We liked everything in this resort. Our apartment was very clean and large with beautiful views over looking the pools and the ocean. Great hospitality from the friendly staff. The restraurant had a wonderful ambience and beautiful food.
No towels on sun loungers at crack of dawn so plenty were free still at mid morning
Gym facilities were good. (however only one treadmill/bike and rower so may be busy in high season but then if you need cardio workout, you can always run around the coast line.
T.V in apartment played BBC & ITV so able to keep up with our soaps!
Loads of restraurants within short walking distance so spoilt for choice.
Entertainment each evening both on site and in local bars, which we are sure will only get better as the season progresses with practice and a larger reception.

Santa Barbara is a large complex but a very nice place which I have visited four times in the last 10 years.
The location is on the South tip of the island about three miles from the airport (€15 taxi) and can suffer from strong winds and rough sea in March. There are plenty of wind break areas in the complex so sun bathing is not a problem. There is no sandy beach nearby but there are a few stony coves which are suitable for sun bathing.
The facilities are good with a pool side bar open through the day serving meals and drinks. There is also a new bar on the roof top overlooking the pools which has recently opened. The entertainment at night is in the “W” bar which is worth a visit. Kids entertainment starts around 7.30pm with a show at 9.30pm. The adult shows at about 10.30pm. Happy hour starts after the show finishes at midnight. The entertainment staff arranges darts, ping pong, pool tournaments throughout the day but most people prefer to laze by the pools. There is also a full size gym, two Jacuzzi’s, a sauna and a steam room.
There is a shallow kid’s pool and a main larger pool with plenty of room for swimming.
The apartments have a fully stocked kitchen with all the cooking utensils provided. Nice bathroom with a double sink, bidet and shower in the bath. There is a hairdryer in the bathroom but I think it was due for an upgrade according to the wife. The beds and pillows were very comfortable and the bedrooms had plenty of drawer and wardrobe space. The safe is in the wardrobe which costs an extra €15 a week. Each apartment has its own balcony with table and chairs. There is a TV which has some English channels but also most of the usual like Sky news, CNN, BBC world etc.
The reception is very clean and tidy and the staff are always friendly and helpful. There is a computer in reception with free internet connection but for a place the size of Santa Barbara I think there could be more provided. There always seems to be some renovation work going on and some of the apartment fittings are ready for renewal.
There are two golf courses within walking distance but I prefer the Amarilla course which has a cheaper rate after 3.00pm. Plenty of eating places nearby and a main square with lots of restaraunts about a mile away in San Blas. We have never had a bad meal anywhere around the Santa Barbra area but the Volore Tapas bar and the Aberdeen steak house were the highlights.
This is one of the quieter areas of Tenerife so if its night life and all night clubbing you’re after then stick with Las Americas. I would recommend the Santa Barbra to anyone but be aware that it’s mainly peaceful and relaxing – just the way I like it !

We recently went to Tenerife for the first time last week. The resort is lovely, though there are currently some renovation works underway - even then, it is not that intrusive.

We had a 1 bedroom family unit for 4 adults, surprisingly spacious with two bathrooms!!!
The reception team and bar staff are welcoming, friendly and multi-lingual. We ate once in the pool bar and the service was fast, though the menu was aimed at English tastes with burgers and pizzas etc.

Positives:- Standard of facilities, rooms, sunshine, excursions, spanish measures for drinks!

Negatives:- sewage plant nearby so occasional smell outside front, lack of entertainment in the area, more catered to english, expensive bars, 'nightclub' is more of a wine bar, noise levels - you can hear everything!

We stayed March 16th - 23rd 2012. Very friendly and helpful staff and lovely appartment. Free glass of Sangria when checking in although we had to wait for room as wasn't ready for us. The pool and bar area very clean and food great & wonderful views. Concierge staff very helpful and always ready to help with any excursions or golf bookings. Not a resort for the young at heart but all in all a great holiday.