What a beautiful island Tenerife is, to see it is to love it, and last week 120 countries saw coverage of the Tenerife Ladies Open from Buenavista in the north west corner of the island. Golf tourism is a big growth area for Tenerife and even for non sports fans it was a glimpse into the less publicised side of the island.There is something here for everyone from family fun to walking, culture, history and beaches galore.

Here for the golf fans is a brief round up of the Tenerife Ladies Open

England’s Trish Johnson captured her 19th career victory as she edged Frenchwoman Virginie Lagoutte-Clement by a shot at the Tenerife Ladies Open.

The 44-year-old started the final round with a three shot lead and fired a final round of 70 to complete 72 holes on the Buenavista Golf course in 14 under 274.

Tied for the lead with Lagoutte-Clement at the turn, Johnson slipped a stroke behind Anne-Lise Caudal after 13 holes, but regained her advantage with back to back birdies on the 14th and 15th holes.

At the par-four 16th, she hit her tee shot over a low wall, out of bounds, but the ball pitched on a footpath, bounced twice and returned over the wall.

Making the most of her good fortune, Johnson took two pars on the 16th and 17th holes and had a two stroke lead with a hole to play.

Lagoutte-Clement had a chance to tie for the lead with an eagle putt at the par-five last, but her ball slipped past the hole.

Despite hitting her tee shot into a fairway bunker, Johnson holed a six-footer for par and took the €41,250 first prize.

“They say it’s the luckiest one that wins and that was me today,” said Johnson, who earned a place at this month’s Evian Masters.

Lagoutte-Clement shot 68 and took second place at 11 under par, with her compatriot Anne-Lise Caudal (67) a stroke back in third.

FINAL RESULTS

1.          Trish Johnson (ENG)                   67       71       66        70 =  274        (-14)

2.          Virginie Lagoutte-C. (FRA)             67       70       70        68 =  275        (-13)

3.          Anne-Lise Caudal (FRA)                68       71       70        67 =  276        (-12)

Cultural delights abound in Tenerife and the latest, the Night of San Juan is perfect for the guests of Spring Hotels as it takes place on the beaches. Hotel Bitacora and Hotel Vulcano are perfectly placed for the Playa de Las Americas beaches and Arona Gran Hotel has instant access to both Los Cristianos beaches.

It’s mid summer on 23rd June and across Spain that means bonfires on the beach, some huge enough to gather round, but most small and perfect for jumping over. It’s all part of the cleansing and renewal ritual that comes with this time of year, and it starts building as soon as darkness falls. Then groups of people will start appearing at most beaches, having picnics, drinks and family gatherings. At Los Cristianos the statue of Saint John the Baptist will be carried down to the beach promenade at 9.30pm and if you are lucky, free paella will follow.

Midnight is the focal point as the statue of the virgen is also carried down into the sea for a cleansing dip as people run in to the sea to wash their problems away. Another way to get a clean start is to jump over the fire three times and make suitable wishes. There are many variations such as blessing goats and other farm animals in the sea but it is always a fun night that runs on into the early hours of the morning.

Tenerife is a perfect island for golf and Spring Hotels are pleased to advise guests on the wide choice of top courses within easy reach of the Hotel Bitacora , Hotel Vulcano and Arona Gran Hotel. As part of our commitment to this popular sport we are a regular sponsor of the Tenerife & La Gomera golf circuit, now in its fourth season.

On Saturday 19 June the second round of 2010 takes place at Golf Las Americas with another entry of around 170 players expected. Golf is a big tourism attraction for Tenerife and the weather makes it a delight to play here. If you want to join the Tenerife & La Gomera tour look at their website and for an in depth look at the great facilities at Golf las Americas check out their new blog site. Happy golfing.

Keep up to date with Golf Las Americas on their Blog and check out their Google Profile. You can also become a fan of theirs on Facebook and follow them on various Social Media sites including Twitter, Youtube and Flickr.

If you want to know how good a Tenerife hotel is have a look at how the tour operators regard it. Spring Hotels emerged as the stars of the recently held Thomas Cook Tourism Excellence Awards held at the Hotel Vulcano in Las Americas. They needed a well placed bright and popular hotel with top facilities for the awards night so the Vulcano sprang to the top of the list.

The awards refer to standards set and maintained over the course of 2009 and all three Spring Hotels in Tenerife South picked up awards. Hotel Vulcano, Hotel Bitacora and Arona Gran Hotel proudly accepted their awards knowing that all of their dedicated staff had made a big input into getting them noticed.

There will be no sitting back and polishing the trophies, it just encourages the staff and management to keep up and improve the high standards to impress new and old guests all over again.

What could be better than enjoying a concert beneath the stars on a balmy Tenerife evening. Fiestas and carnavals have always given Tenerife a musical backing track of traditional and regionalised music but now top international acts are flocking to the island.

Following on from mega outdoor concerts by Elton John and Rod Stewart, Alicia Keys and Simply Red are the two latest super acts to recognise the attractions of Tenerife. Alicia Keys is playing at the Santa Cruz dockside on Sunday 6 June at 9pm. The Atlantic behind her and the Plaza de España in front will add to the ideal setting and will help to spread Tenerife’s reputation throughout the world.

