My Hotel Experience: Gran Bahia del Duque, Tenerife

The sun rises showing her face against the backdrop of the warm-hued Canarian buildings. Birds chirp, children play and adults blissfully relax: holidaying, as it should be. Here I am, smiling at the fact this resort holds over ten years of memories in my heart.

This is the hotel we've spent many a Christmas, Easter and Halloween break at. The Bahia Del Duque isn't a hotel, it's more of a refuge in my eyes - just ask my sister-in-law's who haven't been and jest saying 'yes, the famous Bahia we've heard of...'.

Let's clear something important up, it isn't simply a hotel - it is a resort. We're talking five swimming pools, eight restaurants (of various cuisines), seven bars, tennis courts, a drool-worthy spa and a beautiful pond area home to dozens of friendly swans.

If you follow me on Snapchat (sarahlouiseboyd) you'll maybe remember these charming swans following us to dinner one hilarious evening.

So now you've got the picture, you'll nod and agree that it is indeed one mammoth resort. In fact, we rarely leave it other than to trot out the front door and straight onto the beach.

If you're a breakfast buffet lover, welcome to paradise. You'll find everything from cronuts, waffles, frittatas, slow cooked breakfasts, freshly squeezed juice to steamed fish, gluten free breads and bircher muesli topped with fresh fruit. Oh, and not to forget the free 'help yourself' bottles of prosecco!

Ps. The Bahia brands literally every single item with their iconic logo. I mean, everything. From towels, to toilet paper stickers, cups, hairbushes, complimentary toiletries and cocktail stirrers - they take branding pretty dang seriously, and it is awesome.

The staff are awesome, and I truly mean that. Full of smiles, laughter, banter and character they themselves embody a charm unique to the Bahia. The fact some of the staff have been there for decades is a true testament to how good the resort truly is.

Make sure you check out the beachfront ice-cream parlour, the lovely lady who makes the ice-creams with a 'guard it with her life' recipe has been there creating delicious concoctions for well over fifteen years. Below, you'll see the lovely fellow who has been exclusively greeting guests at the beach door since the day we first set foot in the resort. Each year he remembers us, laughs and shakes our hands - the friendliest chap about, he is somewhat of a charming legend!

I've two favourite times of day. Yes, two. The first is when the sun shines softly on my face as I sip my first cup of coffee, watch the people of varying nationalities pass by and simply enjoy being present in the moment.

The second? When the sun begins to set. I'll have woken no doubt from a blissful late afternoon nap beside the juice bar overlooking the sea. A cooler breeze sets in, yet the ground is comfortably warm. Once back in the hotel room I order a pot of coffee, watch the sun set and then get ready for the evening ahead. Suitably dolled up, I wander down to Sebastian at the hotel bar and enjoy relaxing, dreaming and scheming with my brother, Gareth. Bliss.

You see, I love this hotel so much I can't describe it without recanting tales, memories and feelings. It's more than a holiday, it's a place full of memories and enchantment. I really hope you'll one day maybe experience her magic for yourself.

If you'd like to flashback to my post from our last Christmas at the Bahia, then you can shimmy here.

For more information on The Gran Bahia del Duque Resort please see: here.

Alternatively, you can book with Sovereign or On The Beach if you wish to book well in advance and pay it off little by little - which is the best option when booking ahead for Christmas or a getaway far in advance.

Trust me, I hand on heart, skip around the room recommend a Winter retreat to this beautiful spot!