Hotel Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife Review With Kids: What We Loved (& What We'd Change)

If you're considering Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife, this review is based on our stay with our 7-year-old son, Joshua, during October half term.

With its Disney-style castle, splash parks, family rooms and packed entertainment programme, it's one of the most family-focused all-inclusive hotels in Tenerife. But does it actually live up to the photos and justify the price?

In this Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife review, I'll share our honest experience of the rooms, food, pools, kids' activities, evening entertainment and location, plus what we'd change and whether we'd book it again.

Some links in this review are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you book through them at no extra cost to you.

Quick Answer: Is Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife Good for Families?

Yes. For families looking for an all-inclusive Tenerife hotel with plenty to keep children entertained, Bahia Principe Fantasia is one of the best we've stayed in.

It's particularly suited to:

• Families with younger children who want to utilise the kids club

• Kids who love pools, splash parks and organised activities

• Parents who want easy evenings with entertainment included

• Families planning to spend plenty of time at the resort

Joshua was 7 when we visited and loved it. There was always something to do, whether it was the pools, kids' club, sports activities or evening shows. Would we stay again? Definitely. We actually recommended the hotel to my sister, who later visited with her 6 and 8-year-olds and loved it too.

If you'd like to explore Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife further, you can explore the facilities and room options in more detail here. You'll also find it available through most major holiday providers. We booked independently rather than as part of a package, as this was the cheaper option for us, but there are plenty of ways to arrange a stay depending on how you prefer to travel.

Some links in this review may be affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend hotels and experiences we've personally used and would happily book again ourselves.

Why We Booked Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife

When we started looking for an October half-term family holiday, our main priority was finding somewhere that would still feel like a summer holiday without having to take a long-haul flight.

We've stayed in plenty of all-inclusive hotels over the years and know they can vary hugely. Small details often make the biggest difference, whether that's the quality of the food, how well the kids' club is run, the evening entertainment or simply whether there is enough to keep children occupied beyond the swimming pool.

The Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife immediately stood out during our research. The huge castle at the centre of the resort looked unlike anything we'd stayed in before and instantly caught Joshua's attention. It felt more like a themed family resort than a standard all-inclusive hotel.

The reviews were generally very positive, the family room options looked practical for travelling with a child, and there seemed to be a wide range of activities, entertainment and swimming areas aimed specifically at families.

All-inclusive also mattered to us. We knew we wanted a mix of hotel time and exploring Tenerife, and there is something very convenient about not having to think about meals, snacks and drinks throughout the day, particularly with a child.

Before booking, our biggest concern was whether the hotel would live up to the photos. The castle is featured heavily throughout the marketing, and we wondered whether it would feel impressive in real life be a bit cheesy. Thankfully, Joshua enjoyed the 'theatre' of the hotel so although yes it was a little cheesy it does make it very family focused.

Family Rooms

What Our Room Was Like

We stayed in one of the hotel's family room options, which are specifically designed for families and offer more space than a standard hotel room. Family Master Suites are a good choice, with a separate living area, two TVs and space for up to five guests. We had a view of the pool, sea view versions are also available for families wanting a better outlook from the balcony.

Our room felt spacious for the three of us. The main bedroom was comfortable, there was plenty of storage for a week's worth of luggage and we never felt like we were living out of our suitcases.

The balcony was a nice bonus and became somewhere to relax once Joshua had gone to sleep in the evenings. The bathroom was modern and well laid out, with enough space for all the usual family holiday essentials.

What Worked Well

The biggest advantage was the amount of space, we had a partition between rooms which made it feel like we had our own bed room. This just meant Joshua could get to sleep at night if we wanted to watch TV in our room, or sit on the balcony and enjoy an evening drink.

What worked particularly well for us was:

• Plenty of floor space

• Good storage for luggage

• Comfortable sleeping arrangements

• Modern bathroom facilities

• Family-friendly layout

• Enough room for everyone to spread out and relax

• Quiet after 10pm

The room also felt practical rather than overly themed. While the castle and entertainment create the magic elsewhere in the resort, the room was somewhere we could properly unwind at the end of the day.

