A Trip to the Sunshine?

Standing in a lengthy airport check-in queue is always such a mind numbing pleasure that I almost missed out on the automatic check-in service offered by Monarch at Manchester. One quick scan of my passport, a couple of quick questions on the screen, and there I was with my boarding card in my hand. Off to the baggage check in and the whole procedure was over and done with - in 2-3 minutes. Wonderful.

The flight to Tenerife South was uneventful, and it was only on arrival that I realised I had, as usual, managed to be the harbinger of bad weather. Gale force winds were sweeping the island, bringing torrential rain to the coastal areas and over a foot of snow to El Teide.

After an interesting, and sometimes hair-raising drive I arrived at the Maritim Hotel, situated close to Puerto de la Cruz on the North Coast. First impressions, albeit in the wind and the rain were not good, as the exterior reminded me of a 1960’s apartment block. However once inside, I was, not for the first time proven very wrong. The décor and ambience were splendid, and I was delighted by the genuine warmth and friendliness of the greeting by the hotel staff. Life was quickly restored by a beer and a steak, and not even the entertainment in the nightclub, which turned out to be by the Drifters (yes still alive and very good) could dampen my spirits. I forgot to mention, on arrival my virtuoso parking exhibition was obviously welcomed by the security staff and guests alike, but finally I got the vehicle vaguely straight, and they all went off to have a snigger somewhere else.

The next morning the rain had stopped, and the wind had abated, so I was able to explore the hotels splendid, if by now somewhat battered, gardens and enjoy a superb and well presented breakfast on the sheltered terrace. Then it was off to play golf at the Real Club at El Peñó, situated close to the airport at Tenerife North. By the time I had reached there it was back to torrential rain and gales, and it was obvious there would be no golf that day. The Real is the second oldest golf course in Spain, and would, I am sure, have been quite a challenge. It has, so I am assured, splendid views of both the mountains and the sea. Thanks to all the staff who watched from the window whilst I struggled to remove a large tree branch blocking the driveway entrance to the club, I really look forward to visiting again.

On my way back to the Maritim I paused at the wine museum (Casa Del Vino) at El Sauzal, which proved to be a splendid diversion and a pleasant way of learning about the wines of Tenerife. Finally back to the Maritim, where it was still windy, but thankfully now without rain. I took the hotels’ free shuttle bus the two kilometres into Puerto de la Cruz, passing the Loro Parque, a large zoo and botanical garden, which must be a compulsory day out if you have children of any age in your party. After a quick walk round the port area, and a look at the wide range of shops, I hopped back on the bus, and later that evening had an excellent meal in the á la carte restaurant. Next morning the sea was still lumpy, but the weather had turned milder, and the prospect for golf at Buenavista was good. A quick call by the hotel staff confirmed that it was fine, and playable, and so I took a short and very pleasant, forty minute drive to this Seve Ballesteros designed course situated in the North West corner of the island, on the edge of the Teno Regional Park area.

What a difference a day makes. The course was in very good condition, the staff throughout the club were exceptionally helpful and friendly, and even the seagulls welcomed me in their traditional manner. The course is 18 hole, 72 par with a 6019 metre length from the white tees, and 4932 from the red.

The course pivots around a well equipped club house, and the views are stunning from almost everywhere. The course has its’ own well hidden desalination plant which enables the course to maintain a high standard of watering throughout the year. There is also a natural swimming pool situated alongside the 16th fairway.

Following a pleasant time at Buenavista I drove across the mountains, an interesting experience, towards Los Gigantes, the 2,000foot cliffs that plummet to the sea. Then back to the airport, with a short detour to Abama, and a quick look at some of the other courses to be found in the Las Americas area.

Sadly the two day trip was at an end, but despite the weather I had a most enjoyable visit, with good golf, good food, and a very pleasant, relaxing hotel.