Dining on Tenerife is as satisfying as basking on its beaches. The island is enjoying culinary recognition for a new wave of creative chefs focusing on fresh produce and authentic traditions, including two on property at The Ritz-Carlton, Abama: At Michelin-starred Kabuki Abama, Chef Ricardo Sanz fuses distinctive Japanese cuisine with Canary Island ingredients and his own artful flair; M.B. (Martín Berasategui) holds two Michelin stars for its stunning interpretation of Basque cuisine. Please note that both restaurants request elegant, formal dress and children must be 6 or older.

No chic Spanish holiday is complete without an exquisite spa experience. The natural paradise and healing forces of The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Abama make this the first choice of discerning travelers and beauty insiders. Experience the Traditional Abama Ritual, a whole-body treatment that draws on both native ingredients (papaya, banana and aloe vera) and intuitive massage for the ultimate in relaxation. Or work out a range of muscles on the fitness center’s kinesis wall, take a guided Pilates or spinning class, or enjoy a private, customized consultation with one of the resort’s on-site experts.

Put simply: Your children will never forget their time on Tenerife. Whether they’re splashing into the blue Atlantic or learning fascinating facts about volcanoes and the skies above, the island is full of unforgettable diversions for budding scientists, animal lovers and little swimmers. Your brood can watch whales and dolphins from a private catamaran below Los Gigantes, whose towering cliffs drop suddenly into the ocean. They can take a cable car up Mount Teide, the epic volcanic mountain that is Spain’s highest peak. And the intricate, imaginative Ritz Kids program will enthrall them with creative programs that explore local legends, natural wonders and artful endeavors.

A favorite activity in Tenerife is ascending Mount Teide. One can take a cable car, which travels to the top in less than 10 minutes, or strap on boots and hike up the path called La Rambleta to the summit (you’ll need a free permit issued by Teide National Park to go all the way). Discover the island’s historic culture at La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which brims with gems such as the beautiful Plaza del Adelantado and La Laguna Cathedral. Or visit Masca, a small mountain village on the western part of the island, offering deep ravines and breathtaking views.

Morning

Hike Start. It’s not possible to discuss Tenerife without mentioning Mount Teide. The mountain and surrounding park hold several major distinctions, including being a UNESCO World Heritage site, a volcano and the highest elevation in Spain. Start your time on the island by taking a guided tour up the mountain. If you want to go to the peak, you have to apply for a permit (and commit a good amount of time!). For those who are more interested in the view than the hike, you can take a cable car up to a lookout point.

Midday

Telescoped Out. Stop to visit Teide Observatory during your tour to see one of the largest solar observatories. You can take a guided tour to learn more about the research there, gaze through large telescopes and learn astrophysics trivia to show off at home.

Bike Trip. Your tour can end with a leisurely (and all downhill) bike ride that takes roughly two hours from a midpoint up the mountain back down to the base. Start preparing for your cycling in Tenerife adventure, stop to have a picnic lunch and admire the views before you resume your ride.

Afternoon

Spa Time. After hiking and biking, you deserve to relax. Make your way to The Ritz-Carlton Spa, to enjoy the Traditional Abama Ritual. Incorporating the benefits of naturally indigenous ingredients like papaya, banana and organic aloe vera, you’ll be exfoliated and massaged for total relaxation.

Evening

Dinner at Txoko. Unwind at a delicious dinner that elevates the best Spanish classics with an innovative new approach from 12-Michelin-star chef Martín Berasategui. Try a multitude of seafood dishes, from tartars to grilled options to freshly shucked oysters. Don’t miss one of the Tradition in a Dish plates for the true Txoko experience.

Morning

Breakfast in La Orotava. Treat yourself with breakfast at Relieve, which is known as the best spot for delectable cakes and brownies in the historic area. Start with a more traditional breakfast or go for the specialty patchanga, a creamy custard-filled doughnut.

Midday

Walk Anaga. ucked into the northwest corner of Tenerife is Anaga, a rural park with a dense network of trails. The most popular path takes you through the laurel forest to the hamlet of Taganana, where you can end your trek with a dip in the sea.

