The historic hillside hotel in Tenerife where Don Omar and Chayanne unwind

There is a certain magic that clings to the north of Tenerife. While the south buzzes with sun-seekers and waterparks, the verdant hills above Puerto de la Cruz whisper stories of a more elegant era. At the heart of these whispers sits Gran Hotel Taoro, a property so steeped in history it is widely recognised as Spain's very first luxury hotel. Originally opened in 1890, it put the Canary Islands on the map for European high society seeking wellness and winter sun. After a silence lasting roughly half a century, its grand doors have swung open again, and the timing couldn't be more perfect.

This summer, the island pulsed with the rhythms of the Tenerife Cook Music Fest 2026 in Santa Cruz. Among the headliners were two absolute giants of Latin music: Don Omar and Chayanne. While guest lists at this level are guarded like state secrets, local and festival-related reporting consistently links high-profile artists to the island's most distinguished addresses. Gran Hotel Taoro, with its discrete luxury, sprawling gardens and palpable sense of history, is frequently mentioned as the natural choice for international performers seeking a sanctuary away from the stage lights. It is the kind of place where you can imagine a global star sipping a quiet coffee on a private terrace, gazing out at the Atlantic, completely undisturbed.

A palace reborn: the return of an icon

To understand the allure, you have to appreciate the bones of the building. Gran Hotel Taoro isn't a modern glass box; it is a grand, palace-style edifice that has witnessed over a century of Tenerife's history. The recent restoration has been a labour of love, meticulously preserving the original 19th-century architecture—the sweeping staircases, the ornate salons, the majestic façades—while weaving in the threads of contemporary luxury. The result is an ambiance of old-world glamour that feels genuinely rare in the Canary Islands. It’s heritage luxury, not just a hotel stay.

The setting amplifies this feeling. The hotel is perched on a lush hillside, surrounded by extensive botanical gardens that cascade down towards the town. You aren't just looking at a garden; you are immersed in a historic park landscape with winding walkways and hidden viewpoints. From this elevated position, the views are a constant, living painting: the red-tiled roofs of Puerto de la Cruz spilling towards the deep blue Atlantic, with the majestic, often snow-dusted peak of Mount Teide dominating the horizon behind you. It is a panorama that has captivated guests for over 130 years.

Inside the sanctuary: pools, spa and fine dining

With 199 rooms and suites, the hotel manages to feel both grand and intimate. The interiors bridge the gap between restored historic features and sleek, modern comfort. But the true luxury of leisure here is found outdoors. Three heated pools are nestled within the tropical gardens, offering a resort-like feel without sacrificing the tranquility of the historic estate. It’s the kind of setup where a day can easily dissolve into a blissful rhythm of swimming, reading under a palm, and taking a slow stroll through the greenery.

For deeper rejuvenation, the on-site Sandára Wellness Center awaits. This isn't a token hotel spa; it’s a high-end facility offering treatments developed in collaboration with Anne Semonin, a prestigious Parisian skincare house. The focus is on bespoke, results-driven wellness, perfectly aligning with the hotel’s historic identity as a retreat for rejuvenation. When it comes to dining, the experience is equally curated. Multiple restaurants and bars are integrated into the historic setting, with a strong emphasis on fine gastronomy. This is a place for long, lingering dinners and tasting menus, not a quick buffet before heading out.

A different side of Tenerife

Choosing Gran Hotel Taoro means choosing a different Tenerife. This is the north, a region of deep green valleys, dramatic coastlines and a cultural richness that feels worlds away from the arid, beach-centric south. The hotel is a gateway to this authentic side of the island. You are just a short drive from the historic centre of Puerto de la Cruz, with its charming old town, the famous Lago Martiánez swimming complex designed by César Manrique, and the black-sand Playa de Martiánez. The hotel’s gardens also have a direct visual and physical connection to the nearby official botanical gardens, making it a perfect base for nature lovers.

The target clientele here is distinct. This is a haven for travellers seeking a quiet, upscale and culturally rich stay. You won't find thumping poolside DJs or organised pool games. Instead, you’ll find an atmosphere of refined calm that appeals to discerning couples, history buffs, wellness seekers and, it seems, international music icons looking for a genuine escape. The hotel is conveniently located about a 30-minute drive from Tenerife North Airport, making it easily accessible without being in a flight path.

What you need to know before booking

As you would expect for a property of this calibre, a stay here is an investment in an experience. Recent reporting indicates that rates start at around €245 per night in the low season, rising to approximately €352 in high season for a standard room. These figures place it firmly in the upper-luxury bracket for Tenerife, but they reflect the unique combination of 5-star service, historic significance and a one-of-a-kind garden setting that you simply won't find in a modern resort. The price is for the privilege of sleeping within a living piece of Spanish tourism history.

It is important to note the delicate dance of celebrity and privacy. While Gran Hotel Taorro is the hotel most consistently linked to hosting artists like Don Omar and Chayanne around their festival dates, there has been no official confirmation from the hotel, the artists or the festival organisers. Such discretion is, of course, precisely why a place like this is chosen. The connection serves as a powerful illustration of the hotel's status and appeal, but the exact guest list remains a well-kept secret, as it should be.