If you fancy getting away without actually leaving Tenerife, Gran Hotel Taoro in Puerto de la Cruz is making a decent case for itself.
Perched above the town with views across the Atlantic and towards Teide, the historic hotel has been given a new lease of life while keeping much of the character that made it special in the first place.
Originally opened in 1890, Gran Hotel Taoro holds the distinction of being Spain’s first luxury hotel. Not bad for a building that has been around for more than 130 years.
A hotel with plenty of history
The restored hotel combines its historic setting with modern luxury, including landscaped French gardens, large terraces and infinity pools overlooking the north coast.
It is aimed not only at visitors coming to Tenerife, but also at island residents looking to escape the usual routine for a night or two.
A lazy breakfast, a few hours by the pool, dinner somewhere decent and a cocktail at sunset. Sometimes you don’t need a complicated plan.
Fine dining with a Tenerife twist
Food is a major part of the Gran Hotel Taoro experience.
OKA, led by award-winning chef Ricardo Sanz, offers a modern take on Japanese cuisine with Spanish and Canarian influences.
Meanwhile, LAVA is overseen by Michelin-starred chef Erlantz Gorostiza and takes inspiration from Tenerife’s volcanic landscape.
For something more relaxed, guests can enjoy breakfast at Atlántico or lighter dishes by the pool at La Carola.
More than just somewhere to sleep
The Tagoror Lobby Bar & Lounge is designed as a social meeting point, with a panoramic terrace where you can sit with a coffee during the day or a cocktail as the sun goes down.
There is also the Sandára Wellness Center, created in partnership with French cosmetics brand Anne Semonin.
The wellness area includes treatments, a gym, sauna and steam room, along with memberships and fitness classes aimed at local residents.
So whether you’re looking for a full luxury break or simply fancy treating yourself without getting on a plane, Gran Hotel Taoro offers a rather appealing excuse to spend some time in the north of Tenerife.