Truly Paradise?

Take the cable car up to the top of Mount Teide. We were lucky that we had a gorgeous day and could clearly see four of the other Canary Islands. We were also treated to an explanation of were the mineral water from Tenerife comes from, but I wouldn't want to spoil that surprise for you.

A day out at the Aquapark is a must, the dolphin show is far better than the one at Seaworld Orlando and the water rides are thrilling, but not terrifying!

Go to the Pirates Show on Monday night at the Exit Palace, it is an Orlando style dinner show that is every bit as good as anything you would find there.

Quick Tips:

Visit as many restaurants as possible, thay are all good. Beware however, the closer you get to the beach the more you will be hassled by the restaurant touts!

Best Way To Get Around:

Use taxis, they are cheap and quick. Driving can be hazardous as the taxi drivers do tend to be maniacs!

Best Things Nearby:
The Aquapark is a 15 minute walk. The Exit Palace is a 5 minute walk. The supermarket is a 15 minute walk and has a comprehensive and cheap range of food.

Best Things About the Resort:
The apartartments are huge. My terrace was larger than my living room in England.

The pool bar is good, especially the barbecue on a Tuesday night.

Resort Experience:
Very nice accommodation, as you would expect from a Gold Crown resort. We had two bedrooms, one a double and one a twin. The double had it's only ensuite bathroom with shower and toilet. The other bathroom contained bath, shower, toilet and bidet. Bath towels, bathrobes and pool towels are supplied for everyone. The kitchen was fully equipped, though we tended to eat out and only used it for breakfast. The apartment was cleaned four times in the week and the linnen changed once.

Not a lot to do for the children but I understand that the resort are trying to remedy this. The week cost us a fortune in optional excursions!

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Fair
• Amenities: Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Fair
• Service: Excellent

Best Things Nearby:
Rosie's Mexican.

The Italian at the top of the hill.

Best Things About the Resort:
Excellent facilities, especially for the kids. The all-inclusive Fiesta night. Complementary bus to the beach.

Resort Experience:
A marvellous family resort. All the facilities you would expect at the resort or the neighbouring Hollywood Mirage. The entertainment is first class. Our apartment was a bit small, being a converted studio but it was serviced everyday and had the required amenities. The beach that the complementary bus drops you off at is ideal for children. I really can't praise the facilities enough.

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Excellent
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

A number of water rides, restaurants, and a dolphinarium. Rides range from the mild to the outrageous and are all different. Spend a day here and then slip across the road to 39 Oxford Street to eat on of their roast dinners, probably the best vegetables we tried.