Afternoon

Beach Bound. After you’ve made your way to Taganana village, head to Playa Roque de las Bodegas. The black-sand beach is popular with surfers and families alike and, for a spectacular bit of scenery, is at the foot of the Anaga mountain range. Check out one of the local fresh-fish restaurants dotting the beach and ask for the local specialty of papas arrugadas (“wrinkly” potatoes) with a spicy mojo to go with your catch of the day.

Evening

Capital City. Before you leave the region, head to the capital city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Take in the exteriors of the striking Auditorio de Tenerife, designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava while walking around.

Farm to Table. Panzaburro pulls from its own organic garden, La Cañada del Pilar, for the produce it uses in its beautifully plated dishes. Take a table at the intimate outdoor terrace for a healthy and locally inspired Spanish meal.

Morning

Bio Tour. Start your day with a trip onto the water to listen to nature, literally. On a whale and dolphin listening expedition, you’ll be guided by an expert biologist while experiencing the sounds of cetaceans through hydrophones.

Midday

Hit the Water. If you want more control over your boating excursion, drive down to Los Cristianos for a kayaking outing in the relatively calm waters of the bay. Take in beautiful views of the smaller island La Gomera across the strait, while watching dolphins bob and swim by your boat (or underneath, if you book one of the companies that offer transparent kayaks).

Afternoon

From Sea to Sky. Book a helicopter tour to see the unique and stunning landscapes of Tenerife. Begin with the famous cliffs, Los Gigantes, which are up to 600 meters tall. Continue flying over the island for a view of El Teide National Park from above as well as the lush Corona Forestal.

Evening

El Mirador. Take advantage of the temperate weather in Tenerife with dinner outside at El Mirador, perched on top of the cliffs near the Resort´s rows of Villa Club and Adults-Only Villa Club lane . Enjoy locally sourced seafood while soaking in the panoramic views from the restaurant’s terrace.

Morning

Zip Together. Start your trip off with a thrill at Forestal Park, the largest zip-line park in Tenerife. You can climb walls and rope ladders, enjoy acing obstacles and fly down giant zip-lines in an environmentally preserved forest. Make sure to wear slim-fitting, athletic clothing that you would be comfortable wearing inside a harness. The park is over an hour from the hotel, so fuel up with a good breakfast before you go.

Midday

Explore Santa Cruz. Take a walking tour through the island’s capital, a bustling port city. Take in the spectacular Auditorio de Tenerife, designed by Santiago Calatrava, from all angles. Stroll through the narrow streets of brightly painted buildings. Check out the wares at the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África.

Historical Lunch. Lunch. Make your way to the historic restaurant La Hierbita. Opened originally in 1893, the restaurant is still considered one of the city’s best, turning out Canarian classics in a cozy, two-floor wooden space. If everyone has left room for dessert, head to Palmelita Pasteleria for old-fashioned cakes and frappes.

Afternoon

Make a Frond. Find a unique twist on the typical botanical garden at the Palmetum, which is dedicated to palm trees. Mixing native trees with a collection from the Caribbean, the 30-acre site has been opened to the public for only a few years. Walk through trails and over bridges to see the trees in their natural habitat while taking in views of Santa Cruz and the Anaga mountains.

Evening

Dine in Santa Cruz. Head for an early dinner at San Sebastián 57, which specializes in carefully executed gastronomic takes on classic tapas. Join locals in dining on a set five-course menu with plenty of fresh seafood options.

Morning

Whale Excursion. Spend your morning on a three-hour catamaran excursion to see one of the largest groups of pilot whales in the world alongside schools of dolphins. The excursion takes place daily from Puerto Colón or Los Gigantes, guaranteeing views of the island that are as enchanting as the cetaceans themselves.

Midday

Go Italian. After a morning out at sea, satiate the whole family with Italian favorites. Bianco Ristorante offers a variety of pizzas, pastas, meat dishes and antipasti in a chic, all-white space.

