Hotel Hacienda de Abajo’s not-so-humble origins began in 1492 as a sugar plantation on the island of La Palma. The property grew further in size and wealth due to the popularity of sugar in Antwerp, Belgium. Patronage and business led to the amassing of a collection of Flemish art, which now decorates the property.
The modern Hacienda de Abajo is an adults-only heritage hotel boasting individually decorated accommodations and an array of resort amenities. If you’re thinking of spending some of your well-earned vacation days here, continue reading our review of the historic Hotel Hacienda de Abajo in Spain.
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A brief history of Hotel Hacienda de Abajo
The beginning
When the Castilians first established their colony on the Canary Islands, they found that the island of La Palma was blessed with fertile lands and nourishing waters. Sugar became one of the main crops of the island, which Hacienda de Abajo focused on. The hacienda’s early successes are attributed to Don Jacome de Monteverde and his mercantile skills. Burgeoning trade with Flanders, now modern-day Belgium, grew the hacienda’s fortunes. Along with financial wealth, the owners also amassed a collection of art, many of which decorate the hacienda even to this day.
Present Day
Centuries would pass and the hacienda would come into the hands of Enrique Luis Larroque del Castillo-Olivares. He initially used the property to showcase the family’s 1300-piece art collection, but would later conceptualize turning the whole hacienda into a hotel. To be fair, were I in his situation, I would also want to show off my family’s grandest showpieces.
Historic works and furniture are incorporated into the hotel, and guests are often surprised to learn they would be sleeping in beds several centuries old. Even at the restaurant and other facilities, one could find matching artworks that complement and enhance the atmosphere.
Hotel Hacienda de Abajo-Adults Only-Lujo
Address: Miguel de Unamuno, 11
Architecture & design
While the hacienda has existed since the 1492, its transformation into a hotel is comparatively more recent. Officially opened in 2012, the hotel has kept its Spanish Colonial architecture intact while ensuring the visual focus of the interior spaces is on the artworks. In addition to retaining the architecture, the hotel also reuses wood and ashlars from unused buildings for any new additions to the property.
The main hotel area is a walled enclosure, centered around four buildings surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Endemic and exotic species line the walkways and fill the flowerbeds. Guests can sit on the benches or relax under the pergolas that dot the garden. Should I ever get the chance to visit, I’d need to take something for my hay fever to get a chance to take a closer look at the colorful blooms.
Rooms & suites
Featuring 32 guestrooms spread across the property, the accommodations at Hotel Hacienda de Abajo promise a comfort-filled stay at this slice of tropical paradise.
Superior & Premium Rooms
As a luxury hotel, Hacienda de Abajo’s standard accommodations are in a class most other establishments will find hard to match. Their Superior Rooms feature 38 sqm (409.03 sqft) of space lined with antiques and artworks, along with views of the garden and banana plantation. The Premium Rooms vary somewhat, ranging from 32 sqm (344.44 sqft) to 45 sqm (484.38 sqft).
Junior Suite
The Junior Suites are limited in number and situated in the main house. They have between 39 sqm (419.79 sqft) and 50 sqm (538.19 sqft) devoted to comfort, featuring a full bath and a living area with antique seats.
Suite
The jewel of the hacienda’s accommodations, the 74 sqm (796.53 sqft) suite comes equipped with the most premium amenities. Guests can admire the Atlantic Ocean from the furnished balcony or unwind on 18th-century furniture. The suite also features some of the hotel’s most precious artworks, including a French tapestry from the 17th century.
Restaurants & bars
An important part of a heritage hotel is its connection with culture and history, and one very apparent medium to see that is through the cuisine. Hotel Hacienda de Abajo masterfully represents its heritage at its on-site restaurant El Sitio, while the bar La Salita offers beverages that express the colors and flavors of the Canary Islands.
El Sitio
By blending modern innovations with traditional techniques and recipes, El Sitio surprises guests and gourmands with its takes on Spanish-Canarian cuisine. The first-class dining experience uses only the freshest ingredients that are also all sourced locally. One aspect I am quite curious about is their extensive list of vintages, which include wines made from Baboso grapes native to the Canaries.
La Salita
Offering a more casual setting and a cheerful ambiance, La Salita embraces the multicultural aspects of mixology and drinking for leisure. You’d probably find me here under the Balinese umbrellas trying out signature drinks such as the Mojito de la Hacienda. I’d also look forward to sampling their honey rum and house coffee.
Wellness facilities
The verdant setting of Hotel Hacienda de Abajo is perfect for nourishing and reinvigorating the body and soul.
