Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife always surprises: land expecting just another sunny island, then drive ten minutes from the airport and suddenly misty pine forests appear with Teide floating above the clouds like an unrequested postcard.
Some days are spent hiding in the green north, sipping wine in a crumbling plaza in La Laguna while it drizzles; others are down south, ignoring the crowds because the water is that impossible blue and the black sand burns bare feet.
The island never picks a side, so it just keeps switching between lush forest and desert coast while Teide watches from the middle, unbothered.
Hotel Botanico Garden Spa
My 1st night stay at Hotel Botanico, the room that felt like a dream. I slept like a baby, cradled in a massive king-size bed that was almost too comfortable, with soft, plush bedding that made it hard to get up. When morning came, I pressed a button, and the curtains gilded open to reveal a view that stopped me in my tracks. Right outside my window, the hotel’s sparkling pool stretched out, surrounded by vibrant pops of red from the umbrellas dotting the deck. Beyond it, the mountains rose majestically, their rugged slopes framed perfectly against the morning sky, blending natural beauty with the resort’s elegant charm. It was breathtaking, like something out of a painting, and I couldn’t stop staring. The room itself was lovely, spacious, and thoughtfully designed, with every detail adding to the sense of luxury. But the real treat came when I headed downstairs for breakfast. The dining area was on the first floor, tucked behind a stunning circular staircase that spiraled gracefully next to an indoor bird aviary—such a unique touch. The buffet was nothing short of incredible, included with the stay, and it had everything you could imagine. There were six distinct food stations, each one brimming with options: warm, fresh-baked breads and pastries that smelled divine, made-to-order omelets, colorful arrays of fresh fruits, and platters of meats and cheeses. You could dine inside, surrounded by the elegant ambiance, or step outside to eat by the pool, with that same stunning mountain backdrop in view. I tried a little of everything, and let me tell you, there’s no way you’d leave hungry. It was the kind of breakfast that sets the tone for an amazing day, and I already can’t wait to wake up to it again tomorrow.
UNESCO Biosphere
Our morning journey approximately 1 hour form the hotel took us on an unforgettable adventure through a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where we drove high into the mountains along a winding, narrow road that twisted through breathtaking scenery. Midway, our driver paused at a scenic overlook, offering a stunning view of the lush valley below, its vibrant greens stretching far into the distance. The challenging drive to the summit was well worth it, revealing nature’s grandeur at every turn. At the top, we took a short stroll through an open-air, cavernous street, where natural rock walls dripped with emerald moss and towering trees formed a magical canopy overhead, casting a fairytale-like enchantment over the path. A trip not to be missed. As we strolled through the Real Santuario del Santísimo Cristo de La Laguna, our guide’s voice carried a personal warmth, sharing that this active church hosts weekly services and holds deep family ties—her own mother was married here, beneath the silver altar that gleams across the wall, catching the dim light. The 16th-century Gothic sanctuary, nestled in San Cristóbal de La Laguna’s historic heart, enveloped us in its spiritual embrace radiating a quiet, miraculous presence. The air felt alive with soft chants and the distant hum of plaza life, blending devotion with the everyday. Within the same square is located The Mercado de Abastos de La Laguna - Market. I love how it’s a lively, authentic spot in the Lower Town, right by Plaza del Adelantado, steeped in that colonial-era trading vibe. Wandering the covered market, surrounded by the colors and smells of fresh Canarian cheeses, tropical fruits like papayas and bananas, and sweet treats like bienmesabe, made my mouth water. It was perfect for soaking up real local life, even picking up some picnic goodies or just enjoying the vendors. La Laguna Gran Hotel’s lobby is a vibrant, open-air haven filled with lush greenery, anchored by grand wooden doors that exudes Spanish elegance and a blend of modern luxury. The standout was a fascinating display of tobacco and traditional cigar rolling, celebrating Tenerife’s heritage with authentic charm. A sweeping wooden staircase adds a warm, timeless Spanish flair. Though I didn’t see the rooms, the lobby’s blend of history and natural beauty, set in the heart of San Cristóbal de La Laguna’s UNESCO core, was captivating. The Convent of Santa Catalina de Siena, founded in 1603, features a striking wooden balcony overlooking Plaza del Adelantado, allowing cloistered nuns to observe public events without being seen, maintaining their spiritual seclusion. Latticed screens or shutters on the balcony ensure privacy, aligning with Dominican rules of enclosure, while the convent’s Baroque church and 18th-century frescoes highlight its historical role in baptizing indigenous Guanches. Today, the cloisters house a school and art exhibits, blending the nuns’ secluded past with modern community engagement; it also preserves the incorrupt body of Sister María de Jesús de León y Delgado, known as "La Siervita," whose miraculous life of piety and attributed wonders draws thousands of pilgrims annually on February 15 for a special public viewing and veneration of her remains. La Laguna’s historic center is a lively, car-free gem with cobbled streets and sunny plazas, steeped in Spanish colonial history. I love strolling here, soaking up the buzz of locals, charming boutique shops, and the scent of fresh Tenerife dishes from cozy eateries. We explored three different colonial homes (16th-18th centuries) with iconic wooden balconies and spacious open atriums crafted from Canary pine trees. Each step through this UNESCO World Heritage Site feels like a journey back in time, where the vibrant energy of today blends seamlessly with the island’s rich cultural past.
Bodegas Monje
High in Tenerife’s lush La Orotava Valley, our afternoon stop brought us to the welcoming vineyard of Bodegas Monje. We were greeted with chilled glasses of rosé, paired perfectly with a platter of savory cured meats on the sunlit back patio. From there, sweeping views stretched across the vineyard to the distant ocean—an unforgettable setting that set the tone for the day. Next, we toured the Movajo, vineyard perched dramatically above the sea, producing around 100,000 bottles each year. Our intimate tour wove through its rugged history, beginning among rows of LISTÁN NEGRO vines. Stories of winemaking dating back to 1750 came alive through our engaging guide. Since 2020, Movajo has also begun crafting two distinctive beers: a light, fruit-forward bestseller and a darker pour—visually reminiscent of Guinness but surprisingly bright, with hints of mango, evoking the easy-drinking style of Blue Moon. A highlight of the visit was the mojo workshop, where we learned to make Tenerife’s iconic sauces. After a lively demonstration, we rolled up our sleeves to create our own—red or green—pounding paprika, garlic, and cilantro into vibrant blends that tied every bite of lunch to the island’s salty air and volcanic soil. Lunch itself was a feast: our freshly made mojos drizzled over PAPAS ARRUGADAS (wrinkled potatoes) and tender shared pork, followed by a silky, spiced pudding that ended the meal on a perfect note.
