Don’t worry this isn’t going to be one of those awkward talks like the birds and the bees, it’s a much more relevant and inspiring tale of ducks, turtles, and a whole chorus of frogs. Santa Cruz is as bustling and busy as many other capital cities, so it’s nice to know there are some delightful, shaded corners where the pace of life slows to a drip.

Parque Garcia Sanabria is a particular favourite of mine, an oasis of greenery, fanning out from a central fountain. It was only a couple of years ago that I finally made the short stroll up the left hand street as you face the park entrance, to find the beautiful Plaza de Los Patos. It’s famed for it’s centre piece, a ceramic tiled pond, overlooked around its circular edge, by eight frogs,all spraying water towards a large duck doing likewise from the back of a turtle. It sounds like a strong cheese enduced hallucination but it’s a wonderful work of art.

This 1,330 square metre haven of peace was originally called the Plaza de 25 July, after the defeat of Nelson when he tried to invade Tenerife with the British Navy in 1797, one of the official surrender ceremonies was made in the plaza. The alternative name, plaza of the ducks, is a little misleading as only one duck stands guard, the fist time I glimpsed the area it was looking tired and run down, well it was built from 1913 to 1917. A recent makeover has restored the glory, not only to the pond, but also the 20 benches surrounding it.

The benches, also covered in ceramic tiles, depict popular advertising campaigns. I bet they could tell a tale or two about courting couples, and I;m sure they have calmed many a hassled shopper having a stressful day in the big city. The sun filters through the trees that surround the centre piece, so you get a choice of sun or shade. Five roads (or frog and toads) converge on the plaza, and the cute former English church of San Jorge (Saint George) is on hand for another taste of history. It was so good to see the plaza back to its best, another hidden gem that´s well worth seeking out.

Cinderella’s could hardly be a more appropriate name for the new ladies fashion shop in La Caleta as they are dedicated to making customers of all ages and sizes feel like a Princess. Plaza San Sebastian is just a glass slippers tip toe from the five star hotels of Sheraton La Caleta and Costa Adeje Palace and as I sipped a glass of Cava (their regular welcome) the bells of the church next door added to the spell with their melodic chime.

It’s a dream come true for owner Anne Marie, she has picked the best clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories from France, England, and Germany. Hows this for name dropping, Lipsy, Isabel Garcia, Little Mistress, Sidecar, and from her native Ireland No2moro. Backed by Alice and Lilly they cover a wide range of experience in the fashion and beauty world and speak enough languages to make everyone feel at home. It’s not just somewhere to get that special outfit, Cinderella’s will be offering make up courses, and colour analysis to bring out the best in everyone’s natural beauty.

Cinderella’s arrival is a sign of the changing times in La Caleta, Plaza San Sebastian is a bright modern centre that has tapas and coffee shops. At the front next to the church there’s a new restaurant El Gardinetto with a large open plan garden, and the mountains of Costa Adeje make a great backdrop. There’s easy parking nearby and the recently increased Titsa bus service 467 links direct to Las Americas and Los Cristianos nearly twice an hour including weekends and stops on their doorstep.

You don’t need to wait for a special event to visit Cinderella’s, they are open Monday 10 am to 7 pm, Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 9 pm, and Sunday 3 pm to 9 pm. You can browse the website, send a message to email-shop@cinderellas.eu or phone 667659739.