Gran Hotel Taoro
In 1890 they sailed for two weeks to reach the northern shores of Tenerife and the Gran Hotel Taoro. We popped on an Easyjet flight speedy-boarded with our Pret snacks and sat back for an easy four hours. Photos organised, inbox sorted and we landed in Tenerife South airport before a jolly jaunt from the rocky South to the lush green of the North.
Heritage preservation dictates that Gran Hotel Taoro does not change the facade of the building and I am glad. The wings of the building guide you to the central entrance, a warm welcome through the picturesque walkway into the hotel. It’s unlikely that our Victorian counterparts would have breezed through the gliding glass doors that opened into the grand lobby but the smile, the warmth of welcome, I would hazard a guess, remains the same. In a luxury hotel, some things just should not change despite a century gap.
In the gallery space next to the main reception, photos of those days at Gran Hotel Taoro are displayed. Small framed, long handled tennis racquets held in one photograph by a white trousered player standing behind his doubles partner, a woman in a full length billowing, tight waisted skirt, hat and blouse. A moment in time captured. We, on the other hand, took at least four people to work out the selfie stick at the side of the pool. Another moment eventually captured. It was light, it was fun and collaboration. So completely different but indicative that change does and will happen and it needn’t be a bad thing.
Times change. Sushi is paired with sake, champagne and sherry, a scallop sliced delicately and decorated with small purple flowers, delivered to us by a gloved hand. A selection of knives proffered in a wooden box a luxury so that one might select their preferred cutting utensil with the meal by a proud waiter. Whereas drinks may have been served in a drawing room before dinner, we take them standing and seated at the bar surrounded by lush green and the mountain as well as the sea, all visible through the amply lit glass walled lobby.
I wonder if the mountain has changed much as I sit on my balcony later that day and stare past the sea, past the town up to its peak. Was there snow in January in 1890? Perhaps a cable car did not take people to the top as it does now but I am sure my counterpart of 150 years ago wondered at the majestic authority the mountain commands. And I enjoy this reflection as I sit on my balcony, my view once again stretching past the hotel pools, the town and the sea towards the mountain peak.
What stays and what goes to ensure the demands of the luxury business traveller these days? For me, the magic of the past compliments the quality of the hotel offering now. It may not be crystal chandeliers and tea trolleys but a more fitting selection of modern day MICE facilities are apt, the hospitality sincere.
We may be more inclined to spend half an hour unravelling the computer posture ache from our shoulders and backs in downward dog than donning full regalia and corsets for a jolly game of tennis. Yet reading nestled within the rich green pool towels, sipping on a cold beer may evoke something of the same regency and relaxation experienced across the ages. With easy access from rooms to the on-site conference centre, there’s no reason a corporate traveller shouldn’t enjoy the same.
Have the conference room, AV, Wifi, AC depleted this warmth? No. And one of the reasons for this is the staff. My billow skirted behatted friend of the Nineteenth Century was treated with respect and deference. Yet to enhance this, to make a modern, truly luxury experience, you must add more. Humour and confidence perhaps. An understanding that I was stealing a muffin from the breakfast pastries to take to my room and hiding your eyes made my morning. As did the gold embossed pool towel. The chilled white wine in the sunshine while the UK froze.
I’d imagine our swimming costumes very different from then to now. Yet that first dip in the morning must have felt as good then as it did now.
The Grand Hotel Taoro combines efficiency, ease and professionalism that means I would recommend it to a group or individuals alike. The surrounding area, a playground for adventure, culture and exemplary food & beverage options.
And it’s left me with that feeling that I have visited somewhere magical. A welcome surprise in a destination I had previously not considered for events. I hope to revisit and highly recommend you doing the same.
