Travel: Winter sun and sumptuous seafood in Tenerife

BABY whales, volcanoes, truly the most seafood I’ve ever eaten in one sitting and the full five-star service, all on the one island.

And the best part? It is less than a five-hour flight from Glasgow.

Tenerife is the largest and busiest of the Canary Islands and even in the first weeks of January the sun keeps shining.

As a fairly tall and wide guy, space on an aircraft is always a bit of a concern however even at 6ft 2in there was still space for me in a normal economy seat flying with Thomas Cook.

The staff were extremely helpful, but unless you have pre-booked your meal, make sure you stock up in the airport or risk paying a small fortune for the on board food!

Los Cristianos beach in the island of tenerife

Walking out of the airport and having to shed layers in January is a wonderful feeling.

Knowing the next few days will be spent in glorious 20-odd degrees sunshine was just what I needed to forget those winter and post-festive blues.

I’ve been to Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, both many years ago, but this was the first time for Tenerife and it feels completely different.

Whereas the other islands seem relaxed and subdued, Tenerife has a buzz about it.

There always seems to be something going on and the number of families travelling even this early in the year shows it’s a family favourite with regulars who take advantage of the all-year-round sunshine.

Being greeted with a glass of Cava on arrival at the hotel made me feel extremely lucky to be staying in the newly refurbished Jardín Tropical.

With a subtropical design and African touch they strive to make every guest feel individually important.

My advice, spend a little extra if you can and upgrade to the new Club Hotel Jardín Tropical experience.

It offers a private lounge with drinks and snacks, a reserved area in the Las Rocas Solarium – which has the most beautiful Balinese beds – and you get priority booking for all the hotel’s services which, in the high season, would be absolutely worth it.

If you are the active type, Jardín Tropical has an unrivalled setting for a work out as Ocean Gym boasts an outdoor elevated position overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

On the other hand, if a rooftop open-air gym is not for you and you would much prefer a trek round the links, Tenerife features nine fabulous golf courses.

The top course is the stunning Abama (abamagolf.com) about 15 minutes’ drive away – and Hotel Jardín Tropical guests can enjoy discounted green fees.

A short walk from the hotel takes you to the beach and harbour where skylinecharterstenerife.com offer whale and dolphin-watching full and half-day tours.

Our captain for the day, Ami, knew exactly where we should head for the resident pilot whales.

Three miles out, we were suddenly surrounded by a pod of babies and the mums soon followed.

To see these animals so close you could reach out and touch them was a magnificent experience.

It was topped only by my second excursion of the trip, Mount Teide National Park on a fantastic private tour organised by feeltenerife.com.

On our trail up the mountain we stopped off in the highest village in Spain.

Vilafor, sitting 1400m above sea level, is situated on the south face of the Teide volcano and is a beautifully picturesque sanctuary away from the buzz of the tourist hubs.

In a lovely little café I was introduced to a barraquito which is a strong alcoholic coffee made with condensed milk and cinnamon!

If I wasn’t already in love with this tiny tranquil village I was now head over heels.

Despite my longing for a second barraquito we headed onwards and upwards, transported to what seemed like another planet through desolate red and grey plains.

If you had told me I was standing on the surface of Mars I would have quite believed you.

If you have a head for heights, make sure to book early on the cable car to the top.

It’s easy to understand why so many people, especially Brits, fall in love with Tenerife.

A pleasant climate, food and activities for every taste and every budget, beautiful scenery, night life if you want it and easily a home away from home.

This may have been my first visit to the island, but it certainly won’t be the last.