Shaped by centuries of fire, wind and silence, the landscape of the Canary Islands offers residents and visitors the gift of striking contrasts. Abama Resort architecture has been shaped with great care to reflect the magnificence of this landscape. Steep slopes, ravines that descend towards the sea, and cultivated terraces where human hands have long sought harmony with nature. A rugged yet compelling setting, the landscape presents any architect with an exceptional challenge: to engage with nature without imposing upon it. The one hundred and sixty hectares of Abama Resort meld with the environment, as if invited to do so, and since its inauguration in 2010, every square metre has been conceived to preserve the balance of this oasis between the Atlantic and the volcanic silhouette of Mount Teide.
Melvin Villarroel: the origin of a vision
The legacy of Melvin Villarroel, the visionary behind the original concept of Abama Resort and the architect of the Ritz-Carlton Abama Tenerife and Las Terrazas de Abama Suites, remains at the heart of the resort’s philosophy. His work was based on the clear principle that architecture should blend with the landscape rather than compete with it. This founding idea, which recognises nature as an essential component of architectural work, has remained present in every subsequent phase of development and continues to inspire the studios that have followed in his footsteps.
Coderch Urbanismo y Arquitectura: behind the Abama Suites
The studio Coderch Urbanismo y Arquitectura, led by Jorge Coderch Figueroa, Juan Lima Coderch and Alejandro Afonso Coderch, has played a central role in the development of Abama Resort. Responsible for projects such as Las Terrazas de Abama Suites and Los Jardines de Abama Suites, their approach combines Mediterranean elegance and a thoughtful incorporation of the volcanic landscape into their design. Their buildings open towards the horizon with generous windows and tiered terraces that follow the natural contours of the terrain. The architecture adapts to the topography without sacrificing comfort, creating a visual and emotional dialogue with the surroundings that is evident throughout. The studio’s particular strength lies in its ability to integrate mixed use environments, allowing residential and tourism functions to live alongside one another. This philosophy will continue to shape the resort through the forthcoming developments planned for 2026.
Corona-Amaral Arquitectura: urban geometries
Corona-Amaral Arquitectura brings a contemporary perspective, characterised by clarity of form and geometric precision. In Las Atalayas de Abama, the studio uses the inclined terrain as its point of departure, creating homes that appear to float above the landscape. The use of natural materials such as volcanic stone and wood, combined with a considered interplay of light and shade, results in an architecture that blends discreetly with its environment while enhancing a feeling of calm and privacy. Their designs balance sophistication with a deep respect for the island setting.
Virgilio Gutiérrez Herreros and Eustaquio Martínez: refined villas
The partnership between Virgilio Gutiérrez Herreros and Eustaquio Martínez has delivered landmark projects, including Bellevue, recognised as the Best New Homes of the Decade by the Tenerife Association of Architects, and the luxury resort residences Las Villas del Tenis. Their architectural language favours horizontality, open layouts and a fluid relationship between interior and exterior. Every room is oriented towards the Atlantic, allowing the views to extend the living space naturally. Their work embodies the serenity of the Abama landscape and the shifting light that characterises it.
Leonardo Omar Arquitectos
Two of the most emblematic custom villas at Abama bear the signature of this Santa Cruz de Tenerife studio. Now firmly established as a reference in contemporary Canary Islands architecture, their multidisciplinary team adopts a holistic approach that encompasses design, construction and interiors. Sustainability is the foundation of every project, conceived in harmony with the environment and with the needs of the client in mind.
EVMred Arquitectos
Also responsible for some of the resort’s most distinctive villas, EVMred Arquitectos focuses on restoring the human dimension of architecture. At a time when commercial and technical considerations often overshadow emotion, the studio seeks to bring together reason and feeling, recognising that a building has meaning only when it reflects the needs, aspirations and emotions of those who live in it. Their philosophy is grounded in communication, empathy and humility, ensuring that each client becomes an active part of the creative process.
Abama Resort architecture doesn't impose itself. It listens. It listens to the sound of the ocean, the form of the hills and the movement of the sun over volcanic stone. From this careful attention emerges an architecture that celebrates equilibrium between humanity and nature. The studios behind Abama contribute to a shared narrative: a resort built with respect for its surroundings and an enduring commitment to harmony. Thanks to the talent of these architects, the resort’s architecture is now one of its most defining features and will continue to shape its future, particularly as it moves towards the new developments planned for 2026.
