The phrase “all inclusive” can mean wildly different things depending on where you are in the world. In some places it means a warm beer and a buffet that’s been sitting out since noon. In Tenerife, though? Done right, it can mean proper branded spirits, à la carte restaurants, multiple pools, and a week where you genuinely don’t have to think about a single thing.
I know which resorts actually deliver on that promise, and which ones look great in the brochure but leave you hunting for a decent glass of wine at 9pm. So here’s the real picture, no fluff, no filler.
Why All Inclusive Actually Makes Sense in Tenerife
People sometimes feel a bit embarrassed about booking all inclusive, like it’s somehow less adventurous. But here’s the thing: Tenerife is one of the few places where it genuinely stacks up financially. Eating and drinking out in the south of the island, especially in Costa Adeje, isn’t always cheap. A round of cocktails for two can easily hit €25 to €30. A sit down dinner for a family of four? You’re looking at €80 to €120 without even trying.
When you factor all that in, a well priced all inclusive package often saves you a few hundred pounds over a week, especially if you’ve got kids. And the quality at the better resorts here has improved enormously over the past few years. We’re not talking about watered down drinks and sad salad bars any more.
That said, not all resorts are equal. Location, food quality, drink brands, and what’s actually included in the package vary a lot. So let’s get into it.
Understanding the Areas Before You Book
This matters more than most people realise. Tenerife’s south coast has several distinct resort areas, and they each have a different feel.
Costa Adeje is the most upmarket stretch, with the best beaches, the nicest restaurants, and the highest concentration of quality hotels. It’s where most of the top all inclusive resorts are based.
Playa de las Américas sits just south of Costa Adeje and is livelier, busier, and better for nightlife. Good if you want to step outside the resort and find bars and entertainment on your doorstep.
Los Cristianos is a bit more local in feel, with a working harbour and a slightly older crowd. Quieter than Las Américas, but still well connected.
Playa Paraíso is further west along the coast, quieter and more spread out. The H10 Atlantic Sunset is based here, and the sunsets really are something else.
Los Gigantes is up on the west coast, away from the main tourist belt entirely. The cliffs are dramatic, the pace is slower, and it suits people who want something genuinely different.
Golf del Sur is near the airport in the east of the island. It’s quieter, less touristy, and has a different character to the south coast resorts.
The Best All Inclusive Resorts in Tenerife Right Now
1. Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora, Alcalá
This is the one that gets talked about most, and for good reason. It’s one of the very few five star resorts in Tenerife that actually offers a proper all inclusive option, which is rarer than you’d think at this level. The setting is genuinely special: it sits on the quieter west coast near Alcalá, with views of Mount Teide behind you and the Atlantic in front.
The pools alone are worth the trip. The saltwater infinity pool is the longest hotel pool in Europe, and it’s as good as it sounds. There are also family pools, adults only areas, and a pirate themed splash zone that kids absolutely lose their minds over.
Food is a real highlight. The all inclusive package covers the main Pangea Food Market buffet plus access to à la carte restaurants including the Italian Olio, Asian Nami Bistro, Mexican Agave, and the steakhouse Duo. The booking system for the restaurants opens 48 hours in advance at 5pm, so set a reminder. The Asian restaurant fills up fast.
Rooms are spacious and comfortable, though some of the standard rooms are starting to show their age. If you can stretch to the Red Level, you get a more boutique feel with private areas, a dedicated concierge, and a separate pool.
Worth knowing: it’s a bit isolated from the main resort strips, which is either a plus or a minus depending on what you’re after. If you want to wander out for tapas or a stroll along a promenade, this isn’t the spot. If you want to stay put and be looked after properly, it’s hard to beat.
📍 Avenida Los Océanos, s/n, Alcalá, Guía de Isora
Official website: melia.com
2. Iberostar Selection Anthelia, Costa Adeje
Consistently one of the highest rated all inclusive resorts on the island, and it’s not hard to see why. The Anthelia sits right in the heart of Costa Adeje, directly on Fañabé Beach, and the food quality here is genuinely above average for an all inclusive. Guests regularly mention the freshness of the salads, the quality of the cooked-to-order mains, and the fact that the buffet doesn’t feel like a conveyor belt.
It’s a five star property that has won the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best award multiple years running, which is about as consistent as it gets. The pools are well maintained, including a saltwater pool and two freshwater pools, plus three children’s pools with slides and a pirate ship. The rooms are clean and modern, and the staff are friendly without being overbearing.