Another positive was how easy it was to get around the hotel. Despite being a large resort, most facilities felt within a reasonable walking distance and we never found ourselves constantly trekking between our room and the main areas.

What we also found that the majority of the evening entertainment was located in the main building, this meant our room was quiet in the evening. With a young child it was not uncommon for us to be tucked up by 10pm!

What We'd Change About the Room

There wasn't much we disliked about the rooms, but a few things are worth considering before booking:

• If budget allows, I'd consider upgrading to a sea view family room next time.

• Some rooms will naturally have a better view than others, depending on whether they overlook the pools, gardens or surrounding resort grounds.

• If room location matters to you, it's worth making a request before arrival, although it can't be guaranteed.

• Families wanting something extra special could look at the themed castle accommodation, although this comes at a significantly higher cost than the standard family rooms.

Overall, we were very happy with the room. It was spacious, practical and comfortable, which is exactly what we need from a family hotel when most of our time is spent enjoying the pools, activities and entertainment elsewhere around the resort.

One thing we found frustrating was there were some lovely looking swim up rooms, but these weren't bookable with kids. This just seemed strange when this was clearly a family focused hotel, it wasn't something we had experienced anywhere else in Europe.

Pools and Splash Areas

The pools were one of the biggest highlights of our stay and a major reason we'd happily return to Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife.

The resort has several swimming pools, dedicated children's pools and a large splash park, so it never felt like everyone was squeezed into the same area. Joshua spent most of the holiday moving between the splash zones, water play features and family pools, and it quickly became his favourite part of the hotel. The castle-themed splash area is particularly well designed for younger children and offers far more than a standard hotel pool.

One of our few frustrations was the hotel's policy on inflatables and floats. During our stay, children weren't allowed to use floats in the pools, which felt slightly at odds with the otherwise family-focused atmosphere of the resort. It wasn't a huge issue, but it did seem an odd rule given how many younger children were using the family pool. Arm bands and baby inflatables were permitted, but nothing larger, this was heavily policed by the life guards.

Pool towels were readily available each day for guests, we didn't bring our own.

Swimming in October Half Term

One of our biggest concerns before travelling was whether the pools would be warm enough in October.

Thankfully, that wasn't an issue. We visited during October half term and comfortably used the pools throughout the week, especially during the middle of the day. Several of the resort pools are heated during cooler periods, which helps maintain comfortable swimming temperatures year-round.

If you're wondering what the weather is typically like, see Tenerife in October Half Term With Kids: Is It Worth It?

Sunbeds, Shade and Pool Safety

October half term was busy and the pool areas definitely became livelier as the day went on. If you wanted a particular spot near the splash park or children's pool, it was worth choosing your sunbeds shortly after breakfast. That said, we never felt the need to be out at sunrise competing for loungers.

One thing we appreciated was the number of umbrellas available. Even in October, the Tenerife sun is still strong and having easy access to shade made a big difference, particularly during the middle of the day. We also found the light coastal breeze helped keep temperatures comfortable around the pool. If you're travelling in October, I'd still pack plenty of sun protection and a few light layers for mornings and evenings. See Tenerife in October With Kids: What We Packed, Used and Wish We'd Brought.

The pool layouts also worked well for parents. In most areas, it was relatively easy to keep an eye on Joshua while still sitting back and relaxing. Lifeguards were visible throughout the main pool and children's pool areas, which added an extra level of reassurance for families.

The only real downside for us was that the pools could feel busy during peak afternoon periods, but overall they remained well-managed and never crossed into feeling overcrowded or stressful.

Things for Adults

Although Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife is very much aimed at families, we never felt like it was a resort exclusively for children. One thing we appreciated was that there were still plenty of opportunities for adults to relax while the kids were busy in the pools, kids' club or organised activities.

Adults-Only Infinity Pool

Our favourite adults-only area was the 18+ infinity pool, which feels completely separate from the busier family areas. While the children's splash zones and main pools can be lively throughout the day, this pool provided a much quieter atmosphere with sea views and a dedicated bar nearby. It's the ideal place to escape for an hour with a book or enjoy some peace while the kids are occupied elsewhere.

