February 2025 | VOL 14
HOLISTIC STAY
words Alp Tekin
The sun of the Canary Islands casts dreamy shadows over the palm-lined Arico Valley on the southeastern coast of Tenerife. A warm breeze rustles through the lush lavender, rosemary, and cypress bushes, filling the air with a delightful aroma. There’s hardly a soul in sight—just a cluster of traditional houses surrounding EcoHotel El Agua. Nestled among expansive olive groves, EcoHotel El Agua is a stylish blend of design, integrative medicine, and sustainability. From the epigenetic test you take right when you arrive to the Wim Hof exercises before breakfast, everything is designed with a holistic touch.
The hotel’s founder, Anthony Picq, has carefully restored a 200-year-old abandoned stone farmhouse and transformed the dry land into a lush oasis filled with olive, lemon, banana, and palm trees. With a passion for Hippocratic medicine, phytotherapy, and naturopathy, Anthony has also created a fantastic menu of treatments and programs for guests to enjoy during their stay.
Anthony, how did you decide to create EcoHotel? What was your goal in building the hotel?
More than a goal, creating EcoHotel is a mission for me. It's rooted in the philosophy of preventive medicine inspired by Hippocrates. My goal is to promote sustainability and holistic health in a space that reflects the principles of wabi-sabi, an aesthetic that celebrates beauty in imperfection. This hotel is designed to nurture both the environment and the well-being of our guests, creating a harmonious experience that aligns with these values. In our design process, we prioritized sustainability, ensuring that all materials and techniques are eco-friendly and in harmony with the surrounding environment. We also focused on creating versatile spaces that promote well-being and relaxation, allowing guests to immerse themselves in nature. The design embodies a wabi-sabi aesthetic that celebrates natural imperfection and fosters a sense of peace. Ultimately, our goal was to create a space that not only looks beautiful, but also supports the holistic lifestyle we advocate.
You describe EcoHotel as “not just a hotel, but a search for a holistic way of life”. Could you elaborate on that? What is a holistic lifestyle, and what exactly do you promise your guests?
When I say, "It's not a hotel, it's a search for a holistic way of life," I mean that EcoHotel transcends traditional hospitality. A holistic lifestyle encompasses a balanced approach to well-being, integrating physical, mental, and emotional health. It recognizes the intricate connections between our environment, our health, and our overall quality of life.
At EcoHotel, we promise our guests an immersive experience that fosters this holistic way of living. This includes wellness programs that promote preventative medicine, sustainable practices that honor the planet, and soothing design inspired by Wabi-Sabi, which encourages mindfulness and appreciation of life’s imperfections. Our goal is to create an environment where guests can rejuvenate, reconnect with nature, and cultivate a deeper understanding of what it means to live in harmony. Through workshops, healthy dining options, and nature-inspired activities, we aim to empower our guests to embrace this holistic philosophy long after their stay.
The food experience at the hotel is also noteworthy. Guests can choose between vegan, raw vegan, or vegetarian cuisine, all served in a unique cave setting. Can you provide more details about this dining experience?
Yes, that's correct! At EcoHotel, we provide a unique food experience that emphasizes a farm-to-table philosophy, utilizing organic, seasonal, and locally sourced products. Our Ecochef, Kalo, is a true culinary artist, crafting what we define as healthy and delicious gastronomy. Guests can choose from vegan, raw vegan, or vegetarian cuisine, all thoughtfully prepared to highlight the flavors and nutritional benefits of the ingredients. Meals are served in a mystical cave setting, surrounded by the lush greenery of the tropical forest and complemented by a serene swimming pool with crystal-clear blue water. This transcendent dining experience is enhanced by a tranquil atmosphere, free from electromagnetic waves—only the gentle breeze and the serene silence of nature accompany you during your meal.
Hotels like the EcoHotel, which are ecologically conscious and also serve as retreats, are on the rise. What changes do you foresee in the accommodation industry in the near future?
The rise of eco-conscious hotels like EcoHotel reflects a broader shift in the accommodation industry toward retreats that prioritize well-being and a connection to nature. In the near future, I anticipate a growing demand for disruptive offerings that provide healing spaces where guests can truly connect, disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and regenerate both body and soul. Travelers are increasingly seeking accommodations that offer beautiful architecture, healthy food options, and opportunities to learn about sustainable and healthy habits. This shift is moving away from the conventional all-inclusive resorts that often dominate the tourism landscape. While all types of tourism can coexist and share the market, there has been an extraordinary need over the past four years for new spaces that allow people to spend days immersed in therapies, enjoying good vibes and surrounded by exquisite gardens and natural beauty.
I believe this trend will continue to grow as more travelers prioritize experiences that promote wellness, sustainability and a deeper connection to the environment during their stays.
