Ecohotel El Agua, Arico Nuevo, Tenerife, Canary Islands - Explore & Book
"Having reviewed many hotels in the Canary Islands, it takes a lot to surprise me. Ecohotel El Agua, at the edge of one of eastern Tenerife’s prettiest (and sleepiest) historic villages, provided one of those rare moments. Beyond the whitewashed walls of a 19th-century farmhouse, my mind scrambled for the right words to describe the expanse of pale, pebbly terraces decorated with unglazed earthenware, towering dry-stone walls and sentinels of conifers. As I sat on one of the rustic, ivy-strewn Bali beds, I took in the birdsong, the designer landscape, and most of all, the utter serenity. Behind and above stood the two villas, each a ‘retreat within a retreat’. These striking villas (the only accommodation at the moment) have a minimalist, stone-inspired interior and saltwater infinity pools overlooking the whole estate. There are olive groves, a cave restaurant, an underground spa and al fresco yoga areas where holistic wellbeing is served through meditation, detoxing, personal training and breathwork. In that short moment of seated contemplation, those words to describe the experience of Ecohotel El Agua came to me: a bespoke journey back to purity amidst biblical-chic surroundings. Who wouldn’t be surprised to find this in Tenerife! Highs An excellent organic vegan and vegetarian restaurant set deep in a cave The deep sense of serenity, space and isolation The underground spa with a hammam, sauna, massage area and sunken hot tub The tailored wellbeing offerings including yoga and meditation in a cave studio or a sun terrace, and you get a medical check-up on arrival Sustainability measures include water recycling, solar panels, eco cleaning products, rainwater harvesting Lows The nearest bars and restaurants are in a neighbouring village (a 15-minute walk) Meals have to be ordered 48 hours prior to arrival, and breakfast is not included in the rates A stay here can be pricey, but you get a huge amount of space, good facilities, and considered design There’s limited accommodation at the moment (though capacity for up to 16 is planned), so some may find it too intimate" - Joe Cawley
