What was once known as the Torviscas Playa hotel in Costa Adeje, Tenerife, has been transformed. Following a comprehensive renovation in early 2018, the property reopened as the five‑star, adults‑only Iberostar Selection Sábila, situated just 300 metres from Playa de Torviscas. This article examines the hotel’s current all‑inclusive offering, the scope of its refurbishment, what guests say in their reviews, and how it compares with other Torviscas‑area accommodations.
Last checked: 2026-09-20
Location: Fanabe Beach, Costa Adeje, Tenerife · Star Rating: 4-star · All Inclusive: Yes · Pools: 3 · Refurbishment: Recent
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-09-20.
Sources reviewed: Architecture firm case study (GRAS Reynés Arquitectos), construction‑engineering project notes (Dressler Aluminio), tour operator descriptions (Classic Collection, Broadway Travel), editorial hotel review (Oyster), travel information site (Tenerife.how), beach‑review platforms (PlayasPedia, Wanderlog), travel‑agency listings (TripAdvisor for competing properties).
What we did not do: No on‑site inspection, no direct staff interviews, no independent verification of pricing or room availability.
Snapshot: Torviscas Playa Hotel / Iberostar Selection Sábila
- The hotel originally opened in 1989 and underwent a major renovation during the first quarter of 2018 (Dressler Aluminio).
- After refurbishment the hotel was upgraded to five‑star status and operates as adults‑only (Dressler Aluminio; Classic Collection).
- The project comprised approximately 472 rooms across 28,500 m² of built area (GRAS Reynés Arquitectos).
- The hotel is a short walk from Torviscas beach and has direct access to the seafront promenade (Classic Collection).
Key facts at a glance
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Current name | Iberostar Selection Sábila |
| Former name | Iberostar Torviscas Playa |
| Location | Fanabe Beach, Costa Adeje, Tenerife |
| Star rating | 5‑star (upgraded from 4‑star after 2018 refurbishment) |
| All inclusive | Yes |
| Number of pools | 3 |
| Distance to Playa de Torviscas | Approx. 0.3 km (short walk) |
| Refurbishment | Completed first quarter 2018 |
| Room count | Approx. 472 |
| Policy | Adults‑only |
Torviscas playa hotel reviews
Guest feedback on what is now Iberostar Selection Sábila reflects two distinct eras. Many published reviews still carry the Torviscas Playa name and describe the old four‑star property, which can mislead shoppers. Oyster’s editorial review, written after the refurbishment, notes that the hotel’s common areas and amenities feel upgraded but that “most guest rooms are basic and somewhat dated” compared with those spaces (Oyster).
The wider review picture for the torviscas playa hotel all inclusive experience shows praise for the beach‑front location and the variety of meal options. Complaints, when they appear, centre on the limited free Wi‑Fi – only 30 minutes per day according to Oyster – and the occasional inconsistency in room decor. No single aggregate score exists for the rebranded hotel alone, but Oyster’s assessment aligns with travel‑agency descriptions that emphasise the property’s “contemporary style” (Classic Collection) and “5‑star facilities” (Broadway Travel).
The bottom line: When reading reviews, check the date and the hotel name; only feedback from 2018 onward applies to the current all‑inclusive, adults‑only resort.
Iberostar torviscas playa refurbishment
The transformation of the Iberostar torviscas playa refurbishment was extensive. Dressler Aluminio, the construction firm that carried out the glazing work, documents that the project involved new hinged units, terrace‑access doors, safety‑glass railings, and bathroom entrance doors in orange tempered glass, as well as a curtain wall enclosing the main entrance and stair area (Dressler Aluminio). The architecture studio GRAS Reynés Arquitectos, which oversaw the design, states that the 28,500 m² renovation “drew inspiration from the landscapes and colours of the Canary Islands” and increased the room count to 472 (GRAS Reynés Arquitectos).
Both Broadway Travel and Classic Collection confirm that the work took place in the first quarter of 2018 and that the hotel reopened under the Iberostar Selection Sábila name with a five‑star, adults‑only classification. The upgrade added a food‑market‑concept buffet restaurant with show cooking, four bars, a pool snack bar, and a dedicated spa area.
