Canary Islands: A Posh Getaway

The Canary Islands is a collection of some of the most geographically stunning terrain in the world: volcanic beaches, ancient pine forests, and strange rock formations left behind from a millions-of-years-ago tectonic era. If you're planning a posh getaway to the Canaries, consider these luxury picks, eight resorts with everything from spas set in volcanic caves and ocean-view infinity pools to on-site astronomical observatories and upscale suites with natural stone bathrooms.

Vincci Seleccion La Plantacion del Sur 4.5

Costa Adeje, Tenerife, Canary Islands

La Plantación del Sur is located on a hill a short walk from Playa del Duque, one of Costa Adeje’s best beaches. Elegant and stylish rooms evoke the sleeping quarters of grand Spanish colonial mansions, with heavy wooden furniture, cream-color accents, clay tiles, and wicker touches. One of the best features here is the spa, which has 16 treatment cabins, two thermal areas -- including one in a volcanic cave -- and salon services. There are also three large pools and two dining options: a casual buffet with outdoor seating, and an a la carte restaurant serving regional cuisine in a stylish space with attractive wooden ceilings.

Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque Resort 4.5

Costa Adeje, Tenerife, Canary Islands

Directly on Playa del Duque, one of the best beaches in Costa Adeje, the luxurious, 351-room Bahía del Duque has a huge list of on-site amenities, such as four large free-form pools, eight (pricey) restaurants, extensive sports facilities, and a fitness center. One of the most enticing features, though, is the immense spa, complete with an outdoor hammam, cabanas, and 20 treatment rooms. Rooms are decorated in a soft palette of ocean neutrals -- taupe, seagrass green -- with touches of beach-y wicker. And all rooms include a furnished balcony or terrace. Villas are a notch above standard Double Rooms and feature more upscale furnishings, large terraces, and private pools.

Iberostar Grand Hotel El Mirador 4.5

Costa Adeje, Tenerife, Canary Islands

Built in Moorish Revival style with neo-Roman accents, adult-only El Mirador is one of the most striking hotels around. Its huge heated pool overlooking the ocean, luxurious spa, and high-end services make it one of the top hotels in Costa Adeje. Rooms are attractive and upscale, with large canopy beds, modern amenities, and natural stone baths with separate showers and tubs. The common spaces full of columns, fountains, and arched entryways are grand and impressive, if a tad ostentatious for some tastes. Those traveling with kids may want to consider neighboring Gran Hotel Bahía del Duque Resort, an equally luxurious hotel also directly on the beach.

Lopesan Baobab Resort 4.5

Costa Meloneras, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

This sprawling property stands out not only for its luxurious services and facilities but also for its stunning African-inspired architecture. Rooms are elegant and stylish, with chic bathrooms featuring separate showers and soaking tubs. The seven pools, lots of kid-friendly amenities, array of daily fitness activities, and four restaurants ensure there is plenty to do on-site. Additionally, there is also a top-notch spa at the hotel’s neighboring (and less luxurious) sister property, and a long sandy beach down the street. Just be aware of the handful of extra fees, including for Wi-Fi, parking, and in-room safes.

Lopesan Villa Del Conde Resort And Thalasso 4.5

Costa Meloneras, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

The Lopesan Villa del Conde is the most luxurious of the three Lopesan properties in Meloneras. And even though it is also the smallest of the three, it is still a sprawling resort -- an entire village, in fact. The property was designed to resemble a traditional Canarian town, with its cobblestone paths lined with buildings, gurgling fountains in sunny squares, and manicured gardens. Rooms are elegant and classic, with upscale bathrooms and furnished balconies. The hotel’s top-notch spa, complete with indoor and outdoor spaces, treatments, and hydrotherapy areas, is a highlight. But the resort also offers five pools, a wide array of dining and drinking options, a well-equipped fitness center, entertainment for adults and children, and meeting rooms.

Jardines de Nivaria - Adrian Hoteles 4.5

Costa Adeje, Tenerife, Canary Islands

This 271-room luxury hotel is kid-friendly and large -- with five buildings, two pools, three restaurants, four bars, and a wide array of on-site amenities -- but sprawling grounds allow for uncrowded and mostly serene spaces. Rooms have elegant decor, balconies or terraces, and large bathrooms, most with separate showers and tubs. The location across the boardwalk from a sandy beach is a great perk, and the Art Deco style in common spaces is elegant. This is one of the best luxury hotels for the price in Costa Adeje, and most will prefer the rooms here to those at the similarly priced Iberostar Grand Hotel El Mirador. The Royal Garden Villas is nicer, but also more expensive.