Afternoon

Splash Into Siam. Siam Park has gained an international reputation as one of the best water parks in the world. It’s the largest water park on the island, with 12 rides and the tallest artificial wave in the world (it checks in at 3 meters high). Go down slides, explore “The Lost City” or relax on an inner tube on the Mai Thai River.

Evening

Dinner for Two. Drop your children off for one of the special nights Fun Night in the Ritz Kids (available during high season only). Then head for an adults-only dinner at Abama Kabuki, where you can enjoy a bespoke tasting menu along with an elevated sensory experience and spectacular views.

Morning

Breakfast at La Veranda. The whole family can indulge in a delicious breakfast at La Veranda, enjoying a sumptuous buffet with over 150 options. Try local fruits, Serrano hams and freshly made pastry for an authentic breakfast experience on the terrace overlooking the tops of palm trees.

Midday

Loro Parque. Considered to be one of the top zoos in the world, Loro Parque puts you in the midst of the animals with an exotic habitat. You can take the guided Discovery tour or head to shows and exhibits on your own time, including the Jungle Area, Planet Penguin and Katandra Treetops.

Afternoon

Explore La Orotava. As you approach the historic quarter of La Orotava, you’ll start to see the church steeples winding up into the skyline. Wander the maze of cobblestone streets to see historic buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Stop for a delicious traditional pastry and coffee at Casa Egon, which has been in business for over 100 years.

Lago Martiánez. If your children typically chafe at museums, Lago Martiánez has found the answer by combining a series of beautiful blue swimming pools with contemporary sculpture. It’s part water park, part contemporary art museum — the brainchild of celebrated Canary artist César Manrique.

Evening

Dine on the Water. Keep the water theme going by having dinner overlooking the ocean at El Mirador. The cliff-top location of our restaurant offers gorgeous views to La Gomera island. Enjoy fresh seafood and meat, all artfully plated, as the sun sets on a day well spent.

Morning

Monkey Park. Get up close and personal with primates and other mammals (like lemurs) at this small park. Young children can feel comfortable feeding the guinea pigs that populate the park while older kids can be wowed by all the species of monkeys.

Midday

Lunch Show. Keep your kids glued to the action at OverSeas, with traditional Teppanyaki chefs flipping knives, sauces and almost anything else they can get their hands on. Sit up close to the grill and watch your lunch be prepared with the sharpest of knife skills.

Afternoon

Submarine Dive. Submarine Safaris takes you under the water on a special diving submarine, where you are able to see the creatures of the ocean directly out your window without getting wet. The battery-operated submarines are environmentally friendly, and the divers pay special attention to taking care of the stingrays that are prevalent in the waters off Marina San Miguel.

Evening

Dine at Verona. Head back to The Ritz-Carlton, Abama for a relaxing family dinner at Verona, where fresh Italian favorites rule the menu. Order a handmade pasta and one of the many Italian wines and enjoy the lush, scenic views from the terrace.

Morning

Jeep Tour. Time to see El Teide National Park, which houses Mount Teide, a volcanic mountain that is the highest elevation in Spain. Drive through the lava fields to begin your ascent (bring an extra layer as it is chillier as you drive up). See spectacular views of Tenerife and the rest of the Canary Islands if the day is clear. No visit to Tenerife is complete without visiting El Teide.

Midday

Beach Club. Start your afternoon of beach-going with a scenic lunch at the Beach Club, perched on the edge of the turquoise waters. Choose from grilled local seafood, burgers, salads and more easy favorites.

Afternoon

Hit the Water. It’s up to you to decide if you’d rather enjoy the collection of seven swimming pools available along the Resort or take the funicular down to the golden-sand Abama beach, with two natural pools. You can’t go wrong with some quality family time in the sun.

Evening

Stargazing. The Canary Islands are recognized for the clarity and cleanliness of their skies, which make them ideal for stargazing. Whether you want to take a guided tour back to El Teide to look through the observatory’s telescopes or enjoy a private Michelin-starred stargazing experience at Abama Beach. Just make sure to end your time in Tenerife by looking up.