IT’S not every day you stroll past one of Elton John’s feathered costumes or a Guns N’ Roses drum kit on your way to grab breakfast.
But at the 5H Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife, the A-list treatment comes as standard, alongside a host of megastar music memorabilia.
Tucked away in the quieter resort of Playa Paraiso on the south-west coast, it’s half an hour from Tenerife South Airport, an absolute lifesaver if you don’t fancy a lengthy trek after your flight.
Despite the name, this isn’t just an all-night party pad — although the rooftop bar, with its ocean views and DJ beats, is the perfect place to let loose.
From toddlers and teens to couples and grandparents, there’s something here to keep every generation smiling.
The rock-star treatment kicks off the second you stroll through the entrance.
The colossal lobby doubles as a music museum, packed to the rafters with memorabilia.
You can ogle one of Taylor Swift’s stage outfits, alongside a guitar played by The 1975 frontman Matty Healy.
There are also personal treasures that once belonged to Amy Winehouse, Tracy Chapman and Michael Jackson.
What really sets the place apart, though, is the soundtrack.
Music follows you everywhere, from the lifts and corridors down to the swimming pools, where resident DJs provide the perfect backdrop to a day in the sunshine.
It’s a brilliant touch that makes the whole place feel distinctly different from your average beach resort.
Even the bedrooms get in on the act.
Guests can scan QR codes in the shower for specially curated playlists, or dial down to reception to have a genuine Fender electric guitar and headphones delivered to the room free of charge.
For the sake of my neighbours’ eardrums, I decided to leave the rock solos to the pros.
The hotel’s 624 rooms and suites are spread across two multi-storey towers, Oasis and Nirvana, with plenty of balconies overlooking the pools and the Atlantic Ocean.
Outside, the real fun kicks off with three swimming pools surrounded by palm trees and lined with loungers.
The enormous Lago Pool comes complete with its own beach-style sand area, ideal for families wanting to spend the day soaking up the rays.
Little ones are catered for with their own shallow fun pool.
And grown-ups can enjoy the swim-up bar in the adults-only Eden pool.
There’s something rather luxurious about ordering a cocktail without having to leave the water. Parents get plenty of downtime, too.
The Roxity Kids’ Club keeps children aged four to 11 entertained with games, sports and creative workshops.
Teenagers get their own hangout, Teen Spirit, too, fully loaded with PlayStations, virtual reality games and a DJ booth.
It means parents can enjoy some peace and quiet without worrying about keeping the youngsters busy.
For me, the resort’s biggest highlight is The 16th Sky Lounge Bar.
Perched high above the resort, it boasts panoramic views across Tenerife’s dramatic coast- line, including Mount Teide and the neighbouring island of La Gomera.
And it is particularly impressive at sunset, when the sky turns fiery shades of pink and orange and guests gather for drinks over the ocean.
Fancy toasting the view with a glass of fizz? The bar serves more than 17 different champagnes.
As evening hits, DJs turn up the music, creating a lively buzz without you needing to venture into town.
It’s the sort of spot where one drink can easily turn into several, and in winter, fire pits keep the night chills at bay.
If you’d rather swap the music for some tranquil chill time, the adults-only Rock Spa is another must-visit.
The retreat features a shaded outdoor water circuit, offering a welcome escape from the afternoon heat, alongside a menu of pampering treatments.
There’s a fully equipped gym for the energetic — although I was more than happy to stick to the spa.
All that swimming and relaxing naturally works up an appetite, and you won’t go hungry here.
At Sessions, the enormous breakfast buffet provides everything from pancakes and pastries to fresh fruit and a full English.
For lunch, The Beach Club serves Mediterranean favourites and Spanish specialities.
Come dinner, Montauk steakhouse delivers mouth-watering grilled meats and wine on a terrace overlooking the coastline.
While you would probably be tempted to remain within the hotel’s cosy confines, its setting is great for those who like to explore.
The shops, bars and restaurants of Playa Paraiso are a couple of minutes’ stroll from the hotel’s front door and for those looking to add a bit of retail therapy to their trip, the Rosa Center mall is a ten-minute walk away.
Tucked away just below the Hard Rock’s saltwater lagoon pool is Playa Las Galgas, a horseshoe-shaped, sheltered sandy cove with calm waters that are ideal for a morning paddle.
Winter is the perfect time to walk the coastal paths without working up a sweat.
A rugged trail heads north out of Playa Paraiso to the neighbouring village of Callao Salvaje, with the chance to soak up wild Atlantic views and quiet spots to watch the sunset.
For the freshest local seafood, head ten minutes by taxi to the former fishing village of La Caleta, famous for its whitewashed stone cottages and rocky coves.
Restaurante La Vieja is right on the water’s edge here with a terrace overlooking the fishing boats.
Staff will bring you the catch of the day to take your pick from, before grilling it or baking it whole in sea salt.
Opt for a whole sea bass if you can, served with classic Canarian potatoes and a fiery homemade mojo verde sauce.
Further afield, a trip to explore the Mount Teide National Park is a must and it’s easy to book a tour directly in the hotel’s lobby.
From toddlers splashing in the lagoon to grandparents toasting the sunset with Champagne, it turns out you don’t need a rock star’s rider to live the high life.
Britain’s winter can wait. I’m ready for an encore.
GO: TENERIFE
GETTING/STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ B&B at the 5H Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife is from £840pp including flights from Manchester on December 11.
Other dates and departure airports available. Includes 23kg luggage.
MORE INFO: Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife offers B&B, half-board and all-inclusive packages.
Visit hardrockhoteltenerife.com.