The all inclusive package covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the Zeus buffet restaurant, plus snacks and bar service. If you book a seven night stay, you also get one complimentary à la carte dinner, which is a nice touch. The five restaurants on site include the Portofino Italian, the Sea Soul seafood restaurant, and the Gourmet Poseidón.
Good for couples and families alike. Not the biggest resort on the island, which actually works in its favour.
📍 Calle Londres, 15, Costa Adeje, 38660
Official website: iberostar.com
3. H10 Atlantic Sunset Horizons Collection, Playa Paraíso
The H10 group runs several resorts in Tenerife and they’re reliably good across the board, but the Atlantic Sunset is their flagship and it shows. It’s a brand new five star resort facing the sea in Playa Paraíso, with modern rooms, spectacular terraces overlooking the ocean, and large swimming pools including a central saltwater pool, an infinity pool for adults, and a family pool with a water games area.
The dining is a real strength. There are five restaurants and six bars, including the Sakura Teppanyaki, the Stromboli Italian, Route 66 American grill, and the Central Market buffet with show cooking. The Privilege tier is worth the upgrade if you can manage it: you get access to the rooftop infinity pool, the View restaurant, a private lounge with open bar, and a Nespresso machine in your room.
It’s adults focused in feel, though not strictly adults-only. If you’re after something a bit more relaxed and grown up, this one fits the bill nicely. The sunsets from the terrace here are genuinely something to look forward to every evening.
Worth noting: it’s about 15 minutes by car from Costa Adeje, so you’re a bit removed from the main resort strip. There is a free daily shuttle to Las Américas beach, which helps.
📍 Avenida Adeje 300, s/n, 38678, Playa Paraíso, Tenerife
Official website: h10hotels.com
4. H10 Conquistador, Playa de las Américas
One of the most popular all-inclusive options for families and groups, and it’s been consistently well reviewed for years. The food is good, the drinks are branded, and the entertainment team is genuinely enthusiastic without being exhausting. The Italian and steakhouse restaurants are particular favourites with guests.
It’s in Playa de las Américas, so you’re close to everything: shops, bars, the beach. If you want the option to step outside the resort and explore a bit, this location works well. It’s a four-star property, so the rooms are comfortable rather than luxurious, but the overall package is solid and the value is good.
📍 Avenida Rafael Puig Lluvina, Playa de las Américas
Official website: h10hotels.com
5. Iberostar Selection Sábila, Costa Adeje (Adults Only)
This one doesn’t get mentioned as often as the Anthelia, but it absolutely should. The Sábila is an adults only five star resort in Costa Adeje, and it’s one of the most consistently well reviewed properties on the island. The design is sleek and modern, the pools are beautiful, and the food quality is excellent.
It’s right on the seafront near El Duque Beach, which is one of the nicest stretches of sand in the south. The all-inclusive package is generous, and the overall atmosphere is calm and unhurried. If you’re travelling as a couple and want something genuinely upmarket without the family resort feel, this is one of the best options on the island.
📍 Calle Alcojora, 2, Costa Adeje
Official website: iberostar.com
6. Iberostar Waves Las Dalias, Costa Adeje
A solid four star all inclusive that sits close to Siam Park and Fañabé Beach. The staff here get mentioned constantly in reviews, and the food quality is well above what you’d expect at this price point. It’s not the flashiest resort on the island, but it’s clean, well-run, and the all inclusive package is genuinely generous.
Good for: families, first-timers to Tenerife, anyone who wants a reliable, no stress week without paying five star prices.
📍 Calle Galicia, Costa Adeje
Official website: iberostar.com
7. Barceló Tenerife, Golf del Sur
This one’s a bit different. It’s a large resort near the airport in Golf del Sur, and it’s built around an environmental reserve, which gives it a completely different feel to the Costa Adeje strip. There are seven outdoor pools, a climbing wall, a volleyball court, and guided tours of the San Blas nature reserve that are exclusive to guests.
The all inclusive package covers the main buffet plus two à la carte restaurants. The Royal Level rooms are worth considering if you want a quieter, more private experience within the resort. It’s a good option if you’re flying into Tenerife South and don’t want a long transfer, or if you want something genuinely different from the standard south coast experience.
One heads up: the evening entertainment is right in the middle of the complex, so if you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the main stage.
