Our overall view: A handsome and historic, 16th century manor house set in splendid isolation amongst the banana plantations of Garachico’s coast. The perfect, de-stress getaway.
Where is Hotel Rural El Patio?
In the middle of banana plantations on the fertile north west coast of Tenerife, a five minute drive and 25/30 minute walk away from Garachico; a 15 minute drive from Icod de los Vinos and a 30 minute drive from Puerto de la Cruz. The nearest centre is the hamlet of El Guincho which has a couple of bars and one café/restaurant.
What’s the Hotel Rural El Patio like?
in 1507, El Patio was given to Cristobal Del Ponte, the Genoese merchant credited with being the founder of Garachico, and it has been in the family hands ever since. A beautiful, 16th century manor house comprising a series of outbuildings and the manor house itself set around a magnificent garden patio, the construction is in typical traditional Canarian design incorporating tea wood floors, ceilings, galleries and balconies. El Patio exemplifies the elegance of aristocratic colonial living and style.
The hotel is set within extensive grounds and gardens which include a secluded swimming pool, lawn tennis court and croquet court. Around the patio are a TV room, a small honesty bar and a pleasant lounge and reading room, all of which provide cosy places to spend chilly evenings but most people prefer to sit in the patio beneath the palm trees (planted by the owner’s grandmother in 1902) and the star studded night sky. A second house with additional rooms, the former lodgings of plantation workers, is located a 2 minute walk away through the bananas. From the hotel, signed trails lead off through the plantations to the coast and to a small, black sand cove.
El Patio’s greatest assets are its history, its looks and the absolute tranquillity of its location. If you’re looking for facilities, entertainment and a large resort close at hand you’ll find yourself all at sea here. On the other hand, if you want to experience all the elegance of colonial living in a rural setting beneath a sky unsullied by artificial light, you’ll love it.
What are the rooms in Hotel Rural El Patio like?
The rooms are all individually styled and ooze original character with antique furniture, wooden, shuttered windows and beamed ceilings. Windows are small so there isn’t a lot of natural light but floor space is generous and beds are comfortable. By design, there are no TVs or telephones in the rooms which gives you an idea of how much guests value the quiet.
Storage space is plentiful and the en suite is a good size with plenty of hot water but toiletries are minimal and of the sachet variety. There is allegedly wifi throughout but in our experience it only functioned if your room happened to be near reception. Otherwise it’s the courtyard – no hardship it has to be said.
How is the food?
Breakfast consists of the usual suspects in terms of cereals, fresh and tropical fruits (naturally bananas feature heavily), cold meat, cheeses, fresh breads and a small selection of hot dishes. But sitting at the panoramic dining room window watching the plantation workers at work and the sun dancing on the ocean while sipping freshly brewed coffee from cafetières is a priceless way to start the day.
In the spirit of the manor’s historic role as protector and provider for the village of Garachico, El Patio only provides the option of dinner twice a week so that local restaurants can also benefit from having guests. With several good eating options available, the hotel is happy to provide recommendations.
What’s the best thing about Hotel Rural El Patio?
The singular beauty of the property and it’s unique position in the heart of Tenerife’s lush, rural Isla Baja region where only the sound of the ocean carries through the night. Complete relaxation and serenity are guaranteed here, a de-stress paradise.
How much is it to stay at Hotel Rural El Patio?
Double rooms in Patio II (the former plantation workers’ house) are €74 a night, in the house they’re €84 a night and a superior double is €103 a night. Breakfast is included and minimum stay is 3 nights. The website runs special offers in low seasons.
Who would Hotel Rural El Patio suit?
Anyone looking for an authentic experience of Tenerife; lovers of the countryside; tranquillity seekers, and walkers looking to be based in easy access of Teno National Park and walks in the west of Tenerife. Not ideal for families.
Hotel Rural El Patio, Finca Malpais, El Guincho, Garachico; (+34) 922 133 280
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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