Then on 20 July Simply Red bring The Farewell Tour to Golf Costa Adeje in the south, scene of the Elton John and Rod Stewart concerts. Both concerts will atract around 30,000 music fans and lead the way for further performers to follow. Tickets are widely available drom the big department stores in Santa Cruz and many of the record stores across the island but for internet bookings try www.generaltickets.com/cajacanarias

Spring Hotels have three top class hotels in the south, Bitacora, Vulcano, and Arona Gran, that make great bases for these and other concerts, Santa Cruz is barely an hour away from the south. A long weekend would give you a flavour of Tenerife as well as the concert of your choice, but you might need longer to fit in all the attractions of the island.

Politicians may come and go but some things in life are more enduring, like the appeal of Tenerife. The latest flight enquiry figures from Skyscanner, one of the leading search sites, shows Tenerife standing firm in third place behind Malaga and Alicante. That leaves Tenerife well clear when it comes to choosing medium range holidays, the consistency of weather, great beaches and fine hotels like the Spring Hotel range ensure that Tenerife is still a great family favourite.

Hotel Bitacora, Arona Gran Hotel, and Hotel Vulcano have worked hard to make sure that they are the hotels that people want to keep going back to. It’s all about attention to detail and making sure that there is something to please all age groups and plenty to occupy young energetic visitors.

Spring is just giving way to summer and Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Americas have never looked better, the council are constantly improving the sea front promenade. This means you can now stroll traffic free from Arona Gran Hotel in the east, along to Hotel Vulcano and Hotel Bitacora just off the front at the Las Americas end. The range of large children friendly beaches may well entice you away from your walk or the lure of a cold drink may cause you to take a break to watch the world go by.

Tenerife is ready for the return of old friends and the arrival of new visitors, and Spring Hotels are always glad to see their swimming pools, bar and restaurants bustling with happy holiday makers.

Clash Of The Titans is bursting onto cinema screens around the world, if you have been to Tenerife before you may recognise much of the scenery. Around 20% of the movie was shot in Tenerife and even though giant 3D screens make it look good, there is nothing like walking in the sandal steps of the gods – or at least the actors that played them.

Mount Teide is the most familiar landmark in the film, you can’t fail to admire it whether you are staying in Hotel Bitacora, Hotel Vulcano or Arona Gran Hotel in the south, or Hotel Playa La Arena on the west coast. Life was simple in those far off days of mythology, sleeping under the stars and foraging for food sound romantic but you might as well enjoy great service. Spring Hotels make it easy for you from FREE taxi transfers (minimum stay 7 nights) to FREE Wi Fi in reception. Add in great family facilities like swimming pools, buffets and friendly staff and you can see why you might end up feeling like a film star.

The beaches, golf courses, mountain walks and Canarian cuisine are all ready for you and the scenery is fabulous without the need for any special effects. Contact Spring Hotels and you can soon be checking out Tenerife for yourself – and that’s no myth.

Santa Cruz has set the standard but now it’s the turn of Los Cristianos to dazzle and delight with colour and music galore during their Carnaval celebrations. This year the theme is Mexico but a willingness to give in to the muisc and have a good time is the only real requirement for visitors. Events are a little more spread this year so even more chance to have fun.

Fri. 5 March – Presentation of the Carnaval Queen candidates outside the Cultural Centre at 8pm.

Weds. 10 March – Carnaval dance for seniors at the Recinto Ferial from 6.30pm.

Thurs. 11 March – Election of the infant Carnaval Queen at the Recinto Ferial from 8.30pm.

Fri. 12 March – Election of the adult Carnaval Queen at the Recinto Ferial from 9pm.

Sat. 13 March – Make up and costume workshop outside the Cultural Centre from 4.30pm.

Sat. 13 March – Street Carnaval from the Cultural Centre to the beach from 7pm.

Sat. 13 March – Dancing to live bands at the Recinto Ferial from 11pm.

Sun. 14 March – Carnaval parade from Paloma Beach to the Recinto Ferial from 5pm.

Mon. 15 March – Sardine Funeral from town to the beach, start at approx 8pm.

If you have any energy left after all that you deserve a medal. Just get out and mix and have fun.

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If you want to be active and explore your holiday area, the Bitacora Hotel is the ideal base. Playa de Las Americas has changed dramatically over recent years and can now offer something for everyone.

Golfers will delight at the Golf las Americas course, it’s staged many big championships and the tree lined layout makes it sedate and tranquil, despite only being a short walk from the seafront. Families can spoil themselves at Siam Park, the biggest water park in Europe, with a lazy river, slides, and white knuckle challenges, it’s sure to thrill.

Las Americas is a shoppers paradise, perfumes, electrical accessories, fashion and duty free products are all for sale in large modern commercial centres well served with bars and restaurants for those “catch up” moments.

The Bitacora Hotel offers 4 star comfort with first class service and all at very reasonable prices. Spring Hoteles are proud to invite you all to come and see why Tenerife and Playa de Las Americas are bywords for great holidays.