Self-catering in style

One of our favourite things about Kora Nivaria Beach was the accommodation. The apartments are large, spacious and modern, with everything you need for a comfortable family stay. The well-equipped kitchen is a real winner. Whenever we travel, we love staying somewhere with an apartment-style setup. Having a kitchen is invaluable when you have kids who like to snack 24/7, and it also gives us parents somewhere to relax with a glass of wine after the kids have gone to bed! I also really like having a proper outdoor space on holiday so the fact that the apartments have a terrace or balcony really appealed to me. One of those seemingly small details that can make a surprisingly big difference to a family holiday

The overall vibe is modern and unfussy, with a contemporary feel and plenty of nice little touches – from the rain showers, to smart TVs and 5-star hotel mattresses. It has that lovely combination of somewhere that feels special enough for a treat but practical enough for everyday family life. Apartments range from 1 – 2 bedrooms and many have amazing sea views. The Oceanfront Villas are the biggest and sleep up to 5 so ideal for larger families

One practical point to be aware of is that the accommodation doesn’t have air conditioning. Instead, the design relies on air moving through doors and windows to create a breeze. This worked well for us during our stay, but if you’re travelling in the height of summer, particularly with babies or anyone who struggles in the heat, it’s something I’d consider carefully

A taste of local living

At Kora Nivaria Beach you’re not tied to a hotel restaurant for every meal. The apartment kitchens make self-catering easy, while Abades has several restaurants within walking distance for those evenings when the last thing you want to do is cook

Every day you’ll find their Slow Breakfast served in the onsite Gastro Corner, with a carefully chosen selection of artisan toasts, fresh seasonal fruit, speciality coffee and more, all prepared with ingredients from local producers. It’s a lovely way to ease into the morning, whether you’re fuelling up before a day exploring Tenerife or enjoying a leisurely breakfast before heading to the pool. Just bear in mind that it’s a more intimate affair than a big family buffet, with space for around 15 people. Gastro Corner Slow is also home to a selection of goodies sourced locally, including wines from nearby wineries, organic honey, healthy snacks and artisan jams. It’s open daily from 7.30am to 2.30pm, so it’s a handy option for breakfast and daytime refreshments, rather than evening meals

For lunch and dinner, the village is your friend. There’s a supermarket nearby for stocking up on breakfast ingredients, fruit, drinks and all those essential holiday snacks, plus several local restaurants that we found really good value. Anyone travelling with children will appreciate being able to keep things flexible, especially when little ones are hungry at completely unpredictable times

One thing worth knowing is that some of the village restaurants close during the week, so check opening days before arriving if you have your heart set on somewhere in particular. Having a few supplies in the apartment is a sensible back-up

Pools designed for families

If a good pool set-up is pretty high on your wish list then you’ll be pleased to hear that Kora Nivaria Beach has two to choose from. The first is a saltwater infinity pool with a hot tub, the second is a semi-Olympic-sized pool, giving you a little more space for proper swimming. Crucially the large pool has a shallow area suitable for babies and younger children. The 35-meter pool is heated in winter using solar energy, with the water temperature reaching around 27°C, while the jacuzzis are heated up to 30°C. In summer, the water temperature in all pools is around 24-25°C. Dreamy

I liked that the pools felt part of a more relaxed, grown-up hotel rather than a noisy waterpark. There are no enormous slides or elaborate splash attractions, but that’s very much the point. If your children are happiest pottering about in the water there’s plenty of scope for a lovely family pool day

There’s a gym for anyone who likes to keep up their fitness routine on holiday, while massages, Pilates, yoga and other wellness activities are also on offer

Plenty to explore on your doorstep

This was our first visit to Tenerife so we wanted to explore. One of the biggest surprises was just how varied the island is. Yes, there are beaches and sunshine, but there’s also dramatic mountain scenery, volcanic vistas and tiny villages that feel a million miles away from the coast

A big highlight was driving through Teide National Park. It’s just extraordinary, with vast lava fields and rugged scenery beneath Mount Teide, Spain’s highest mountain. The children loved hiking through the volcanic terrain, and it was a brilliant change from spending every day by the pool. We also visited Masca, a beautiful mountain village which was incredibly picturesque, with winding roads and spectacular views, and well worth seeing if you fancy checking out a different side of the island – but be aware the roads are pretty winding!

Back at Kora Nivaria Beach, there was tons right on our doorstep. The hotel is in Abades, a small coastal village on Tenerife’s south-east coast. It feels quite different from Tenerife’s better-known resort towns. Rather than busy promenades and sprawling hotel complexes, you’ll find a peaceful village with a distinctly local feel, a handful of restaurants, a supermarket and the beach all close by. We loved being somewhere that felt a little removed from the usual tourist scene without sacrificing convenience

The resort sits just 100 metres from the sea so Abades beach is just a short walk away and has black volcanic sand which is pretty cool. The water can be great for swimming and snorkelling when conditions are suitable. It’s an easy option for a relaxed beach morning or an afternoon exploring the shoreline, without having to pile everyone into the car