The implication: The refurbishment repositioned the hotel from a mid‑market family resort to a premium adults‑only destination, with the bulk of investment concentrated in social and dining areas.
Torviscas playa hotel all inclusive
The torviscas playa hotel all inclusive plan now covers the full suite of amenities at Iberostar Selection Sábila. Classic Collection details that the package includes the main buffet restaurant with show cooking, the food‑market concept, four bars, and a pool snack bar, along with daily entertainment. Oyster adds that the resort has a large pool with a kid section (though note the hotel’s adults‑only policy – the classification may have evolved; Oyster’s review mentions families, but later sources consistently describe it as adults‑only).
Broadway Travel’s listing confirms that all‑inclusive guests receive meals, local drinks, and snacks throughout the day (Broadway Travel). The star‑rated property does not offer a separate à la carte option on site, but the variety within the buffet and themed stations is designed to cover multiple cuisines across a week‑long stay. Wi‑Fi, however, is not included in the standard all‑inclusive – Oyster notes that only 30 minutes per day are free, and a fee applies beyond that.
What to watch: The all‑inclusive plan is generous on food and drink, but digital‑nomads or heavy‑data users should budget for a separate Wi‑Fi package.
Torviscas playa hotel restaurants
Dining at the torviscas playa hotel restaurants revolves around two main outlets. Classic Collection names the “main buffet restaurant with show cooking” and a “food market concept” that offers themed stations. Four bars – including a pool snack bar – provide additional light meals and drinks throughout the day. Beyond the property, the seafront promenade that runs along Playa de Torviscas is lined with independent eateries and cafés, giving guests the option to dine out even on an all‑inclusive booking.
Because the hotel is located in the Torviscas area of Costa Adeje, a short walk reaches the restaurants and shops near the marina. No specific restaurant names appear in the verified research, but the general neighbourhood is known for Portuguese and Canarian cuisine, as well as international options. Guests on half‑board or room‑only rates can easily explore these alternatives.
The trade‑off: On‑site dining is varied and well‑rated, but guests who prefer à la carte independence will find plenty of choice within a 10‑minute walk along the promenade.
Hotel specification table
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official name | Iberostar Selection Sábila (formerly Iberostar Torviscas Playa) |
| Location | Calle del Archipiélago, 7, 38679 Costa Adeje, Tenerife |
| Star rating | 5‑star |
| Policy | Adults‑only |
| Board options | All‑inclusive (primary), also Half‑Board, Room‑Only via some operators |
| Number of rooms | Approx. 472 |
| Swimming pools | 3 (one large pool, two additional) |
| Restaurants | Buffet with show cooking, food market concept |
| Bars | 4 (including pool snack bar) |
| Wi‑Fi | 30 min free per day; paid upgrade available |
| Distance to beach | Approx. 0.3 km (Playa de Torviscas) |
| Renovation year | 2018 |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Prime beach location – a short walk from Playa de Torviscas and the seafront promenade.
- Spacious common areas and modernised pool deck after 2018 renovation.
- All‑inclusive package covers buffet meals, themed stations, and drinks at multiple bars.
- Adults‑only policy creates a quieter atmosphere (suitable for couples and solo travellers).
Cons
- Some guest rooms remain “basic and somewhat dated” according to Oyster’s review.
- Wi‑Fi is limited to 30 min free per day; full access costs extra.
- The all‑inclusive plan does not include premium drinks or à la carte dining.
- Mixed policy signals – Oyster’s review suggests families were once welcomed, though current sources state adults‑only.
Location and getting there
The hotel sits on Fanabe Beach in the Torviscas district of Costa Adeje. Playa de Torviscas itself is rated around 4.5 / 5 on Google from more than 5,900 reviews (Wanderlog; Tenerife.how). The beach has grey‑black volcanic sand, calm waves, and free admission, though visitors on PlayasPedia note that showers are limited to foot‑rinsing stations and that toilet maintenance can be inconsistent (PlayasPedia).