We found ourselves using this area more than expected during the holiday while Joshua was in kids club. It was a nice reminder that while the hotel is family-focused, adults haven't been forgotten.

Gym and Fitness Facilities

If you like to stay active on holiday like me, the hotel has a well-equipped gym with modern cardio and strength-training equipment. The fitness centre is far better than the small hotel gyms you often find in all-inclusive resorts and was busy most mornings before breakfast.

The resort also offered a range of sports and fitness activities throughout the day, including options such as aerobics, aqua aerobics and other organised fitness sessions alongside tennis, mini golf and recreational sports.

Spa and Wellness

For adults looking for proper relaxation, there is also the Bahia Spa, where guests can book treatments, massages and wellness experiences. We didn't use the spa ourselves, but it's a useful option if you want a break from the pools or fancy some time away from the family activities.

Evening Entertainment for Adults

While much of the evening entertainment is designed so the whole family can enjoy it together, the quality was better than we expected from an all-inclusive resort. The hotel's theatre hosts professional productions, themed shows and multimedia performances based around the Fantasia concept, which were genuinely entertaining rather than something we simply sat through for Joshua's benefit.

Our Verdict on the Adult Facilities

If you're looking for a luxury adults-only resort, Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife probably isn't the right hotel.

However, if you're travelling as a family and want somewhere that offers enough adult facilities to balance all the children's activities, we think they've got the mix right. The adults-only pool, gym, fitness classes, spa and evening entertainment meant we never felt completely immersed in "kids' holiday mode" for an entire week.

Adults Infinity Pool

The Gym

Food and Restaurants

One of our biggest concerns before arriving was the food.

We've stayed at enough all-inclusive hotels to know that a huge buffet doesn't always mean good food. It's often one area where family resorts can be hit and miss.

Thankfully, Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife was one of the better all-inclusive food experiences we've had. While it wasn't restaurant-quality every night, there was enough variety, decent quality and child-friendly choice to keep us happy throughout the week.

Buffet Restaurant

Most of our meals were in the main buffet restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The choice was extensive, with a mix of international dishes, fresh cooking stations, salads, grilled meats, pasta, pizzas and plenty of familiar options for children. Joshua never struggled to find something he wanted to eat, which isn't always guaranteed on family holidays.

Breakfast was particularly good, with cooked breakfast options, pastries, fruit, cereals and made-to-order stations. At dinner there was usually a themed element alongside the regular favourites, which helped keep things interesting over the course of the week.

Like most family resorts, the restaurant became busiest at peak times, particularly around 7pm, but we never struggled to find a table.

There was some repetition by the end of the week, but overall we felt the buffet offered more variety than many all-inclusive hotels we've stayed in.

Pizza making at the Italian Resturant

Enjoying the Buffet

À La Carte Restaurants

The à la carte restaurants were one of the highlights of the food offering and definitely worth using.

The hotel has several speciality restaurants, including Italian, Japanese and a steakhouse-style grill restaurant. When staying for a week we were entitled to two à la carte dinners as part of their all-inclusive package, reservations are required and availability became more limited as the week progressed.

My biggest tip would be to book these as soon as possible after arrival. The booking process was straightforward through the hotel app, but the most popular dining times can fill up quickly during school holidays.

The Italian restaurant was our family favourite. Joshua absolutely loved the experience of making his own pizza. It was one of those small touches that made the meal feel much more memorable than simply eating at another buffet.

The à la carte restaurants provided a nice change of scenery during the week and helped break up what can sometimes become a repetitive all-inclusive dining routine.

Drinks and Snacks

Food wasn't limited to meal times either.

Throughout the day there were snack bars serving burgers, pizzas, sandwiches and lighter options, making it easy to grab something between meals. The hotel also has dedicated snack venues and a good range of drinks available throughout the resort.

Joshua was particularly pleased with the ice creams, while we appreciated that there was always somewhere nearby to grab a drink without having to return to the buffet restaurant.

One thing we liked was that food always seemed accessible. Unlike some all-inclusive resorts where there are long gaps between meals, it never felt difficult to find snacks or refreshments during the day.

