A Historical Gem: The El Grifo Hotel in Lanzarote
There are places where history and land become intertwined, making them inseparable. In Lanzarote, where lava has shaped a landscape of impossible vineyards, a proposal emerges that transcends mere accommodation. This is El Grifo Hotel, a natural extension of the oldest winery in Canary Islands, designed for those seeking an intimate experience in the heart of La Geria.
Here, respite is more than rest: the aroma of wine fills the air, visitors wander among twisted vines, and discover a way of life that has turned aridity into a symbol of resilience. It’s a destination where travellers become part of the island’s winemaking traditions.
From Winery to Hotel
For decades, Bodega El Grifo has been a must-visit on the island. Its museum, featuring references to luminaries like Saramago and César Manrique, along with its malvasía wines, attracts thousands of visitors each year. However, the heirs, Juan José and Fermín Otamendi, aimed to take things further.
Two years ago, they invested in a model of exclusive oenotourism, focusing on quality and unique experiences, far removed from mass tourism. The concept was clear: to transform the visit into a holistic experience, combining culture, gastronomy, and relaxation in a unique setting.
A Historical Homestead
The boutique hotel occupies a family house built in the late 18th century on volcanic land. For generations, it served as a family home until it became known as the Caserío de Mozaga in 1998. Today, it has been revitalised under a new identity, reinforcing its connection to Lanzarote’s unique viticulture.
The accommodation includes nine double rooms and two suites, each with its own distinct character. A sophisticated and elegant aesthetic prevails, featuring thoughtful details and stunning views of a moon-like landscape adorned with vineyards. This environment invites tranquillity and a direct connection to the island’s nature.
Rooted Gastronomy
The project also includes the restaurant El Grifo Mozaga, open to external diners from Tuesday to Saturday evenings. Its culinary offering pays tribute to Canarian cuisine, reimagined with a creative flair and accompanied, as expected, by the winery’s wines.
The gastronomic experience ranges from fresh whites to volcanic reds, always aimed at conveying the identity of a land where each vine contends against ash and wind.
Experiences for Travellers
Guests arriving at El Grifo Hotel find more than just a place to sleep. From the moment of arrival, they are welcomed with a glass of wine and the opportunity to explore the winery through a guided tour.
The establishment offers exclusive experiences that reinforce its oenotouristic philosophy:
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Finca Testeina: a journey from the hotel to the vineyards, including a visit to the museum and the family house, culminating at the wine bar with pairings of wines and local products.
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Wine Enthusiasts: an immersion into the historic chabocos, the volcanic stone pits where the vines grow, along with tastings in the library and a pairing of six wines with local cheeses.
Sustainable Tourism
More than just a hotel, El Grifo stands as a manifesto for sustainable and quality tourism. Sleeping among vineyards born of lava, walking through stone walls that protect the vines from wind, and toasting with wines that express the essence of Lanzarote transforms the stay into a sensory and cultural journey.
This proposal aims to attract respectful travellers interested in understanding the heroic viticulture that defines La Geria, and who wish to experience the island’s authentic spirit. In this regard, El Grifo Hotel emerges as an essential destination for those seeking more than sun and beach: an immersion into the volcanic soul of Lanzarote.