THE HOTEL REVIEW: Gran Hotel Roca Vivaria, Costa Adeje, Tenerife
Review: Dex Jones
Situated on the south western side of the island, approximately half way between Las Americas and Los Gigantes, and 30 minutes from the airport, the resort of Adeje is relatively new in terms of tourism but has a history that is pre- hispanic with the Barranco del inferno (hells fire ravine) close by and the ever rising mountains that form the Tiede National park all the way to the snow capped summit of the sleeping giant itself.
The Grand Roca Navaria Hotel (part of the Adrian Hotels Group) is a five star luxury family hotel which skirts the coastline with a promenade path that circumnavigates the whole complex. Overlooking the open Atlantic with a distant view of the island of La Gomera, another historic Canarian island, (there are seven in total) which was the last Western island that the famous Christopher Columbus stopped off on 6th September 1492 before sailing into the unknown, possibly off the edge of our then flat world.
THE HOTEL
Check in was efficient and professional with everything well laid out, multi lingual staff provide all the relevant information regarding your stay, there is free underground parking for guests, and as of times gone by, the receptionist tapped a desk bell and the porter arrived with a silver arch framed trolley for our luggage and escorted us to our room. After checking in, and you have received your entry key cards, you then have to swipe into the main area of the hotel, through automatic sliding glass doors, an added security measure to ensure your exclusivity.
The hotel boasts 289 rooms which are located in blocks either side of the main hub, which go from ground floor up to seven floors, there is another that is only three floors above the central area of the hotel most of which boast an ocean view. Eight lifts allow easy accessibility across the resort and to the beach, for anybody with limited mobility this resort is perfect.
There are 8 different levels of rooms.
- Double standard
- Double sea view
- Double top floor
- Superior double
- Junior suite with sea view
- Superior suite
- Presidential suite
- Royal suite
ACCOMMODATION
Our room, on the third floor was a twin room with expansive sea views and a distant view of La Gomera, and being south westerly afforded unspoilt vistas of the evening sunsets. The decor was dual shades of cool blues, with large sliding patio doors making the room light and airy.
The room itself had a small hallway leading through to another door into the main bedroom area, off to your right is the bathroom with an extra large bath, double hand basins, a walk in toilet area with bidet and a large walk in shower room with a rainwater head shower, ample toiletries are on supply from the hotel’s well organised house keeping service and his & hers monogrammed soft towelling robes hang in the wardrobe.
There are two large comfortable twin beds made into a double with twin reading lights, a large walk-in wardrobe/dressing room that has lots of hanging space, draws and a free digital safe deposit box. The self regulating air conditioning keep room temperature optimum. A dark wood shelving unit housing the mini bar (optional extra) flat screen tv with numerous channels in a variety of different languages.
THE POOLS
There are four pools in total all making the most of their southerly orientation maximising the daytime sunshine. The large tiered patio area is perfectly laid out with plenty of sunny areas two pool bars and shade created by the beautifully manicured, lush palm-tree gardens that can be a safe haven from the intensity of the mid day sun.
The two central large infinity pools are well spaced out with ample sun bathing space around them, comfortable loungers, tailored sun-bed towels made to fit over the top of the backrest frame to counteract the wind blowing the towel off and a separate drying off towel are a welcome inclusion. The top pool next to the pool-bar/restaurant has white mosaic tiles and fresh sea water that gives the water a cool light aqua colour and added to the fact that it is heated to around 30 degrees makes it extremely inviting, the saltwater also gives more buoyancy relaxing the body while you just float away in this subtropical paradise, access is safe with handrails. There is also disabled access to the water via a hydraulic chair lift, lifeguards are on hand to assist in anyway required of them.
Next to this pool is the large circular hot jacuzzi ample room for at least a dozen people, pure pleasure in these beautiful surroundings. The lower pool is again white-tile mosaic but is a little fresher circulated by a feature waterfall at one end. There is a smaller pool for the kiddies located on the top terrace.
DINING AND DRINKING
The hotel boasts two al la carte restaurants a central buffet dining hall, along with the poolside restaurant/bar. Let the staff spoil you with their gastronomic expertise in either The Burgos, a traditional Catalan styled restaurant with exceptional culinary delights, or if you prefer, The Verona, Italian cuisine in a Mediterranean styled restaurant, either can be booked via reception or on the self service touch screens around the hotel.
The Ahemón pool restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy your breakfast or lunch “al fresco” in style with fantastic views over the sea and immaculate gardens.
The Garoé is the main all inclusive/half board buffet dining restaurant for breakfast and dinner, with a large outdoor terrace for that unique experience of eating outdoors in the fabulous Canarian climate, indoors there is a family area and also an adults only area, subtly created for those who want a more intimate table.
It has the centralised self serve stations constantly being refreshed with high quality hot and cold food, there are themed food nights during the week and two “show cooking” stations where the chefs prepare your choice of fresh meat or seafood.
The Tamaragua Lobby Bar is located on the same floor as reception, has comfortable seating, a pool table and games area for playing chess or cards, traditionally dressed waiters service this area adding a touch of elegance to your leisure.
One floor below is the Bar Colloquia; a piano bar with cabaret shows, musicians, bands and dance acts all of which provide the high class entertainment throughout the evening.
There is also the Belingo club for the younger members of the family who maybe haven’t quite worn themselves out during the day time with fun and games dancing and specific shows.
SPA & WELLNESS – Azules de Navaria Spa
There are a myriad of experiences in this relaxing environment, we decided to experience the full circuit from the warm hydromassage pool with a choice of water jets to massage all parts of the body, from the neck, back, even the feet, the warm tropical showers to invigorate the body, to a plunge pool of little more than 6 degrees we did try this but quickly moved on to the hot plunge pools and Jacuzzi.
Relaxing sunloungers are available, overlooking the ocean both inside and outside, treatments are available at reception for massage, facial and beauty along with a hairdressing salon.
Gran Hotel Roca Nivaria
Av. Adeje 300, s/n, 38678 Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Sovereign Luxury Travel (01293 832 459, www.sovereign.com) has a seven night holiday to the five star Gran Hotel Roca Nivaria, on a Half Board basis, from £972 per person. The holiday includes one complimentary spa entry per adult per stay, UK airport security fast passes and access to N°1 Lounges, private resort transfers and return flights from London Gatwick with Norwegian Airlines. Based on departures 4 October 2018. Book via www.sovereign.com/holidays/spain/tenerife/playa-paraiso/hotels/gran-hotel-roca-nivaria
Airport Hotel with Parking at Manchester Airport
A night’s stay at an airport hotel is the perfect way to start a relaxing holiday and with Holiday Extras most hotels can include a holiday parking package. To book the Clayton Hotel from £155.00 for one nights’ stay and eight days’ secured parking, visit HolidayExtras.com or call 0800 1313 777. Price searched on March 22 for a stay on May 19.