Avda. Richard J. Yeoward, Puerto de la Cruz
Buzz trips opinion
An Oriental-styled, five star, pleasure dome of a hotel whose every aspect oozes quality and attention to detail. From its consummate customer service to its exceptional Oriental Spa Garden, the Hotel Botánico isn’t just a world class hotel, it’s a complete sensory experience.
Set at the foot of the La Orotava Valley where white houses with red tiled roofs thread their way towards the forested, mountainous spine of the island, the scene is dominated by the exalted presence of Mount Teide. Sometimes shrouded in mists, at other times so clear and close you feel you could touch it, the volcano provides a surreal backdrop to the hotel’s exquisite botanical gardens and pools.
The Hotel Botánico is as far away from the popularly held image of Tenerife as it’s possible to be. Dedicated to peace, tranquillity, style, comfort and pampering, crossing its threshold is like entering a portal between Tenerife and Thailand. Contemporary, original paintings by Canarian artists blend beautifully with opulent Oriental furnishings and antique Thai ornaments; dining options include fragrant and authentic Thai cuisine and classic Spanish and Canarian specialities presented with creative, culinary aplomb.
Recreating Puerto de la Cruz‘ historical legacy as a health retreat for well heeled Victorians, the Oriental Spa Gardens are a Xanadu of saunas, jacuzzis, aromatherapy, massage, and health and beauty treatments staffed by masseurs in whose hands the world of commerce and cares melts away. Whatever state of anxiety or fatigue you’re in when you enter through those antique Thai doors, you’ll leave through them feeling like they stole your bones. Access to the full range of Spa facilities is complimentary for guests but treatments are extra.
Rooms:
Completely renovated in 2008, the majority of the hotel’s rooms are deluxe doubles with private balconies overlooking the La Orotava Valley, Puerto and the ocean or the spa garden. WiFi connection, in-room safe, still water and the fluffiest of dressing gowns and slippers all come as standard. Walls are in soft gold, carpet and furnishings are Oriental styled rich burgundy and en suites are Italian marble with double sinks and a range of complimentary toiletries. Flat screen TV has a choice of English language channels including BBC and ITV but I defy anyone to look at a screen when you have that view.
Ambassador and junior suites give additional floor and terrace space, walk in wardrobes and a separate, comfortable living room area with sofa bed. Penthouse suites occupy the top floor of the hotel and take glamorous luxury to a whole new level with plush, Thai silk covered furnishings, antique furniture, original paintings, endless terraces and enough floor space to put my house in and still have room for a jacuzzi. If you have the budget, there’s a Michael Jackson suite named to commemorate the visit of the late, great King of Pop when he stayed here in 1993 and a suitably Presidential-sized and ostentatious Bill Clinton suite named after its eponymous celebrity rented the entire floor in 2005. I wonder if they’ll have a Sting suite later this year…
Facilities:
Breakfast is an opulent affair served in the expansive Palmera Real restaurant with its aviary of exotic birds providing the background sound effects and its poolside terrace for morning al fresco dining. A dizzying selection of cereals, fresh fruits, breads, meats, cheeses, pastries and hot dishes made to order are complemented by gluten free and dietary choices, fresh smoothies and a deliciously decadent chocolate fountain in which to plunge your fresh fruit cocktail skewers. The Oriental restaurant serves superb Thai and Oriental cuisine; La Parrilla specialises in Spanish and Canarian fine dining and Il Pappagallo (closed when we were there) offers the best in Italian and Mediterranean classic cuisine.
With so much taste bud temptation available, it’s worth noting that Hotel Botánico also has tennis courts, a putting green, billiards, aqua-aerobics, table tennis and swimming pools to hand, not to mention specialist weight loss programmes in the Oriental Spa.
Prices at the Hotel Botánico begin at €160 per night for deluxe double room and breakfast.
Buzz Trips were guests of the Hotel Botánico
Andrea (Andy) Montgomery is a freelance travel writer and co-owner of Buzz Trips and The Real Tenerife series of travel websites. Published in The Telegraph, The Independent, Wexas Traveller, Thomas Cook Travel Magazine, EasyJet Traveller Magazine, you can read her latest content on Google+
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