Food can make or break an all-inclusive holiday, and it was one of the reasons we'd happily stay here again. If you're considering Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife, it's worth looking at the different room types, board options and dining inclusions available before booking.

Entertainment and Kids' Activities

This was another area where Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife stood out from many other all-inclusive family hotels we've stayed in.

There never seemed to be a point during the day when there wasn't something happening. Whether it was organised pool games, sports activities, competitions or entertainment around the main pool, the team did a great job of keeping children engaged without making participation feel compulsory.

Joshua loved the pool games and football sessions, and one afternoon there was even a magician performing around the resort, which added some variety beyond the usual all-inclusive activity programme.

Joshua also enjoyed spending time in the games room, particularly during the hottest part of the afternoon. The hotel has a dedicated games area with video game consoles, arcade-style machines and a pool table, which proved popular with older children and teenagers throughout our stay. Note these came at an extra cost.

While the pools were still the main attraction for him, it gave him another option when he wanted a break from the sun or a change of pace. It was also one of those areas where children naturally mixed and made friends, which added to the family-friendly atmosphere around the resort.

What worked particularly well was that children could dip in and out as they wanted. If Joshua spotted something that looked fun, he'd join in for a while before heading back to the pool.

Kids' Club

We didn't use the Kids' Club every day, but it was one of the better ones we've come across.

The club offers a mix of games, crafts, creative activities and indoor entertainment, making it a useful escape from the midday sun. Rather than feeling like a childcare service, it felt like somewhere children genuinely wanted to spend time.

One feature we really liked was the flexibility. We didn't need to pre-book and could simply drop Joshua off and pick him up when it suited us. That made it much easier to fit around pool time, meals and excursions.

The club generally runs throughout the day with supervised activities divided into age groups, and it always appeared busy during our stay, particularly with younger children. The programme changes throughout the week, helping keep things fresh for families staying longer than a few days.

Evening Entertainment

The evening entertainment was probably our favourite part of the hotel.

Many all-inclusive resorts offer shows that children tolerate while parents sit through them. Here, it was often the opposite. Joshua was genuinely excited to see what was happening each evening.

Our favourite event of the week was the silent disco, which was great fun for both children and adults and one of those holiday memories we still talk about. It was nice to see families, teenagers and adults all joining in together rather than everything feeling separated by age group.

The hotel also puts on large-scale theatre productions and themed shows throughout the week, which are far more impressive than the standard entertainment you'll find at many resorts. The castle becomes a focal point for much of the evening programme and helps create a unique atmosphere around the resort.

While some activities naturally repeat over a seven-night stay, there was enough variety that we never found ourselves thinking, "We've seen this already."

Location: Is It Easy to Explore From the Hotel?

One of the things we liked most about Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife was its location. The hotel is in Golf del Sur, around 15 minutes from Tenerife South Airport, which meant we were checked in and starting our holiday much quicker than on many previous family trips.

The area itself is quieter than the busier resorts of Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos. For us, that was actually a positive. The hotel felt removed from the crowds while still being close enough to explore other parts of Tenerife when we wanted a day out.

We didn't feel a hire car was essential. If you're planning to spend most of your time enjoying the resort, transfers, taxis and organised excursions are perfectly manageable. However, having a car does make it easier to visit different attractions around the island at your own pace.

Attractions such as Siam Park, kayaking and snorkelling trips, and family go karting were all straightforward to reach from the hotel, making it easy to balance pool days with a few memorable excursions during the week.

One thing worth knowing if you do hire a car is that parking at the hotel comes with an additional charge. We only rented a car for two days and decided to avoid the extra cost by parking on nearby streets instead. We were always able to find a space, although it wasn't directly outside the hotel and involved a short walk back to the resort. It wasn't a problem for us, but it's something worth factoring into your plans. If you're deciding whether a hire car is worthwhile, see Driving in Tenerife With Kids: Easy Family Holiday or Unnecessary Stress?

We found the location worked particularly well for a one-week family holiday. It offered enough convenience for exploring Tenerife without sacrificing the relaxed atmosphere we were looking for from an all-inclusive resort.