📍 Avenida de Greñamora, Golf del Sur, San Miguel de Abona
Official website: barcelo.com
8. Bahia Principe Sunlight Costa Adeje
A great value option that punches above its price point. The pool complex is genuinely impressive, the food variety is good, and the all inclusive drinks are well regarded. It’s a short taxi ride from Las Américas and Siam Park, so the location is convenient without being right in the thick of it.
Families love it here. The kids’ entertainment is well organised, and the buffet has enough variety to keep even fussy eaters happy. The resort has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that makes it easy to settle into from day one.
📍 Calle Alcojora, Costa Adeje
Official website: bahia-principe.com
9. Landmar Costa Los Gigantes, Los Gigantes
If you want something away from the main tourist belt, this one’s worth a look. It’s up on the west coast near the dramatic Los Gigantes cliffs, and the setting is genuinely different to anything you’ll find in the south. The all inclusive package includes mini golf and a ropes course, which is a nice touch for families.
It’s quieter, more local in feel, and the views of the cliffs are something else entirely. The resort has a good range of pools and the food has good reviews. If you’ve been to Tenerife before and want a different experience, or if you just prefer somewhere that doesn’t feel like a tourist factory, Los Gigantes is worth considering.
📍 Calle Flamboyán, Los Gigantes, Santiago del Teide
Official website: landmarhotels.com
10. Spring Hotel Bitacora, Playa de las Américas
A newer, stylish option that’s been getting strong reviews since it opened. The rooms are modern and spacious, the air conditioning actually works properly (which matters more than you’d think in the height of summer), and the food quality is good for an all inclusive buffet. You can order food via touch screens at the pool, which sounds gimmicky but is actually really convenient.
The design throughout is fresh and contemporary, and the whole place has a more modern feel than a lot of the older resorts in the area. Good for: couples and families who want something well designed without paying five star prices.
📍 Avenida Rafael Puig Lluvina, Playa de las Américas
Official website: springhoteles.com
11. Meliá Jardines del Teide, Costa Adeje (Adults Only)
If you’re travelling without kids and want something genuinely luxurious, this is one of the best adults only all inclusive options on the island. The Italian restaurant here gets mentioned in almost every review, and the Level all-inclusive tier includes a separate pool and dedicated service that’s a real step up from the standard package.
It’s in Costa Adeje, close to El Duque Beach, and the whole place has a calm, unhurried feel that’s hard to find in the busier parts of the south. The gardens are beautifully kept, the rooms are spacious, and the overall standard of service is consistently high.
📍 Urbanización Mirador del Duque, Costa Adeje
Official website: melia.com
12. Royal Hideaway Corales Beach, Costa Adeje (Adults Only)
This one sits at the very top end of the market. It’s a five star, adults only resort right on the seafront in Costa Adeje, and it’s one of the most awarded hotels on the island. It’s is genuinely beautiful, the food is exceptional, and the service is the kind you remember long after you get home.
It’s not cheap, and the all inclusive option here is more of a premium add on than a budget friendly package. But if you’re celebrating something special or just want the best Tenerife has to offer, this is it.
📍 Calle La Enramada, Costa Adeje
Official website: barcelo.com
13. Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife, Playa Paraíso
A bit of a wildcard, but worth including. The Hard Rock is a five-star resort in Playa Paraíso with a genuinely different atmosphere to most of the other resorts on this list. The music themed design is fun without being overwhelming, the pools are excellent, and the all inclusive package attracts many visitors.
It’s particularly good for families with older kids and teenagers, who tend to love the vibe here. The entertainment is a step above most resorts, and the food quality is consistently praised. The Privilege tier here is also worth looking at if you want a more exclusive experience within the resort.
📍 Avenida Adeje 300, Playa Paraíso
Official website: hardrockhotels.com
14. Tagoro Family & Fun Costa Adeje
If you’re travelling with young children and want a resort that’s genuinely built around families, Tagoro is one of the best options in Tenerife. The kids’ facilities here are excellent: there’s a proper water park within the resort, a dedicated kids’ club, and an entertainment programme that keeps children busy from morning to evening.
The food is good, the all inclusive package is generous, and the staff are particularly well known for how they look after families. It’s not the most stylish resort on the island, but it does what it does very well.
📍 Calle Alcojora, Costa Adeje
Official website: springhoteles.com
What’s Actually Included? (And What Isn’t)
This is where people get caught out. “All inclusive” in Tenerife doesn’t always mean the same thing across resorts. Here’s what to check before you book:
- Drinks: Are they branded spirits or house brands? Most of the better resorts now include recognisable labels, but it’s worth checking.