The nearest airport is Tenerife South (TFS), about 20 km away – a 20‑minute drive. Bus route 111 connects the airport to Costa Adeje, and local taxis are plentiful. The hotel’s location on the promenade means that a walk south reaches the Puerto Colón marina with its restaurants and shops, while a walk north leads to the quieter parts of Fanabe Beach.
Alternatives in the Torviscas area
For travellers who want a different board basis or a lower price point, several properties lie within a few hundred metres of the hotel.
- Pueblo Torviscas – A self‑catering apartment complex with 842 TripAdvisor reviews and a score of 4.3 / 5 (TripAdvisor). Good for families or groups wanting kitchen facilities.
- Sunset Bay Club – A 3‑star aparthotel with recently refurbished rooms, self‑catering focus, and modern air‑conditioning (TripAdvisor reviews). Suitable for budget‑conscious guests.
- Regency Torviscas Apartments and Suites – An RCI resort offering all‑inclusive optional packages, a large heated pool, and wellness amenities (TripAdvisor user review).
- Hilton Vacation Club Sunset Harbour Club Tenerife – A timeshare‑style property near the seafront, often reported as family‑friendly.
- HOVIMA Cool Costa Adeje – A modern aparthotel closer to the marina with a lively pool scene.
Each alternative trades something – lower star rating, self‑catering, family‑friendly policies – so choose based on whether the all‑inclusive, adults‑only environment of Iberostar Selection Sábila is a priority.
Our pick
For all‑inclusive holidaymakers and beach vacationers who prioritise location and a quiet, adults‑only atmosphere, Iberostar Selection Sábila (the rebranded Torviscas Playa) is a strong contender. Its 2018 renovation has clearly elevated the public spaces, and the all‑inclusive offering covers meals, drinks, and entertainment in a prime spot on Fanabe Beach.
The trade‑offs – some basic rooms, a limited‑free Wi‑Fi policy, and a slightly inconsistent room‑quality vs. public‑area quality – are worth weighing. If you value consistent, modern room interiors or unlimited connectivity, consider the Regency Torviscas Apartments with their optional all‑inclusive plan, or the self‑catering Pueblo Torviscas for more space.
For the majority of travellers seeking a convenient, all‑inclusive beach holiday without children, the hotel delivers on its key promises: a 5‑star feel in the Torviscas neighbourhood, steps from the sand.
Related reading:
Frequently asked questions
What is the star rating of Iberostar Torviscas Playa?
The hotel now operates as Iberostar Selection Sábila and holds a 5‑star rating, upgraded from 4‑star after the 2018 refurbishment.
Does the hotel offer all‑inclusive packages?
Yes. The all‑inclusive plan covers buffet meals, themed food‑market stations, drinks at four bars, a pool snack bar, and daily entertainment.
How far is the hotel from the beach?
Playa de Torviscas is approximately 0.3 km (a short walk) from the hotel, and the seafront promenade is directly accessible from the property.
How many swimming pools does the hotel have?
The resort has three swimming pools, including a large main pool.
Is the hotel recently refurbished?
Yes. A comprehensive renovation was completed in the first quarter of 2018, transforming the former 4‑star property into a 5‑star adults‑only resort.
What entertainment is available?
Standard all‑inclusive entertainment includes live shows, music, and daily activities. The hotel also has a pool area and direct access to the promenade for evening strolls.
Sources cited
- Dressler Aluminio – Iberostar Sábila refurbishment case study
- GRAS Reynés Arquitectos – Torviscas Hotel project page
- Classic Collection – Iberostar Selection Sábila listing
- Broadway Travel – Iberostar Selection Sábila description
- Oyster – Iberostar Selection Sábila editorial review
- Tenerife.how – Playa de Torviscas guide
- Wanderlog – Playa de Torviscas listing
- PlayasPedia – Playa de Torviscas entry
- TripAdvisor – Pueblo Torviscas reviews
- HolidayTruths – Pueblo Torviscas Apartments reviews