I exchanged the Maldives for a popular Spanish resort that is best known for cheap beer – and got the same luxury for less

I have always been a loyalist of the Maldives.

Thanks to its turquoise water, the overwater bungalows and white-sand bliss, the South Asian country really had my heart.

But I am now ready to divide my Maldivian membership card, because I have discovered a sun-drenched slice of luxury heaven on just a four-hour flight from the VK-in Spain.

That does not mean jet lag, no long -distance faff and the clincher? Flights are about £ 60 returns.

Tucked away in La Caleta, one of the most exclusive and unspoilt corners of Costa Adeje, the Royal Hideaway Corales Villas is the glittering, new crown jewel of the five -star scene of Tenerife.

On a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and a stunning views that change color with the light, the resort offers a new way of vacation where privacy is guaranteed and inclusive guest experiences are optional.

Arriving flowering form from Stansted after a flight of four and a half hours, I was horizontal at the swimming pool with a glass of prosseco in my hand before most people reached the luggage claim on my flight.

So what makes this place so special?

Let’s start with the villas themselves.

Designed by the renowned architect, Leonardo Omar, they have clean lines, glass balconies, natural stone and infinity swimming pools that go together in the skyline.

The interiors hit that perfect balance between luxurious and relaxed thinking of warm wood, fresh white linen and locally manufactured accents such as volcanic rock sculptures and traditional ceramics.

Every detail is well thought out, from the Bluetooth speakers and cushion menus to the refillable luxury guerlain -toilet articles (ECO points for that).

With 40 Deluxe Suites with two bedrooms (complete with fully equipped kitchen, living room and private swimming pool), 78 Junior Suites (of which 39 swimming pools) and 21 two and three-bedroom villas (ditto but on a larger scale), Corales Villas has mastered the art of an independent sancctuation.

Mine had two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchenette, utility room (perfect for families), living room and the most glorious outdoor terrace complete with its own, heated overflow swimming pool.

I am talking about coffee at the pool in your pajamas, with the ocean that shines further, and Moonlit dips after a lazy dinner of grilled Octopus and local wine.

It is impossible romantic, but also ridiculously relaxing, even with children in tow.

With the option to cook a family meal in-house, having a chef in the room (yes, real) or having a well-deserved break in one of the two restaurants on location, it is just as independent as you want.

Speaking of food … oh mine.

Corales Villas is the sister possession of the local award -winning extraction Royal Hideaway Corales ResortAnd offers all the benefits that you would expect from a top hotel with five stars with the privacy of your own villa.

This includes access to the two internal restaurants of the resort joy and crater.

Bonfire serves a seasonal tasting menu that Canarian ingredients marries daring Mediterranean flavors (don’t miss the mushroom dry rice paella, it’s delicious).

In the meantime, crater is an open kitchen and a design -inspired design that nods to the volcanic roots of Tenerife and the culture of the surrounding islands.

Think of Bigeye -Tonel with pickled Mojo -Marinade, black pig star and local wines through the glass.

Both are effortlessly chic and only steps of your private retreat.

If you can drag yourself from your luxury residence, you can explore the charming coastal city of La Caleta just a ten -minute drive away, where the seafood is fresh and the locals on the rocks as lizards cherish.

For the more adventurous among us, you walk the coastal path to Playa Diego Hernández, a secret bay loved by the local population, or join the cool crowd in Coqueluche Beach Bar for cocktails with living acoustic sets and a buzzy atmosphere.

It is no surprise that the resort has been talked about since the opening of the travel scene and it will not be long before the A-Listers are attracted to its shiny veneer and discreet setting.

But despite the shiny surfaces, there is nothing pretentious about Corales villas.

Employees are really hot (without the uncomfortable floating), and the atmosphere is more ‘barefoot luxury’ than blingy.

You could swans on heels and designer kaftans or barefoot from the terrace to pool and never see another soul.

Towards the end of the week I stopped checking e -mails, forgot what day it was and actually considered extending my stay.

The Maldives can have the Instagram factor, But Royal Hideaway Corales Villas Has something better: effortless, restrained luxury, without the jet lag or the £ 12 airport smoothie.

So if you are looking for a break of a blow-the-budget without the long distance headache, then book the flight to Tenerife, skip the overwater hut and dive into the best kept secret in European luxury travel.

Maldives who?