Uncover Tenerife's Hidden Gem: AluaSoul Orotava Valley Paradise!
Uncover Tenerife's Hidden Gem: AluaSoul Orotava Valley Paradise! – My Unfiltered Take (And Why You NEED to Go!)
Alright, folks, buckle up. I just got back from AluaSoul Orotava Valley Paradise in Tenerife, and let me tell you, it's left a mark. Forget those sanitized, cookie-cutter hotel reviews. This is the real deal, warts and all. And yes, there are a few… well, let’s call them "quirks." But honestly, that's what makes it memorable. And beautiful. And utterly, wonderfully, Tenerife.
First Impressions: Accessibility, and the Thrill of the Arrival
Landing in Tenerife? Okay, smooth sailing… until you get to getting to the hotel. Now, I'm not going to lie, I'm a bit directionally challenged. Airport transfer? YES! Absolutely a godsend. And the hotel itself? The website boasted "Facilities for disabled guests," which is a huge plus for accessibility. The elevator was a lifesaver lugging all the luggage, and the grounds seemed pretty easy to navigate. More on that later when I actually hit the pool!
Cleanliness & Safety: Seriously Impressive, and a Relief
Let's face it – in this day and age, "clean" is the new luxury. And AluaSoul nails it. This isn't just a quick spritz of air freshener. The "Professional-grade sanitizing services" felt genuinely reassuring, especially given the "Daily disinfection in common areas." I saw staff constantly cleaning, and hand sanitizer stations were EVERYWHERE. I even opted out of the "Room sanitization opt-out," because, honestly, I wanted to feel safe. "Anti-viral cleaning products?" Yep. "Hot water linen and laundry washing?" You betcha. This is not a lazy operation. It’s a clean operation.
The Rooms: A Haven of Comfort (Mostly)
Alright, the rooms. My room? Glorious. Air conditioning? Check. Wi-Fi [free]? Bingo! I’m one of those people, you know, who practically live online. The "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" was a massive selling point for me. Plus, a comfortable bed. Extra long! The "Blackout curtains" were a lifesaver, especially after those late-night happy hours (more on those later). I even got a "Bathroom phone," which I didn't really understand, let alone use, but hey – options! Though seriously, the "Mirror" could have been better lit for those crucial selfie moments. But hey, I managed. And the "Slippers?" Utter comfort.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (With a Few Hiccups)
Okay, the food. This is where things get interesting. I'm not going to lie, I went for the "Breakfast [buffet]," and it was… a buffet. Lots of food, a bit of organized chaos, and some genuinely delicious offerings. The "Asian breakfast" intrigued me, but I stuck to my trusty "Western breakfast." The "Coffee/tea in restaurant" was a daily necessity, and the "Bottle of water" in the room was a nice touch. The "Poolside bar"? Oh, the poolside bar… Let's just say I spent a significant amount of time there. Happy Hour was, well, happy. "A la carte in restaurant" also offered variety. BUT… and there's always a "but," the Vegetarian restaurant didn't always have everything.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Heaven for the Weary Traveler
Listen, I'm a stressed-out human being. My mission? To melt away the stress and bask in the sheer bliss of being somewhere gorgeous. And AluaSoul delivered. The "Swimming pool [outdoor]" was… well, amazing. As in, I spent hours by it. The "Pool with view" I think, was the defining factor. The "Sauna" and "Spa" were glorious, and they even had a "Body scrub" option (which I, ahem, indulged in). I thought to myself, this is the life. And, if you are the active type, the "Fitness center" looked pretty good.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
"Concierge?" Helpful. "Daily housekeeping?" Immaculate. "Dry cleaning?" Needed! But the "Indoor venue for special events" seemed a bit underutilized. Maybe it's the off-season. The meeting rooms and the "Xerox/fax in business center" were nice (for the business- minded folks). I did, however, make use of the "Invoice provided," which I’m sure my accountant will love.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly? Definitely! (But I Don't Have Any)
While I'm not exactly a parent (thank the gods), I did notice the "Babysitting service" and the "Kids facilities" were on offer. They even had a "Kids meal." So, if you're traveling with little ones, this place seems like a solid bet.
Accessibility & Getting Around:
I have to give a shout out to the "Car park [free of charge]" - brilliant. Plus, I saw a few guests using the "Taxi service," which seemed very convenient. Also, did I mention that the "Elevator" was a godsend?
