The Canary Islands: Island snapshots.

With year-round sun, a growing portfolio of five-star properties and tax set at five per cent, the Canaries have much to offer. Kerry Baggott rounds them up.

TENERIFE

SLEEP TIGHT: Many of the big luxury hotels are located in the busy south of the island. By far the biggest is the Mare Nostrum Resort, which offers 1,038 rooms across its five five-star properties. It has 13 restaurants, but groups of up to 1,500 can also dine al fresco around the resort's main Roman-themed swimming pool.

The five-star Hotel Dream Palace Gran Tacande, the Hotel Sheraton La Caleta Resort and Spa (see below) and the Costa Adeje Gran Hotel are all based in Costa Adeje. A more intimate choice comes in the form of the luxurious 48-room Hotel Las Madrigueras. This boutique property is set within a golf course and overlooks the island of La Gomera. It provides butler service and …