We stayed in the Iberostar Sabila a few weeks after it reopened following an extensive refurbishment, which included an upgrade to 5 stars.
Adults Only
The hotel is adults only, and is located in Costa Adeje with easy access to the shops, bars and beach at Playa Fañabe. From there, you can stroll along the coast to Puerto Colón, Las Américas and Los Cristianos.
It’s a large hotel, with the lower floors dedicated to standard rooms, and the upper two floors offering the “Star Prestige” service, which gives clients an exclusive reception and their own pool area and sun deck on the roof. We stayed in a standard room on the third floor and facing the street.
The room was a little smaller than most 5 star hotels, but it was really well appointed, with minibar, Nespresso coffee maker, a kettle and iron and ironing board, as well as a huge television. All the rooms have balconies. The bathroom was very modern, with a huge rain shower head – this could be the best shower I’ve had! It’s worth noting if your room is street side, that the evening entertainment on the outdoor stage by the pool at the hotel opposite, was quite loud from 9-11pm.
On the ground floor, there’s a lobby bar and a huge area to relax or catch up with work, featuring Apple Macs, work stations and even a printer. Dropping down a floor brings you to a coffee shop and the main buffet restaurant, both of which open onto a huge and very private pool area with sun deck and pool bar.
We had breakfast each day in the buffet, and it was excellent, with a wide choice of foods, much of it cooked fresh to order at the relevant chef’s stations. I particularly enjoyed the continental breakfast, with a fabulous choice of breads, cheeses and cold meats. My only gripe was that the coffee wasn’t great.
We had drinks in the bar one evening and the service, as with everywhere in the hotel, was very good. The drinks are pricey, but no more than you’d expect in a 5 star hotel.
Gourmet Market
One unique feature of the Sabila is the “Gourmet Market.” This is a brilliant idea! In the centre are “stalls” from which you can choose whatever you want – on the night we visited, the choice included sushi, grilled meats, some excellent Spanish hams, a tortilla station, fresh fish and a dessert section.
There’s also a bar with an extensive wine choice. Dishes range from a few Euros upwards, so you can choose to graze on some tapas, or order a full meal, with everything being charged to your room. This restaurant is open Wednesday to Sunday and available for non guests with it’s own entrance from the street.
Spa And Parking
There’s a full spa service, offering a spa pool and the usual treatments, and there is a gym with several different weight machines, steppers, a treadmill and a sit-down bike. I was disappointed there was no upright bike.
Parking is a bit of an issue. There is a hotel car park, which costs €10 per night. We parked there on the first night, but when we returned the next day, there was no space, so we had to park up the road, which was free. The downside is that the hotel is on a one way system, so it was quite a way around to collect the car and come back for our luggage when checking out. A valet parking service would be a good addition.
The Area
The Sabila is in Costa Adeje, and it’s a very short walk to the beach at Playa Fañabe. The hotel is quite well positioned as in one direction you have the traditional “holiday style” Tenerife, with somewhat tacky bars, restaurants and shops, and in the other direction, you go into the more upmarket part of Tenerife, with some excellent restaurants and the fabulous Plaza del Duque designer shopping centre.
Summary
The Sabila is a lovely hotel – I should mention here that it should be written Sábila, but I know most readers will search without the accent! It’s modern, classy, in immaculate condition and the service is very good. Typically of Iberostar Hotels, the gastronomy is a high point.
I wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again, although for the real five star experience, I’d suggest an upgrade to a higher quality room, and access to the Star Prestige area.
Please contact us if you’d like a quote to stay at this hotel.