Historic Gran Hotel Taoro Reopens in Tenerife After Extensive Restoration
Spain’s historic Gran Hotel Taoro has reopened in Puerto de la Cruz following an extensive renovation that restores its luxury status while establishing the landmark as a social and culinary hub for the local community.
The reopening of the Gran Hotel Taoro in Puerto de la Cruz is a major milestone for the Canary Islands’ historical heritage. After an extensive renovation, the hotel—which first opened 135 years ago as Spain’s original luxury hotel—is back in business. The goal is to make the hotel a central part of the island’s social and economic life, rather than just a place for tourists to stay.
This iconic building once hosted famous guests like Agatha Christie and members of European royalty. Today, it aims to shape the leisure and service scene in northern Tenerife through three main pillars: high-end dining, wellness services, and a commitment to welcoming the local community.
The hotel’s culinary program features internationally acclaimed chefs. Ricardo Sanz, a leader in Japanese-Mediterranean fusion, heads the OKA restaurant, while Erlantz Gorostiza leads LAVA, which specializes in fire-based signature cuisine, and the conceptual bistro, Amalur. These are joined by La Carola, Atlántico, and the Tagoror bar, offering a wide variety of choices for both locals and visitors.
Additionally, the hotel has opened the Sandára wellness center in partnership with Anne Semonin. Like the restaurants, this facility is open to non-guests, helping the Taoro become a social hub for the La Orotava Valley.
The renovation focused on preserving the building’s original structure, maintaining its position as a stunning viewpoint overlooking the Atlantic and Mount Teide. This project reflects a growing trend in Spanish tourism: restoring iconic buildings to celebrate local history, offering a unique alternative to standardized hotels. By reopening its doors, the Gran Hotel Taoro is reclaiming its status as a luxury landmark while becoming a daily meeting place for the people of Puerto de la Cruz.