The Downsides (Because, Seriously, Nothing's Perfect)
Okay, time for some brutal honesty. While the AluaSoul is fantastic, it’s not flawless. The "Wi-Fi for special events" should be more available. The “Happy Hour” drinks could be slightly better, but I still had fun! The staff's English wasn't always perfect, but they tried their best and were unfailingly polite. My biggest, and perhaps silliest, gripe? The "Extra long bed" was a bit too extra long. I felt like I was sleeping in a runway!
Final Verdict: Book it! (Seriously, Do It)
Look, AluaSoul Orotava Valley Paradise isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. It's about stunning views, fresh air, delicious (and sometimes quirky) food, and a genuine effort to make you feel pampered and safe. It may not be perfect, but that imperfection is part of its charm. It's a place where you can truly unwind, recharge, and fall in love with Tenerife. The "Swimming pool [outdoor]" alone is worth the price of admission.
My Offer to You: Book Now and Unlock the Secrets of Paradise!
Ready to escape? I'm offering a special, limited-time deal:
Book your stay at AluaSoul Orotava Valley Paradise now through [Your Booking Link Here] and get:
- 10% off your room rate: Use code TENERIFEESCAPE at checkout.
- A complimentary bottle of local wine upon arrival (because, why not?).
- Free upgrade to a room with a balcony and ocean view (subject to availability).
- Exclusive access to a curated list of hidden gem recommendations from me (because I want you to explore this beautiful island!).
Don't wait! Paradise is calling. Book your escape to AluaSoul Orotava Valley Paradise today! You won't regret it.
Unbelievable Monaco-Style Luxury Awaits You in Pattaya!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is AluaSoul Orotava Valley, Tenerife, through a lens of slightly unhinged excitement, caffeine jitters, and a healthy dose of "winging it." Prepare for the beautiful, the messy, and the totally real.
Day 1: Arrival & Aloha (and a near-death experience with a rental car)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Arrive at Tenerife North Airport (TFN). Okay, first impression? It's small. Like, "can I actually fit all my luggage in here?" small. Found my rental car – a gloriously battered Fiat (who I immediately named "Fiona"). The car rental place guy, bless his heart, kept warning me about the roads. "They go up and down," he’d said, gesturing dramatically. Little did I know the true meaning of his words.
- (9:30 AM - 11:00 AM): The Drive to Orotava. Oh, the drive. Picture this: me, Fiona, and a road that looks like it was designed by a rollercoaster enthusiast. Navigating those switchbacks was a white-knuckle experience that felt more like a rally race than a scenic drive. Got lost at least twice, cursed in three languages, and nearly kissed a cliff face. But the views! Holy guacamole! The lush, green valley just unfolds before you, and I almost forgot I was about to have a panic attack. Almost.
- (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Check in at AluaSoul Orotava Valley. This place is gorgeous, no doubt. The lobby smells like fresh flowers and expensive soap. The staff are ridiculously friendly. My room? Amazing, with a balcony overlooking the valley. I immediately dumped my bags, changed into something more "relaxing" (a slightly stained t-shirt and questionable shorts), and declared war on the mini-bar.
- (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Lunch at the on-site restaurant. They've got a pool and a restaurant overlooking the valley. The food? Surprisingly delish! I may have inhaled a plate of papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauce like it was going out of style. Seriously, that sauce is addictive.
- (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Pool time! Okay, I’m not a “lounge by the pool” type, but this place is calling my name. Floating on my back, staring at the clouds, listening to the gentle hum of Spanish conversations… it’s pure bliss. I also tried to read a book, which lasted about fifteen minutes before I got distracted by a particularly handsome waiter. Oops.
- (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Exploring the hotel grounds. The gardens are lush, the fountains are tinkling, and there's a little chapel where you can get married. Feeling a sudden urge to get hitched. Maybe I’ll just grab a random stranger and elope…kidding! Mostly.
- (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM): A quick nap (because jet lag is a beast). Woke up feeling vaguely guilty about wasting daylight but then immediately went back to sleep.
- (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Trying the local wine. It's… well, it's wine. The sunset views, though? Spectacular. Definitely worth the slightly questionable aftertaste. Starting to get to know some of the other guests-- a lovely couple from Germany, a chatty but well-meaning family from England, and a woman in her 60s who seems to know everything about the local flora.