What We Loved Most

• Excellent splash parks and children's pools

• Family-friendly atmosphere

• Good quality food for an all-inclusive hotel

• Strong evening entertainment

• Plenty of organised activities

• Spacious family rooms

• Short airport transfer

• Lots to do locally for families

What We'd Change

• Popular restaurants can fill up quickly if you leave bookings too late

• Some room locations are more convenient than others

• Pool areas feel busier during peak school holiday periods

• The resort can feel large if you prefer smaller hotels

• Prices are often higher than nearby family resorts (consider DIY over a package company, that'll save on cost)

Who I'd Recommend Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife For

• Families wanting a fun all-inclusive base

• Children aged roughly 4-12

• Families who enjoy organised activities

• Parents who want easy evenings

• Families looking for plenty of entertainment without leaving the resort every day

• Children who love splash parks and swimming pools

Who Might Not Love It

• Families looking for a quiet luxury escape

• Couples without children

• Families planning daily excursions away from the hotel

• Travellers who prefer smaller boutique properties

• Families working with a tighter holiday budget

Final Verdict: Would We Stay Again?

Absolutely.

The Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife successfully delivered what we wanted from an October half-term family holiday: reliable sunshine, plenty to keep a 7-year-old entertained, good food and an easy all-inclusive experience.

No hotel is perfect, but this is one of the few family resorts we've stayed at that genuinely matched the expectations created by its photos and reviews.

We enjoyed it enough to recommend it to family members, and after hearing how much my sister's family enjoyed their stay too, we'd have no hesitation about booking again ourselves.

If you're comparing Tenerife family hotels, I'd look carefully at the room type, board basis and total package cost before booking, as this is where the value really depends on your family.

If Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife sounds like the right fit for your family, I'd spend some time comparing the different room categories before booking. The Family Master Suites offered more space than many family hotel rooms we've stayed in and were one of the reasons the hotel worked so well for us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife good for families?

Yes. Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife is one of the most family-focused all-inclusive resorts we've stayed in, with splash parks, children's pools, organised activities, a kids' club and evening entertainment designed specifically for families.

What age is Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife best for?

We think the hotel works best for children aged around 4-12. Joshua was 7 when we visited and there was more than enough to keep him entertained throughout the week, from the pools and splash areas to the sports activities and evening shows.

Are the pools at Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife heated in October?

Several of the pools are heated during cooler months. We visited during October half term and found the pools comfortable to use throughout the week, particularly during the middle of the day.

Do you need a car when staying at Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife?

No, a car isn't essential. The hotel is only around 15 minutes from Tenerife South Airport, and taxis and organised excursions make it easy to visit attractions such as Siam Park. However, a hire car does provide more flexibility if you plan to explore the island regularly.

For more details on driving in Tenerife, see: Driving in Tenerife With Kids: Easy Family Holiday or Unnecessary Stress?

Are There Things to Do Near Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife?

Yes. While many families could happily spend an entire week enjoying the pools, splash park and entertainment, there are plenty of activities within easy reach of the hotel.

During our stay, we combined hotel days with several excursions including Siam Park, kayaking and snorkelling, and family go karting, all of which were straightforward to reach from Golf del Sur. We found this worked particularly well, giving us a mix of relaxing resort days and memorable family experiences away from the hotel.

If you're wondering which activities are genuinely worth leaving the resort for, see The Tenerife Excursions We'd Book Again (And Which We Wouldn't), where I share the trips we loved, which ones we'd prioritise and which we'd skip next time.

Is Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife worth the money?

In our opinion, yes. The spacious family rooms, excellent pools, strong entertainment programme and family-friendly atmosphere made it one of the better all-inclusive resorts we've stayed in. Families who plan to spend plenty of time enjoying the hotel facilities are likely to get the most value from their stay.

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About Plan Family Escapes

We’re a UK-based family sharing real, experience-led travel guides based on trips we’ve taken with our school-age son Joshua across destinations like Lapland, Turkey and India.

Everything we share is based on what we’ve personally experienced — with honest advice on what actually works when travelling with kids, focusing on making family travel easier, more comfortable and genuinely enjoyable.