Wellness Facilities and Activities
- The heated outdoor swimming pool isn't just for gleeful socializing; a few short laps around the pool are a great way to stretch one's limbs and get the blood circulating.
- For those who are a bit reclusive, such as myself, I would recommend a good soak in the bathhouse's spa hot tub instead.
- There's also a sauna room if you'd like to detox after having a few glasses of wine at the bar.
- For the fitness-minded, there are private yoga classes and personal trainers.
The Spa
The on-site spa offers a wide range of treatments, rituals, and massages for you to take advantage of.
- I'd be tempted to try the Osteo-Thai bodywork, which combines the precision of Thai massages with osteopathy.
- There's also geothermal therapy, which uses heated stones and helps with the body's circulation and metabolism.
Event spaces & experiences
With incredible views all around the property, Hotel Hacienda de Abajo is a prime choice for both fun-filled getaways and celebrating special occasions.
Event Spaces
- Corporate events aren't just about fancy dresses and suits in stuffy halls. Treat your people right with a sunny retreat while the hotel handles the small stuff such as preparing the meeting rooms and catering.
- Likewise, the hotel also welcomes private celebrations such as weddings, reunions, and birthdays. Celebrants can even arrange for live music with bands and DJs.
Experiences
Santa Cruz de La Palma is a city full of fun things to do and see, and Hotel Hacienda de Abajo can be your gateway to those adventures.
- On a personal note, I'd be keen to check out the Banana Museum and learn more about the fruit and its production in La Palma.
- I'd also like to get my hands on a bottle of Palmero rum after joining a distillery tour.
Services & sustainability efforts
In my honest opinion, I don’t think a hotel is complete if they don’t offer any personalized services. But I can easily say Hotel Hacienda de Abajo surpassed my expectations!
Services
- Visitors to La Palma can make use of the airport shuttle and forgo the trouble of renting a car.
- Chauffeur services are also available.
- For those planning a hike or field excursion, packed lunches prepared by the on-site restaurants can be availed.
Sustainability and Ecotourism
The Sustainability Movement is a driving force in how hotels now operate in Europe. La Palma is also recognized as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, and Hotel Hacienda de Abajo is proud to do its part in protecting the environment.
- The hotel practices recycling bio-waste and managing food waste, ensuring even scraps are made useful by the hotel and plantation.
- The hotel was rewarded the Green Economy Award for their aid in the development of rural areas, as well as fighting against climate change and defending the biodiversity of the Canary Islands.
Location
Travelers can find Hotel Hacienda de Abajo in the city of Tazacorte, near the western coast of La Palma. It’s a 50-minute drive from La Palma Airport and the route will be an enjoyable one, with lots of scenery to admire.
Nearby things to do
- Playa Nueva: Just an 8-minute walk from the hotel, Playa Nueva is a black sand beach below a cliff. Access is unfortunately limited as there are steep stairs.
- Puerto Tazacorte: Nature lovers who would love to see marine animals in their habitats can book a whale-watching cruise or sign up for a diving excursion.
Why this historic hotel deserves a spot on your list
A stay at Hotel Hacienda de Abajo will be a unique and memorable experience. Here are a few more points that might inspire you to take a trip here:
- Heritage: The property's history spans five centuries, yet many of its features remain standing today. Intermingling cultural influences from the natives, the Spanish, and the Flemish have molded this plantation into the splendid hotel it is today. Moreover, I'd also like to point out that these influences are very apparent in the hotel's cuisine.
Art Hotel: Through its long history, the hacienda was not only able to amass a massive art collection, it was also able to preserve it. I would compare art connoisseurs seeing many hidden works like children in a toy shop. The owner of the hotel is also quite dedicated to restoring these artworks and ensuring these treasures will be seen by future generations.
Quality Work: With multiple awards in various endeavors, Hotel Hacienda de Abajo is an establishment that I would say practices what it preaches. The hotel is titled an “Emblematic Hotel” by the Canarian Government, for embodying the culture and heritage of the Canary Islands. They were also given the Hispania Nostra Award for Best Practices in the Conservation of Cultural Heritage in 2014 for their art preservation efforts.
Take off to La Palma for an art-tastic tropical escape
Through the roiling tides of five centuries and several volcanic explosions, Hacienda de Abajo remains standing alongside its plantations and treasured art collection. If you’re a proud art buff looking for “lost” or “underrated” masterpieces, or more like myself who’s looking to enjoy the local rums and wines, booking a stay at Hotel Hacienda de Abajo will not be a mistake.
History
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