Bancal: an embrace between Luxury and Sustainability
Bancal Hotel & Spa is the meeting point between luxury, Gomera tradition and sustainability. Moved by our love for the island’s history, we have created spaces that, while modern, blend in with the surroundings and are respectful of the environment and the people around us. Ready to learn about and be a part of the story behind Bancal?
The Origins
This project was born out of our commitment to understand the roots of the island of La Gomera and how its people faced a territory as abrupt as it is rugged.
We are in a privileged location: an elevated plateau with a certain inclination (formerly a terraced tomato plantation) skirted by a ravine at the mouth of Roque Bermejo. On the opposite side is a cliff overlooking the immense Atlantic Ocean, with a privileged view of the island of Tenerife and with Mount Teide as a backdrop.
On some pre-existing ruins, and after several attempts by previous investors who had the dream of inhabiting this place, we erected what is now a reality. After more than a year of a laborious, almost archaeological process of demolition and removal through exhaustive waste management, and a great deal of work to clean up an unfinished structure that had been abandoned for more than 14 years, we began the construction of this unique resort: Bancal Hotel & Spa. Construction began in late 2019 and was completed during the first half of 2024.
Architecture
The project was made to adapt to the territory where it is located, taking advantage of the orography of the place by using terraced constructions, imitating the original terraces of the tomato farm, and extrapolating the method of the ancient farmers to tame the rugged terrain of the island: staggering with stone walls to create horizontal platforms.
Using these ancestral techniques and the basaltic volcanic stone extracted from the excavation of the site, the stone walls that surround the enclosure were initially built. This also creates a public pedestrian walkway around the entire perimeter. This process gave rise to the terraces where the different rooms of Bancal Hotel & Spa have been located. The materials used in the construction merge with the surroundings; one can barely see it from a distance. Both the exterior and the interiors are imbued with a rough architecture that strikes up a dialogue with the harshness of the landscape outside, generating spaces that seem to simulate caves.
On the other hand, vegetation is key at Bancal Hotel & Spa. Our terraces come to life with the flora that discreetly take over the entire space. Our vegetation consumes little water and is environmentally respectful.
Awarded as the best refurbishment of facilities with more than 100 rooms in 2024, by CaixaBank.
Sustainability
At Bancal Hotel & Spa, we work every day to care for La Gomera and preserve its natural and cultural essence. These are some of the actions we take to move towards a more sustainable way of traveling:
Energy
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100% electric hotel.
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Over 2,000 photovoltaic panels generate around 40% of our total energy needs.
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The remaining energy comes from certified renewable sources.
Water
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State-of-the-art water treatment system that allows water to be reused.
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Smart irrigation system for gardens and orchards, ensuring efficient water use.
Local produce and gardens
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We grow fruits, vegetables and aromatic plants in our own hotel gardens.
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We collaborate with a wide network of local suppliers to offer seasonal, locally sourced products.
Responsible management
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Digital processes to reduce paper consumption.
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Efficient waste management to minimize our environmental impact.
Sustainable mobility
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100% electric vehicle fleet for hotel operations.
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Dedicated spaces for bicycles and e-scooters available for staff use.
Community commitment
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Nearly 70% of our team lives in La Gomera.
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We are committed to local employment and the development of the island’s economy.