Gran Hotel Taoro has now completed its meticulous three-year restoration, marking the return of Spain’s first luxury grand hotel after more than five decades. Set in the lesser-known north of Tenerife, amid lush botanical gardens and overlooking the Atlantic, the restored nineteenth-century landmark completes its offering with a newly unveiled wellness centre, alongside Michelin-led dining and immersive, destination-led experiences.
Wellness
The hotel’s newest addition is the Sandára Wellness Centre, unveiled as the final phase of its restoration and marking the completion of Gran Hotel Taoro’s full guest offering. Developed in exclusive partnership with French skincare house Anne Semonin, the space is designed as a contemporary wellness retreat overlooking the Orotava Valley and the Atlantic Ocean, with interiors inspired by Tenerife’s volcanic landscape. Facilities include a thermal suite with sauna, steam room and experience showers, a state-of-the-art Technogym gym, and outdoor yoga and Pilates spaces set within the gardens. A large swimming pool and smaller saltwater pool further enhance the wellbeing offering, while a personalised treatment menu spans advanced facials, body therapies and holistic rituals. Signature experiences such as the Canarian Ritual incorporate locally inspired ingredients, reinforcing the hotel’s strong connection to place.
History
Founded by British and German visionaries in the 19th century, Gran Hotel Taoro opened in 1890 and quickly became a favoured retreat for royalty and high society, including King Alfonso XIII and the Duke of Kent. Most notably, the hotel was a source of inspiration for Agatha Christie, who drew on her time here while writing The Mystery of the Blue Trainand The Man from the Sea. Guests can follow in the author’s footsteps through Puerto de la Cruz on a guided literary tour. Today, Gran Hotel Taoro stands as a restored symbol of magnificence and refinement, recognised as Spain’s first luxury grand hotel.
F&B
At the heart of the culinary programme are two Michelin‑starred restaurants, OKA and Lava, now fully open and operating in tandem. Lava is the personal creation of renowned chef Erlantz Gorostiza, one of Spain’s leading fine‑dining figures and holder of two Michelin stars. Here, fire defines a menu rooted in precision and emotion, with an intimate format centred around a chef’s table within the kitchen for just six diners.
Ricardo Sanz’s OKA, offers a refined expression of his Japanese‑Mediterranean philosophy, including an omakase bar for five guests, where dishes are created and served in real time. Complementing these are the hotel’s additional dining venues, including bistro Amalur, Atlántico Buffet, La Carola and a selection of bars and terraces, creating an all‑day F&B journey across the property, from breakfast through to late evening.
Xplora
Xplora is Gran Hotel Taoro’s bespoke concierge service, delivering exclusive, personalised experiences that connect guests with the culture and cuisine of Tenerife. Designed for private groups, each experience is led by expert guides, from sunrise journeys on Mount Teide and vineyard wine tastings to visits with local cheesemakers and beekeepers, Xplora creates experiences that are as authentic as they are exceptional.
Location
Set in northern Tenerife, overlooking Puerto de la Cruz and the Atlantic Ocean, the hotel offers a gateway to one of the island’s most authentic regions. Known for its dramatic landscapes, volcanic scenery and year‑round spring climate, northern Tenerife provides a quieter, more cultural alternative to the south. For those seeking respite from soaring European summer temperatures, Gran Hotel Taoro offers an ideal base for exploring the island’s natural richness.