- (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Evening stroll around the hotel, feeling utterly relaxed (finally!). The night air is warm, the stars are out, and I’m starting to think I might actually survive this trip.
Day 2: Volcano Day & Coffee Confessions
- (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up call and breakfast, which is a glorious assault of pastries, fruit, and (naturally) more coffee. I'm pretty sure I drank an entire pot to myself. The staff haven't gotten used to me yet, but they are probably going to by the end of this trip.
- (9:00 AM - 9:30 AM): Okay, time to get this show on the road! Today is all about Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak. Found Fiona, who seems to have survived the night. Checked the tyres and the oil, just in case she had a dream about her cliff face.
- (9:30 AM - 11:00 AM): Okay, Fiona and I are doing a mountain! The drive up to Teide National Park is another adventure. The scenery changes dramatically as you ascend, going from lush greenery to a volcanic landscape that feels like you've landed on Mars. Seriously, it's unreal. Fiona, bless her, handled the switchbacks like a champ.
- (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): The obligatory photo-taking session at the base of Teide. Seriously breathtaking. I almost wish I was in better shape for hiking, but let’s be honest, I signed up for a relaxing vacation, not an endurance test. Took a ridiculous amount of photos (for the 'gram, obviously). Wandered around the visitor center, picked up a few souvenirs (mandatory!).
- (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch with a view. I found a little cafe near the visitor center. Ordered a sandwich and watched the clouds roll by. The air is thin up here, and I'm starting to feel a little lightheaded. Maybe the coffee from this morning.
- (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Hike. I signed up for a guided hike around one of the craters. It was tough going, but the views? Worth it. The landscapes look truly alien, like something out of a sci-fi flick. Ended up talking to the guide about everything and nothing. Did I mention the views?
- (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): A quick stop at the cable car. I thought about taking it to the summit, but the line was massive. Decided I'd rather have a leisurely drive back down.
- (5:00 PM - 6:30 PM): Winding my way back to Orotava. I can't help but wonder if I'll be able to drive her back.
- (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM): Back at the hotel, showered and changed, and immediately headed for the bar. Ordered a cocktail and started chatting with the bartender. Turns out, he knows everything about the island, including the best places to eat and the most secret waterfalls.
- (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Dinner. This time at a local restaurant that the bartender recommended. I ordered the freshly grilled fish, which arrived with a spectacular sauce. It was so good, I almost licked the plate clean. Almost.
Day 3: Culture, Caves, & a Little Bit of Mayhem
- (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Trying to take a leisurely breakfast, but I can't shake my nervous side. The day's plan: explore the historic town of La Orotava!
- (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Exploring La Orotava. The town is charming. Cobblestone streets, colorful houses with wooden balconies, and a palpable sense of history. I walked through the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town Hall Square), the Iglesia de la Concepción (Church of the Conception), and got lost in the maze of narrow streets. Took way too many photos of the "Casa de los Balcones" (House of the Balconies). Can't help it; it's beautiful!
- (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM): Trying to find a local ceramics shop, but I got lost. Ended up wandering through a park, sitting on a bench.
- (1:30 PM - 2:30 PM): Lunch at a small tapas place I stumbled upon. Had some delicious patatas bravas and a glass of local wine. The waiters were lovely, and the atmosphere was vibrant.
- (2:30 PM - 5:00 PM): Cueva del Viento (Wind Cave) - a system of volcanic tubes, the longest in Europe. It's supposed to be an amazing natural wonder. I'm claustrophobic. I'm not sure why I signed up for it.
- (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Actually, it's mind-blowing! The cave is huge and dark, and the guide is incredibly informative. I felt a few panicky moments, but I made it through. The rock formations are incredible.
- **(4:00 PM - 5:0
AluaSoul Orotava Valley Paradise: Ask Me Anything (Okay, Maybe Not *Anything*)
So, AluaSoul Orotava Valley Paradise... is it *actually* paradise? I've seen the glossy brochure...
Okay, let's be real. Paradise? That's a strong word. More like... a really *nice* postcard come to life. Look, the brochures? They're good. Like, *really* good. They show you the sparkling pool, the perfect sunsets, the smiling people... but they don't show you me, dripping ice cream down my chin after I face-planted into the buffet (true story, by the way. That paella... tempting!). It's *beautiful*, though. The views of Teide volcano are just breathtaking, seriously. Makes you want to write poetry (…until you realize you're better at complaining about the Wi-Fi). It's a *pleasant* paradise, let's go with that.