- Restaurants: Is the all inclusive just the buffet, or does it include à la carte restaurants? Some resorts include a set number of à la carte meals per stay.
- Snacks: Can you grab food between meals at the pool bar, or is it buffet times only?
- Activities: Some resorts include things like mini golf, water aerobics, or kids’ clubs. Others charge extra.
- Premium tiers: Many resorts have a “Privilege,” “Level,” or “Royal Level” tier that costs more but includes better rooms, private areas, and upgraded drinks. These are often worth the extra money.
- Room service: Usually charged separately, even on all inclusive.
- Spa treatments: Almost always charged separately.
Always read the small print on what’s included before you book, especially if you’re booking through a third party site.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of All Inclusive in Tenerife
A few things I’ve picked up over the years that most people don’t think about until they’re already there:
Book à la carte restaurants as soon as you arrive. At most resorts, the popular restaurants fill up within hours of opening the booking window. Ask at reception when bookings open and set a reminder.
Check the pool towel situation. Some resorts include pool towels in the all inclusive package. Others charge a deposit. It sounds minor but it’s the kind of thing that catches people out on day one.
Ask about the drinks policy at the pool bar. At some resorts, the pool bar is included in all inclusive. At others, it’s only available during certain hours. Worth knowing before you settle in for a long afternoon.
Try the local Canarian wine. Most all inclusive packages include it, and it’s genuinely good. The reds from the Tacoronte-Acentejo region in the north of the island are worth seeking out.
Don’t feel obliged to eat every meal at the resort. All inclusive doesn’t mean you’re locked in. Most people find they stay on site for most meals but head out for the odd evening or day trip. Just factor in that you’re paying for meals you’re not eating if you go out a lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is all inclusive worth it in Tenerife? For most people, yes. Eating and drinking out in the south of Tenerife can be expensive in certain places and a good all inclusive package can save a family of four several hundred pounds over a week. The key is choosing a resort where the food and drink quality is actually decent.
Which area of Tenerife is best for all inclusive resorts? Costa Adeje has the highest concentration of quality all inclusive resorts and is the most popular choice. Playa de las Américas is slightly livelier and better for nightlife. Los Gigantes and Golf del Sur are quieter alternatives with a different atmosphere.
Are there adults only all inclusive resorts in Tenerife? Yes. Meliá Jardines del Teide, Iberostar Selection Sábila, and Royal Hideaway Corales Beach are three of the best. All are in Costa Adeje and offer a noticeably more relaxed experience than the family-focused resorts.
What’s the best all inclusive resort in Tenerife for families? Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora, Barceló Tenerife, Tagoro Family & Fun, and Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife are all favoured and receive good reviews for families. The Palacio de Isora in particular has excellent kids’ facilities including the pirate pool and splash park.
What’s the best all inclusive resort in Tenerife for couples? Iberostar Selection Sábila, Meliá Jardines del Teide, and H10 Atlantic Sunset Horizons Collection are all strong choices for couples. If budget isn’t a concern, Royal Hideaway Corales Beach is in a league of its own.
Can I leave the resort and still eat out? Of course. All inclusive doesn’t mean you’re locked in. Most people find they stay on site for most meals but head out for the odd evening or day trip. Just factor in that you’re paying for meals you’re not eating if you go out a lot.
When is the best time to book an all inclusive in Tenerife? Tenerife has good weather year-round, so there’s no bad time to go. That said, prices are highest in July, August, and over Christmas and New Year. The shoulder months of April, May, October, and November offer the best combination of good weather and reasonable prices.
How far in advance should I book? For the better resorts, especially in peak season, booking three to six months ahead is sensible. The Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora and Iberostar Anthelia in particular sell out quickly in summer.
A Final Thought
Tenerife’s all inclusive scene has genuinely improved over the past decade. The days of thin towels, lukewarm buffets, and mystery spirits are largely behind us, at least at the better resorts. What you get now, if you choose carefully, is a proper holiday where you can actually switch off.
My honest advice? Don’t just go for the cheapest option. Spend a bit of time reading recent reviews, check what’s actually included in the package, and think about what kind of holiday you actually want. Lively and central, or quiet and away from it all? Family focused or adults only? Big resort with loads going on, or something smaller and more personal?
Get that right, and Tenerife all inclusive can be genuinely brilliant. I’ve seen it done well many times. You just need to know where to look.
