Virtuoso Life - March/April 2008 - (Page 54) DESIGN TOUR that almost encircles the island, leaving the rugged interior undisturbed. Here are ten varied attractions that capture the spirit of the island, the first seven in Santa Cruz. musicians and dancers warming up for Carnaval, which is one of the grandest and most colorful in Europe. installed them around the courtyard. The courtyard is open to the public during office hours; tours of the building are by appointment. Avenida de Bravo Murillo at Manuel Guimerá Tenerife Arts Space A stunning new complex, Tenerife’s Espacio de las Artes (TEA) was recently completed by the acclaimed Swiss architects Herzog and de Meuron. From the public walkway that descends a ramp through the enigmatic black concrete block you can take in exhibitions of contemporary art or photography, look through a glass wall into the library, and emerge onto a landscaped arroyo. The dramatic play of natural light through clusters of small square windows and the daring geometry of the structure are worth a visit whatever is on show. Puente del General Serrador Iglesia de la Concepción Begun in 1502 as the first major building of the Spanish settlement, this church has been rebuilt several times following devastating fires. The austere black-and-white bell tower contrasts with the opulent silver baroque altar and provides a marker that is visible throughout the historic city. The cobbled plaza is also a delight. Plaza Concepción La Noria This is the popular name for Avenida Domínguez Alfonso, a lively pedestrian street that extends west from the church. The painted facades and bulbous Canary palms make it a pleasant place to stroll or linger outside at one of several cafés. Early in the year, you may catch La Presidencia “A piece of the island” is how AMP Arquitectos describes its mid1990s offices and ceremonial spaces for the president of the Canaries. The architects took their cues from the rugged landscape to create a massive block of bush-hammered lava rock and poured concrete that shields its occupants from the heat and glare of summer. To recall the past, the architects salvaged polished pine staircases and two levels of galleries from an old house and Auditorio Fragments of white tile give a sparkle to this otherworldly apparition: a curvaceous auditorium with a hooked prow that looks as though it has flown in from another galaxy. Like some other recent structures by Santiago Calatrava, it offers a stunning spectacle, but the seats are a bit cramped and the acoustics far from ideal. Avenida de la Constitución 1 Parque García Sanabria: Here be dragon trees. Spring blooms along the road to El Teide. STAY » Inspired by Canarian architecture of the Victorian era, the Gran Hotel Bahía del Duque Resort overlooks Tenerife’s southern coast in a maze of turreted villas, romantic arches and bridges, and open spaces that soak up island sun. Earthy tones, hardwoods, and tiled floors warmly reflect the volcanic landscape in the 547 rooms, suites, and villas, but the resort’s myriad leisure facilities – pools, tennis courts, an observatory, an ESPA spa opening this spring – and ten restaurants show this is no desert island. Doubles from approximate $387 per room, including daily breakfast, one lunch, and round-trip airport transfers. 54 V I RT U O S O L I F E (GARDEN) PEtER titmuss/AlAmy
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