Historic La Orotava Manor Restored as Boutique Hotel Jardín Secreto
The newly opened Jardín Secreto hotel in La Orotava repurposes a historic manor into an adults-only boutique property, reflecting the town's commitment to heritage preservation and sustainable tourism.
The opening of the Jardín Secreto hotel in La Orotava is a prime example of how historic properties in the Canary Islands are being thoughtfully repurposed. Located at 21 Carrera del Escultor Estévez, the hotel not only adds to the town's accommodation options but also supports its commitment to sustainable tourism. La Orotava is the only town in the Canary Islands to hold Cittaslow certification, an international recognition for cities that prioritize quality of life, heritage preservation, and local products. This project perfectly reflects those values through its careful architectural restoration.
The building itself is a historic manor that has served many purposes over the years, ranging from a soda factory to the headquarters of the Mutua de Accidentes de Canarias. The new owners, the Dalmau family from Perpignan, spent two years renovating the property. They restored its traditional charm by replacing modern, mismatched features with authentic Canarian woodwork and reconfiguring the interior to create ten rooms and one suite. This is the family’s first venture into the hotel industry, and they have chosen to focus on a personalized, adults-only experience rather than the large-chain model.
The hotel also places a strong emphasis on art and nature. The interior features a striking, large-format stained-glass window created by artist Orlando Chacón Arreaza. Additionally, the renovation reclaimed a previously unused interior courtyard, which now serves as a peaceful garden and the heart of the hotel’s dining experience.
Since opening on February 4th, the Jardín Secreto has highlighted a growing trend of foreign investors purchasing and restoring La Orotava’s stately homes. The town, which has been a designated Historic-Artistic Site since 1976, is seeing a rise in unique, boutique hotels. With a staff of seven, the Jardín Secreto is a welcome addition to the area, successfully balancing tourism with a deep respect for the town’s cultural legacy and the circular economy principles of the Cittaslow network.