What's the deal with the food? I'm a picky eater.
Alright, picky eater. You’ve come to the right person (I am, in fact, also a picky eater… don’t tell anyone). The buffet situation is...extensive. Seriously, the sheer volume of food is overwhelming at first. You've got the usual suspects: pasta, grilled meats, salads that *look* healthy (but are actually covered in mysterious, delicious sauces), and a dessert section that could single-handedly cause a global sugar shortage. My advice? Scout the area first. Take a lap. Don't rush. And for the love of all that is holy, avoid anything green that doesn’t appear to be directly related to a burger. Oh, and breakfast? The churros. Eat. The. Churros. You won't regret it. (Unless you regret it later, when you regret eating too many churros. It's a risk I'm willing to take.)
Is the hotel family-friendly? I'm traveling with a gaggle of small humans.
Oh boy, are we talking about kids? Well... depends. They *say* it's family-friendly, and there are kids' clubs and a kids' pool and all that jazz. I witnessed things. Like, I saw a tiny human projectile-vomit directly into the shallow end. (Luckily, the staff were on it. Pro-tip: don't swim in the shallow end immediately after a vomiting incident). Mostly, though, the families seemed happy enough. If you're expecting quiet, romantic evenings, maybe reconsider, unless you're blessed with unusually well-behaved children (in which case, WHAT IS YOUR SECRET?). But there are things to consider. A lot of stuff.
What about the location? Is it easy to explore?
The Orotava Valley itself is *gorgeous*. Like, "Instagram-worthy every single time" gorgeous. But the hotel... it's a bit of a hike from everything. You either need a car (recommended!), or you're relying on taxis or buses. The buses are… well, they're buses. You're on vacation; you're supposed to relax, not wrestle with the local bus schedule! If you are taking a bus, bring snacks. Things can take awhile. Seriously, pack a sandwich. Maybe three. There are day trips you can take. Teide National Park is a must-see (even if you *despise* hiking, which, for me, is completely understandable).
Okay, let's talk about the pool. Is it as good as it looks?
The pool situation is... a mixed bag. It *looks* amazing. Sparkling, shimmering, inviting. And it *is* inviting! I spent an embarrassingly large amount of time there. The problem? Finding a sun lounger. The towel-on-chair game is *strong*. People are out there, claiming prime real estate before the sun even peeks over the mountains! I swear, I saw a towel placed on a chair at 6 AM. SIX. AM. I considered passive-aggressively moving it... but I'm not that brave, or that early a riser (unless churros are involved). The pool itself is lovely, though. Cool, refreshing… when you can actually *get* in it. My pro-tip? Wake up early. Or, you know, just join the chair-claiming wars. Whatever works. Also, I saw a guy drop his phone in the pool. It was not a good day for him.
Are there any hidden costs I should know about?
Always. There are *always* hidden costs. The mini-bar? Not free. The fancy cocktails with the cute little umbrellas? Definitely. The "premium" Wi-Fi? Probably not worth it. Think about stuff. The gift shop? Prepare to overpay for a souvenir as you forget to buy any before you leave. The laundry service? Unless you packed like a minimalist saint, it's going to cost you. My biggest tip? Budget *extra*. Because trust me, you *will* want that extra ice cream, that extra cocktail, and that ridiculously overpriced inflatable flamingo. I know I did.
What sort of activities are there at the hotel? I don't want to just sit by the pool all day. (Even though that sounds tempting...)
Okay, okay, I get it. Pool time isn't *everything* (although it's a strong contender). They have activities. The schedule is posted somewhere. I think I saw it... once. I vaguely recall something about water aerobics (shudder), and maybe some evening entertainment? I mostly just remember the karaoke night. Which was… an experience. Let's just say the singing wasn't their strong suit. (Mine included). They have a gym! I walked past it. Once. You could also head out and explore the local towns. La Orotava is lovely, and the botanical gardens are worth a visit. There is probably plenty to do to get you out of your room.
How would you describe the service?
Service? It depends. The staff are generally friendly, but overwhelmed. It's that busy hotel, you know? They're working hard. Some are absolutely lovely, some are just…busy. Be patient. It’s better to remember to smile. A smile gets you a long way, in my experience. And learn a few basic Spanish phrases. "Por favor" and "gracias" go a long way. And "una cerveza, por favor." is essential.
