Designer boutique hotels in Tenerife: Wellness meets luxury

Once considered a place of sun and sand, Tenerife is fast becoming one of the top destinations for those looking to improve their wellness routine. Its prime location in the Canary Islands, off the west coast of Africa, means that this volcanic island is bathed in a warm golden glow all year round. From the depths of winter to the height of summer, temperatures hover around 25ºC, making it the perfect place to visit whenever you're craving a good night's rest. Plus, with the new wave of designer hotels in Tenerife available all year round, such as the EcoHotel El AguaThere is no better time to make your well-being a priority.

EcoHotel El Agua: at the forefront of designer hotels in Tenerife

Tucked away in the idyllic, traditional village of Arico, EcoHotel El Agua trades all-inclusive stays and Balinese-style villas for holistic wellness programmes and designer interiors. Why? According to its founder, Anthony PicqIn the hectic, fast-paced world we live in, people feel like taking a break and resetting their lives. By creating a hotel tucked away on a hilltop, nestled among the rolling hills of a subtropical valley, Picq offers a destination for travellers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. Behind the hotel's stone walls hides a sanctuary of serenity where wellness experts guide guests on a journey deeply rooted in holistic health, healing, naturopathy, mindfulness and Hippocratic medicine. Special emphasis here is placed on deep fasting and regenerative autophagy (with medical guidance), as well as cryotherapy treatments. With a strictly limited number of guests and uninterrupted views of Tenerife's rugged landscape, a stay here is an opportunity to reconnect with oneself and balance mind, body and spirit.

An exclusive boutique hotel in Tenerife

EcoHotel El Agua is more than just a place to stay. It is a haven of well-being that embraces the beauty of nature while offering a first-class experience. Its architecture harmonises with the natural surroundings and the main lodge, Villa Olivooffers a retreat for two people. Occupancy will soon increase with the opening of another villa and a group of flats, but for now only a couple can enjoy a stay here, making it one of the most exclusive romantic hotels in Tenerife.

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Wabi-sabi as a lifestyle

If you've been keeping up with interior design trends on Instagram, chances are the minimalist aesthetic of wabi-sabi has caught your eye. However, it's more than just neutral colours and natural materials, wabi-sabi is a way of life and infuses everything that EcoHotel El Agua stands for. Its principles remind us to embrace the beauty of a naturally imperfect world, and Villa Olivo's interiors are a testament to this. From the weathered wood, handcrafted ceramics and soft linens adorning every corner, the villa fosters a deep appreciation of nature and encourages guests to connect with themselves, away from the distractions of overly luxurious facilities.

Neutral interiors not only create a space conducive to inner peace and well-being, but are designed with Feng Shui in mind. This optimises natural light and airflow, while allowing energy to flow throughout the space promoting a sense of balance and vitality. But the benefits of these interior styles don't end there. There are many more ways in which design influences well-being.

Clearing the mind

Villa Olivo manages to offer its guests a cosy stay in a minimalist environment. The combination of natural colours creates a harmonious balance that calms the mind and reduces visual stimuli. But this is not all. Every corner of the villa has been carefully designed to hide clutter and spark the imagination with selected design-inspired objects, all within the sustainable environment. Guests can purchase pots, vases or statues, the proceeds of which go to an NGO of artisans from around the world. Its calming presence relaxes the mind, creating one of the best places for guests to truly unwind and enter a healing state of deep rest. Yet with a private pool, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, outdoor sitting area and terrace, free organic and plant-based toiletries (cruelty-free, of course), coffee maker and pool views, this home away from home has everything you need to enjoy your stay. Plus, concierge services ensure you're never short of essentials for the ultimate wellness experience.

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What are the benefits?

The feeling of calm and weightlessness experienced after a Watsu® treatment makes it one of the most popular treatments at EcoHotel El Agua for people of all ages. As each session is tailored to the individual needs and specific condition of each guest, the benefits are also unique. Guests who choose this therapy can experience a deep sense of relaxation and renewal and therapeutic effects that extend beyond the physical by offering a space for emotional release and mental rejuvenation.

Connecting with nature

It has been scientifically proven that nature has a profoundly positive effect on our mental well-being. So it is no wonder that guests are immersed in a picturesque natural environment during their stay. From the delicate scent of essential oils wafting on the breeze inside Villa Olivo's lounge to the outdoor saltwater pool, the soothing embrace of nature is felt in every corner. An evening listening to the gentle trickle of water trickling through the fountains of EcoHotel El Agua's aromatic botanical gardens as birds flit and fly through the trees across the mountain views is a far cry from the luxury hotels of southern Tenerife. Here, the connection with nature reminds guests of nature's cycles and our place in the big world, making it one of Tenerife's best boutique hotels for wellness. EcoHotel El Agua's dedication to nature is not limited to its sustainable interiors. The hotel has implemented a water recycling system, composting stations and solar panels for energy.

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Mindfulness

Wabi-sabi sees nature and natural elements as an anchor to the present moment. Imagine picking up a book from a worn wooden bookshelf and heading to a carved stone bench to read it under the shade of an olive tree, overlooking the garden and the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. This connection with nature allows guests at EcoHotel El Agua to appreciate the sustainable nature of the design and stay connected to the present while perceiving the cycles of nature.

Ageing is a sign of beauty

The cycles of nature are reflected in the delicate ageing process of the natural materials used throughout the hotel. From the smooth texture of the antique wooden spa door to the soft patina of the metal used in the elegant hotel rooms, guests are reminded that they are not in control and that beauty can be found in every stage of life.

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Luxury wellness and design spa in Tenerife

The spirit of rejuvenating design extends to the exclusive facilities at EcoHotel El Agua. Candlelit dinners are served in the depths of a tropical cave accessible only by crossing a stone path over a shallow pond. Inside, a small boutique tempts guests with hand-selected artisanal products and a large dining table sets the scene for an exclusive dining experience from show-cooking, unlike anything seen in other boutique style hotels.

Between exploring the surroundings, climbing the Teide volcano or feeding the soul with delicious plant-based meals, guests are encouraged to take part in one of the leading wellness programmes on offer. The newly built spa invites guests on a wellness journey that takes them around the world without leaving the four walls of the spa. True to the principles of wabi-sabi, the spa houses a Turkish-inspired hammam, a Finnish-inspired sauna, a Shirodhara Ayurvedic treatment couch and a massage bed where expert hands dissolve without
stresses and strains accumulated in the body. The wellness centre is also home to an outdoor pool and hot tub as luxurious as any 5-star resort. Attention to detail and a strong focus on design make the spa at the EcoHotel El Agua stand out. From the Japanese Shou sugi ban woodwork to the Arabic-inspired architectural motifs adorning the hammam, the spa is a sumptuous sanctuary of tranquillity.

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The importance of design in wellness hotels

Design plays a key role in wellness hotels, shaping the environment and influencing the overall guest experience. The EcoHotel El Agua is an excellent example of how carefully designed spaces can evoke a sense of calm, promote relaxation and enhance guests' wellbeing. Natural elements, soothing colour palettes and ergonomic furnishings are incorporated to foster a sense of connection with the environment and promote holistic wellbeing. In addition, the incorporation of mindfulness and sustainability elements into the design further reinforces the wellness ethos of these hotels, offering guests a truly immersive and transformative experience.