The Wellness Holiday Boutique reviews Hotel Botanico and The Oriental Spa Garden

Hotel Botanico & The Oriental Spa Garden is a 5-star luxury retreat in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife. Set across 25,000sqm of lush, Asian-inspired gardens, the hotel offers stunning views of Mount Teide and the Orotava Valley. Tenerife’s year-round mild temperatures, typically ranging from 20-28°C, make it an ideal destination for those seeking winter sun without the need for long-haul travel.

A quick 4-hour flight from the UK, Hotel Botanico is a 1-hour drive from Tenerife South Airport, where international flights arrive. Located in the north of the island, this area is renowned for offering a more authentic Canary Islands experience. On the journey to the hotel, I noticed the increasing number of lush palm trees and tropical vegetation, which set the tone for the peaceful retreat awaiting me.

The Hotel

As a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, my expectations were high, and I wasn’t disappointed. The moment I stepped into the hotel, I was greeted by a stunning display of suspended leaves over a large amethyst crystal at the reception—a truly striking first impression. The hotel is designed to offer a tranquil, relaxing environment, ideal for unwinding. There’s plenty of space to lounge by the main pool or relax on the first-floor terrace, while the adults-only spa area ensures a peaceful retreat for those seeking serenity.

As the name suggests, Hotel Botanico is surrounded by 25,000sqm of meticulously designed oriental-inspired gardens. These lush gardens are home to koi carp-filled ponds, graceful black swans, and a variety of tropical plants and trees—perfect for wandering and finding moments of calm. Art lovers will appreciate the extensive collection of paintings and sculptures displayed throughout the hotel, including works by both local and international artists. In fact, this is the largest private art collection in the Canary Islands. The charming old town of Puerto de la Cruz is just a 15-minute walk downhill, where you’ll find the black sand beaches and the sound of crashing waves. For those not keen on the steep walk back, the hotel offers a shuttle service for a more convenient return. The hotel is also close to shops and restaurants, offering easy access to local dining and shopping experiences.

The hotel’s guest services team were incredibly helpful in arranging a visit to Loro Parque, a renowned conservation wildlife park, and also recommended a trip to the picturesque town of La Orotava. Both are easily accessible, with a bus stop right outside the hotel, and I highly recommend adding them to your itinerary.

The Rooms

Hotel Botanico features 252 rooms and suites, all elegantly furnished with a classic design complemented by modern amenities. Each room is equipped with USB ports and a large flatscreen TV offering a range of international channels, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. All rooms open onto a private balcony, where you can enjoy views of Mount Teide, the tranquil spa area, or the sparkling ocean.

During my stay, I had the pleasure of staying the Ambassador Junior Suite with Ocean Views. The suite featured a spacious lounge area, a walk-in dressing room, and a luxurious marble bathroom with both a bathtub and a shower. French doors opened onto a large terrace, complete with tables, chairs, and a sun lounger—perfect for enjoying my morning coffee while soaking in the stunning views of the lush, green putting green and the crystal-clear blue sea.

Dining

Hotel Botanico offers a delightful range of dining options across its four restaurants, each catering to different tastes. The Oriental is a standout, serving mouth-watering South-East Asian dishes in an elegant setting. Il Pappagallo offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu, perfect for those craving fresh, vibrant flavours. For a more casual experience, Palmera Real serves relaxed lunches on the poolside terrace, ideal for enjoying the warm Tenerife weather. Finally, Brunelli’s Steak House is the place to go for a delicious, hearty meal featuring top-quality steaks.

The Wellness Facilities

The spa at Hotel Botanico became my sanctuary during my stay, and honestly, I could have spent my entire time there. The spa is set within 3,500sqm of lush subtropical gardens, creating the perfect tranquil environment. The lagoon-style pool, surrounded by comfortable loungers, invites you to unwind, while the jacuzzi tucked inside a cave and the Thai pagoda offering outdoor treatments enhance the sense of serenity. Inside, there’s a luxurious thermal pool circuit with hydromassage jets, multiple saunas, steam rooms, sensation showers, an ice temple, and a relaxation room with waterbeds – all designed to rejuvenate your body and mind.

Upon arrival, my wellness journey began with a consultation with Dali, the nutritionist. She explained my tailored programme for the week and guided me through an advanced body composition analysis. This machine not only measured muscle mass and body fat but also pinpointed specific areas of concern and provided recommendations on my ideal BMI and calorie intake. To complement my wellness plan, I was given a booklet with local walks to boost my step count while exploring the beautiful Canarian surroundings. One of my first treatments was Udvartana, a detoxifying Ayurvedic scrub designed to cleanse the body of toxins, improve circulation, and reduce fat and cellulite. My therapist, Ursula, explained how the herbal scrub, specifically tailored to my dosha, would prepare my body for the weight loss process. Throughout the week, I enjoyed daily treatments aimed at toning and reshaping my body, alongside complimentary activities like meditation, Tai Chi, Pilates, and yoga. I couldn’t resist booking a reiki session, which left me feeling blissfully relaxed and re-energised – the perfect way to close my spa experience.

One of the highlights of my week was a yoga class held in the spa gardens. It was a deeply therapeutic experience, as I listened to the gentle sounds of birds chirping while gazing up at the trees swaying under the clear blue skies. By the end of my stay, I had my final consultation with Dali, feeling lighter both mentally and physically. She provided me with a helpful take-home guide, outlining the calorie expenditure for various exercises to incorporate into my routine back home. We also scheduled a follow-up call to track my progress once I returned.

Who's It For

Whether you're an overworked professional in need of relaxation, detoxification, and rejuvenation, or someone looking to kick-start a lifestyle change, Hotel Botanico and The Oriental Spa Gardens provides the perfect setting. Here, you can unwind, recharge, and get back into shape in a peaceful and luxurious environment.

Find out more about Hotel Botanico and The Oriental Spa Garden here or call to speak to one of our specialists on +44(0) 203 886 0082