Hotel El Patio

Hotel El Patio, Near Garachico, Tenerife, Canary Islands - Explore & Book

"The de Ponte’s carry some weight in Garachico - they’ve been here since 1507. They built their own church in 1565, then ruled the island from 1608. This is their land down by the sea, and the dragon tree that stands in the courtyard is 400 years old. These days they run a banana plantation. It’s all around you, with signed footpaths to guide you through it. You plunge off the main road, pass the small church, then roll down towards the ocean. The hotel is a curious mix of styles. Century-old palms soar in an ancient courtyard, and a sparkling pool lazes out back with sublime views up the mountain. Inside, the 28 rooms are simple, homely and spotless. Don’t expect designer chic; do expect cast-iron beds, floral bedcovers, colourful walls and terracotta-tiled floors. Rooms are split between the manor house, the winery and the stables. Others are half a mile up the lane in a pretty annex, offering total peace and quiet. Don’t miss the old garden, the lemon trees, the hanging ferns, the fruit and vegetable garden, the purple bougainvillea, the tennis court and the croquet pitch. A total escape, and deservedly popular with families from around Europe. Highs The pool: it's flanked by banana trees with views up the mountain The peace: you're in the middle of a banana plantation. You might be just a few miles from the (modest) resorts of Icod and Puerto de Santa Cruz, but you'd never guess The courtyard: stately palms, tropical flowers, vast sofas and free herbal teas on tap Nearby Garachico: an authentic little town that's beyond the tourist trappings Lows The restaurant only offers dinner in the high season (October-April) Some rooms are half a mile along the lane. We thought this was rather romantic; some might not Service is brisk and efficient, but feels rather institutional" - Tom Bell