MY EARS begin to crackle as we wind higher and higher up the mountainside.
At 610 metres above sea level on the southern tip of Tenerife, Oliver’s Out Of Town — our dinner destination for that evening — is simply breathtaking.
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With elegant dishes served to tables overlooking palm trees and rugged mountains backed by a pink-tinged sky, it’s no wonder the wait-list for a table can be months long.
Luckily, we’d booked ahead when planning our family getaway to the Costa Adeje, where the sun shines 300 days of the year.
The largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, Tenerife is an ideal spot for those seeking winter sun, with cheap flights from the UK that take just over four hours.
And there are a host of hotels, with something to suit anyone and everyone’s needs.
Our resort, the 5H GF Victoria hotel and the newest in the small family of GF hotels in Costa Adeje, was just a 25-minute drive from Oliver’s Out Of Town.
And unlike the secluded restaurant, the plush resort was surrounded by action-packed adventure.
Poppy, nine, and her 12-year-old brother Finlay were glued to the hotel’s handy app, where use of its amenities can be booked.
While Finlay braved the waves at the on-site surf-pool (a €10 surcharge, about £8.30), Poppy scaled the heights of the climbing wall — and they both trumped me at mini-golf more times than I care to remember.
As well as these activities, there’s an adventure park with a zipline, onsite water park with several speedy slides and a gentle splash park for younger children.
Let’s not forget the weekly foam party either. My little ones had an absolute blast dancing in the bubbles to some of their favourite songs.
There’s even a children’s club with games and competitions, alongside a babysitting service, which means parents can kick back and relax at the adults-only rooftop pool with complete peace of mind that their kids are safe.
Let’s not forget the weekly foam party either. My little ones had an absolute blast dancing in the bubbles to some of their favourite songs.
Rooms at GF Victoria are a collection of tastefully decorated suites — senior, premium and harmony — each with separate sleeping and living areas, as well as spacious balconies.
It meant that everyone had their own space without needing to shell out for separate rooms.
If there isn’t enough to keep you entertained onsite, stunning beaches like Playa Del Duque with its clear waters and golden sands are just a stone’s throw away from the hotel, or there’s a huge shopping centre next door.
Plus there are a number of excellent restaurants nearby.
We’d opted for a bed and breakfast package so that we could explore the surrounding area for lunches and dinners, although that’s not to say that you’d struggle to find decent food within the hotel.
GF Victoria boasts a highly respected and Michelin guide-recommended restaurant, The Donaire, which serves excellent tasting menus, although breakfast at the Chaboco Buffet was the highlight for my family.
It had everything you could possibly imagine from fresh fruits, made-to-order juices and pastries, to hot dishes and cuts of delicious Spanish meats.
There are even bottles of fizz for those who wish to start the party early.
A special mention has to go to the restaurant staff, too, who took great care catering for Poppy’s severe food allergy, preparing separate dishes and ensuring that she didn’t miss out.
If you do fancy venturing out, the vibrant centre of Costa Adeje has plenty of lively tapas bars, casual cafes and foods from around the world.
Resident crocodiles
Torviscas Spice Village restaurant is a must if you enjoy Indian food, while Limoncello is a great option for Italian and The Seahorse serves seriously tasty small plates.
Head the other way and a beautiful walk along the seafront will take you along to La Caleta, where you can indulge in high-end restaurants such as 88, La Vieja and Rosso Sul Mare, each showcasing fresh local ingredients and stunning sea views — Finlay considers 88 his new “favourite restaurant ever”.
Then, of course, there’s Oliver’s Out Of Town which offers a door-to-door pick-up service.
Poppy opted to choose from the adults’ menu as she had her eye on the home-made steak pie, which did not disappoint, and the sharing plate of desserts is a definite crowd pleaser with mini dishes of banoffee pie, Maltesers cheesecake and chocolate tart (almost too good to share).
The two resident crocodiles are among the first you will encounter and along the way and you’ll meet far more than just the monkeys.
For those seeking adventure during their holiday, Siam Park, one of the best water parks in the world, is only a ten-minute cab ride away, and is a highlight for any water-loving thrillseeker.
Or for something with a more relaxed pace, a 20-minute cab ride will take you to the delightful Monkey Park, where you can feed the animals and interact with a variety of species in a tranquil setting.
The two resident crocodiles are among the first you will encounter and along the way and you’ll meet far more than just the monkeys. Finlay and Poppy loved the hands-on experience.
If the heat becomes a bit too much, the Costa Adeje has 25 kilometres of glorious coastline with beautiful beaches where you can set up camp for the day and dip into the cool sea.
This was our fifth visit to Costa Adeje and suffice to say we are already planning our sixth.
If winter sun is on your wish list, make this Costa your top choice.
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GO: TENERIFE
GETTING/STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ B&B at the 5H GF Victoria is from £1,231pp including flights from Manchester on February 9.
Stoked and soaked as Siam stuns
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WITH adrenaline-pumping slides and rides, a 1km lazy river and a gorgeous white-sand sun-drenched beach, it’s no wonder Tenerife’s Siam Park is consistently named the world’s best waterpark.
Set in the south of the island, the park is the largest of its kind in Europe and well worth a visit if you’re travelling with kids – or simply thrill-seeking adults.
Inspired by the scenery and nature of Thailand, the action-packed attraction is spread over 185sq km with themed rides and rentable cabanas that have taken inspiration from Thai architecture.
If you’re staying at the GF Victoria or one of the nearby hotels, guests can take advantage of a free bus that leaves from outside the Duke shopping centre.
But if you want to beat the crowds, it’s well worth booking an early morning cab so you can arrive just as the doors open.
That way you will be first in line to nab one of the limited fast passes which give guests priority access to rides, letting them dodge the queues.
Another top tip? Lockers can have similarly long queues at Siam World, so it may be worth investing in a portable safe (you can pick one up for around £15 on Amazon).
The number-coded plastic box can be secured to your sunbed and has enough room for wallets, keys, phones and essentials.
We never travel anywhere without ours now.
And what about if you’re limited for time? With so many amazing rides on offer, it can be hard to narrow down the essentials.
Luckily, 12-year-old adrenaline-junkie FINLAY SKELTON shares his top five.
1. KINNAREE
A SIAM Park must, but not for the faint-hearted. Finlay says: “Wow! Just wow! Totally stomach-lurching with vertical drops when you least expect them. I loved this.”
2. SAIFA
AN adrenaline-pumping, gravity-defying duel with twists and turns like no other.
Finlay says: “They’re not joking when they say this ride is powered by RocketBLAST technology.”
3. SINGHA
NAMED after the famous Thai beer, this near-vertical watercoaster propels you to the finish line.
Finlay says: “Your stomach will be left churning afterwards so maybe eat lunch after this one, instead of beforehand.”
4. THE DRAGON
RIDERS should prepare to be thrown around and from side to side as they travel at rip-roaring speeds down a water slide in a four-person rubber ring.
Finlay says: “You reach mind-boggling heights so try to take in the view of the park before you come plummeting back down to your senses.”
Read more on the Scottish Sun
5. MEKONG RAPIDS
YOU might be fooled into thinking this rubber-ring-style ride is smoother or tamer than some of the others, but be sure to keep your wits about you.
Finlay says: “The Mekong Rapids lull you into a false sense of security before taking you on a journey that’s like something out of Indiana Jones.”
GO: SIAM PARK
ENTRY costs from 42 euros per person aged 12 and over and 30 euros for kids aged three to 11.
Under threes go free. See siampark.net.
