beach-style entrance and is where activities such as aqua aerobics take place.

The second pool is larger, deeper and unheated, making it ideal for those who simply want to swim or relax.

There are plenty of sunbeds around both pools, but if you’re looking for somewhere even more peaceful, there’s a large sun terrace opposite Gofio Restaurant with a variety of loungers and sunbeds, all overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This is where you’ll always find us.

If lying on a sunbed all day isn’t your thing, there’s a varied daytime activity programme.

Evening entertainment takes place on the terrace, with different musicians performing each night.

One thing I particularly enjoyed was that many of the acts included plenty of Spanish music alongside international favourites, creating a lovely atmosphere. Only one evening focused mainly on British music. Whether you fancy getting up for a dance or simply sitting back with a cocktail and enjoying the music, there’s a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere every evening.

Facilities

The hotel also offers a fully air-conditioned gym, open 24 hours a day, and spa treatments are available for those looking to indulge in a little extra relaxation.

Looking Ahead

The sister hotel, which will reopen in December 2026 as the family-friendly Bahia Principe Explore Costa Adeje, is currently undergoing its own complete refurbishment.

This is where our love affair with the resort first began back in 2003, and we’ve spent around half of our 30 visits there.

I’m very much looking forward to returning once it reopens to see the transformation for myself and, of course, sharing my thoughts with you.

Between the two hotels sits La Plaza, which is also being completely refurbished.

Previously it housed the main entertainment stage, shops, a pharmacy, a nightclub, a sports bar and an Indian restaurant. While we don’t yet know exactly what the new La Plaza will include, I’m sure it will become another fantastic addition for guests staying at both hotels.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a relaxing adults-only escape with excellent food, quality drinks, spectacular sea views and somewhere you can truly switch off, I can wholeheartedly recommend Bahia Principe Escape Tenerife.

One thing I particularly loved seeing on this visit was that the hotel is now attracting younger couples looking for a romantic “get away from it all” holiday. It creates a lovely, relaxed atmosphere that perfectly suits the adults-only concept.

It has been my happy place for over 23 years and 30 visits, and despite all the changes over that time, it still gives me exactly the same feeling as it did when I first walked through the doors back in 2003.

As long as I’m able to travel, I’ll keep coming back.

Have questions about Bahia Principe Escape Tenerife or Tenerife in general? I've been visiting this resort for over 23 years and would be delighted to help you choose the right room, board basis or excursions. Just get in touch.