DISCOVERING THE BEST OF TENERIFE

Getting There

The Gran Hotel Taoro sits in the lush north of the island, around a one-hour transfer from the airport. A private transfer can be arranged through the hotel for €230, while a local taxi costs around £150.

The Hotel's History

Opened around 1890, this was Spain's first luxury hotel, and its guest book reads like a chapter of history. Over the years it welcomed the Duke of Kent and, in 1927, Agatha Christie, who wrote parts of two of her novels within its walls.

After standing empty for more than 50 years, the hotel has been given a remarkable second life. Following a three-year restoration, it reopened its doors at the end of 2025, returning a piece of Spanish heritage to the island.

Location and Rooms

Located on a hilltop overlooking Puerto de la Cruz, the hotel has 199 rooms and suites, including Presidential Suites in the towers. Each one strikes a careful balance between historical elegance and modern comfort.

The restoration has kept the building's original neoclassical architecture, while adding contemporary touches and colonial-style interiors. Wherever you are, whether in your room, out on the generous terraces or up in the watchtower, you're treated to sweeping views of Mount Teide, the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains beyond.

The gym and spa are a real highlight too, with stunning mountain views to keep you company, even from the treadmills.

Restaurants

The hotel has three restaurants, each with its own personality.

Amalur serves Spanish cuisine, while Oka offers a Japanese and Mediterranean fusion menu and holds one Michelin star.

Lava is the real showstopper. This two Michelin star fine dining restaurant is wonderfully intimate, with seating for just 18 guests and a chef's table for six right in the kitchen.



Breakfast was included in our stay and served in Atlántico, where a glorious buffet had plenty to tempt us.

Exploring Puerto de la Cruz

We walked down to the town via the gardens at the back of the hotel, a descent of 265 steps. The gardens are council owned, and it would be lovely to see the fountains filled and working again, which may come in time. The climb back up is very steep, so it isn't ideal for anyone with mobility issues, but a taxi back up the hill cost less than €5.

Please note that parking isn't available near the hotel, so drop-off is around 160m from reception.

Teide National Park

A day tour of Teide National Park is well worth an early start, as it's home to Spain's tallest mountain. Weather permitting, you can travel up by cable car or on foot, which is said to take around seven hours. There's a lovely café at the bottom inside a parador if you'd like to linger. After dark, the nearby observatory offers superb stargazing and, according to our guide, is the third best in the world.



La Laguna

We stopped for lunch in La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The streets are lined with beautiful buildings and traditional Canarian balconies, and they're well worth pausing to admire.

Food, Shopping and Weather

Food and drink in the resorts are very reasonable, and with VAT at just 7%, shopping is a must, as long as you leave some extra room in your bag. The north of the island is usually cooler than the south, but temperatures averaged 27°C last week and the evenings stayed pleasantly warm.

I was very impressed with my three-night stay, and I would happily recommend the hotel to anyone looking for a memorable visit to Tenerife. With its rich history, beautiful setting and exceptional dining!

Visit me at our Chorleywood branch, call 01923 284148, or email cw@ashdowntravel.co.uk if you would like to find out more about my unforgettable Tenerife trip.