La Gomera is often touted as the Canaries’ best kept secret and it is clear to see why. Hotel Jardin Tecina provides a ‘getaway-from-it-all’ experience.
After flying into Tenerife South, La Gomera is reached by taking the Fred. Olsen ferry from Los Cristianos to San Sebastian. Fred. Holidays also includes private transfer for the land parts of the journey.
The route from San Sebastian to Hotel Jardin Tecina follows steep hillsides and deep ravines and the winding roads clinging to the sides of the volcanic slopes.
Check-in is efficient and luggage is transported to your room by electric cart.
It is common for guests to explore the island by car and a car hire desk is available adjacent to the reception.
The hotel is set in mature gardens, alongside a banana plantation.
We stayed in a Superior room with full sea view and were shown examples of other room types, apart from Junior Suite which was fully booked. Standard, Comfort and Superior are of the same generous size and the view dictates which category each falls into. Duplex (formerly Family room) is basically one Superior room on top of another, with a roof terrace, internal staircase and iPod docks. Superior upwards benefits from having in room tea and coffee facilities.
There are several swimming pools on the resort. Most are in a central area with one located at Club Laurel at beach level. Hotel Jardin Tecina is built on a cliff and the best way to descend to beach level is by the lift that runs through the cliff. A sun terrace is located on the roof of the main building accessed from the reception area.
Breakfast is served in the Restaurant Principle and International Restaurant. For guests on half board (most stay on this basis) buffet dinner is served in Restaurant Principle. The International (set taster menu) and Tasca Fandango (varying speciality Spanish and Canary menu) are offered to guests on half board at a supplement of around €6 per person.
Meals at Club Laurel are offered at a discount of 25% off menu prices. Pizza and pasta is a popular choice here. The Cave is located above Club Laurel and offers a unique experience for special occasions or just for extra seclusion. A meal is served by a wire to the cave where there is a table, chairs and small bed. It can be hired through the hotel for day or evening, but needs booking several months in advance.
Bars Kristina and Beatrix de Bobadilla are located in the main building. The Piscina bar is by the pool and a further bar is available at Club Laurel.
Sports facilities at Hotel Jardin Tecina include Tennis, paddle board and squash. There is also a well-equipped gym and beauty treatment rooms.
Playa de Santiago is the nearest village and is walkable from the hotel in around 15 minutes. It offers a few bars and restaurants plus a couple of mini markets.
Tecina golf offers 18 or 9 holes with clubhouse and shop. Drinks and snacks are available on the terrace. Tecina course offers sea views from every hole. Packages from 1 night upwards are available to book through Fred. Holidays.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Hotel Jardin Tecina and will definitely return. Next time we will take advantage of the available car hire option and explore the island and its UNESCO World Heritage Site, Garajonay National Park.
