Meraki #20 - The Ritz Carlton Abama

MERAKI

THE RITZ CARLTON ABAMA

Holistic experiences that leave a mark

THE RITZ CARLTON ABAMA

Holistic experiences that leave a mark

consisting of comfortable suites and modern villas that guarantee total disconnection and privacy. Although the island is known as one that has a thousand experiences in one, the Ritz Carlton is integrated in this ideal because in here holistic and epicurean experiences come together and leave their mark on the soul of those who consider well-being and gastronomy as a lifestyle.

It was in 2005 that this hotel was opened, designed by the duo formed by the famous architect Melvin Villaroel, who impressed the particular aesthetics of the construction and directly supervised all stages of some interior design works, which among others, used the designs of prominent brands like Arquiconcept, Johanna Travers and Guadarte and by the former Ryder Cup player Dave Thomas, responsible for the golf course project located just a short drive from the property.

Since 2007, the hotel has been part of The Ritz - Carlton brand portfolio, which includes a total of 70 luxury hotels and resorts located in 23 countries. The name came up in 1983 in Atlanta, Georgia, when a team of four businessmen, led by hotelier Horst Schulze, came together to create the Ritz - Carlton concept using the rights of a name recently acquired by William B. Johnson, and whose origin is no other than the Hotel Ritz in Paris and the Hotel Carlton in London.

In the first phase of construction, it was fire, as a cosmic element, that served as a source of inspiration. From that idea came the buildings known as La Ciudadela, which can be said to constitute the heart of the hotel.

The exuberant nature of the place is a perfect communion with the North African architectural standards that prevail in the project. All buildings are interconnected with each other, the so - called Porta do Sol, with its magni fi cent views, the reference par excellence.

The villas have gradually been built to increase not only the hotel's accommodation offer, but also to increase the intimacy and exclusivity of its customers. Villa Club is a new concept specially designed to guarantee the well-being and privacy of guests. It is a set of small two- storey houses with incredible views to the gardens or the ocean and with a semi - private pool. Its main characteristic is the contemporary character of its interior design, where Arab influences are perceived in balance with the principles of Feng Shui and which manage to create an oasis of luxury and tranquility. Currently the hotel has 459 luxurious rooms and suites (315 in Ciudadela and 144 in villas).

Another category that o ff ers preferential services and extra benefits are the Club Level luxury suites, for which there are a number of unique experiences and even some free culinary offers.

HIGH LEVEL EXPERIENCES

Speaking of heights and Tenerife, we cannot forget that here is located the highest mountain in the entire Iberian Peninsula, the Teide, a volcano whose height is 3,715 meters above sea level and part of the Teide’s National Park, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2007 and the most visited in Spain. Tenerife is an island of contrasts, but also of short distances, so the distance to Teide, from the main points of the island varies between 45 km and 64 km, which means that it is perfectly possible to climb Mount Teide by car to enjoy completely different landscapes and return to the starting point in a single day.

Whoever wants an absolute immersion in the world of well-being is guaranteed the best formulas to calm the mind and spirit in a world - class spa. Here, relaxing massages, from the back, neck or shoulders, or even prenatal, are a truly transformative alternative, in the same way that all treatments inspired by the natural world and local traditions constitute the offer of this holistic world.

Its famous Wellness Experience is a traditional Roman water circuit that emulates the steam rooms of the Roman baths, equipped with an underground heating system. This way, it is possible to expose the body to the contrast between extreme temperatures of cold and heat to subsequently reach an average temperature with which toxins are eliminated and the immune system is activated.

But if it is the pleasures of eating and good wine that you are looking for in a getaway or holiday, in this complex overlooking the Atlantic surrounded by semitropical vegetation, the hotel's various restaurants are unforgettable, especially two that are fi lled night after night of diners eager to experience the best gastronomic offer on the whole island. On the one hand, there is Txoco (with 2 Michelin stars) led by Spanish chef Martín Berasategui - who has a total of twelve Michelin stars in his restaurants. Here we start from the most traditional Spanish gastronomy, with emphasis on Basque cuisine, to evolve into attractive popular rather than modern recipes. It is par excellence the triumph of culinary creativity of this renowned chef.

Abama Kabuki ( with 1 Michelin star ) is a modern Japanese fusion restaurant where subtlety and attention to detail permeate each dish, making the experience simply unforgettable.

On the edge of the cliff and overlooking the Atlantic and the island of La Gomera, the restaurant El Mirador specializes in sea and land dishes with local seafood that nourish and inspire the soul of travelers. The so-called Beach Club is nothing more than a traditional Spanish “chiringuito” where dishes are tasted with the informality that being by the sea provides. Golfers and their companions find The Club House - in the heart of the course - an idyllic place for a light meal or cocktail after a game.

AN EDEN IN THE CANARY ISLANDSIAS

It is clear that the gastronomic options are a high standard and that the quality of the spa is unmatched on the islands. The resort also has a total of seven pools and a state-of- the-art gym, indoor and outdoor spaces facing the sea for meetings, weddings and other events that are complemented by professional planning services and personalized catering.

Based on Jean Michel Cousteau's environmental program, the Ritz Kids Club is the largest in Europe; Abama Tennis (just 1.4 kilometers away) has seven tennis courts and four paddle courts.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT

The hotel is a member of the Ritz Carlton “Community Footprints” and is equipped with a desalination unit. All hotel water is collected from the ocean and treated on site. The hot water used in the showers of the rooms, the air conditioning and the heating of the swimming pools come from the 262 square meters of solar panels. Glass and cardboard are recycled, as are batteries and plastics, and straws are no longer plastic. The rooms have energy saving lamps and LED lighting is used in the corridors.

Every year the hotel turns off the lights for an hour (in conjunction with the global initiative) and invites guests to do the same in their rooms; meanwhile, candles are the protagonists. A symbol of elegance, this hotel offers the most luxurious connection between land and sea, thanks to its spring climate throughout the year, in the middle of a semi- tropical environment and a short distance from most European cities.

MERAKI

Hotels & Fine Dining

CEO/Editorial Director CARLA BRANCO Photos THE RITZ CARLTON

Story #20 January 2021

www.ritzcarlton.com