‘We See Ourselves Not Just as a Hotel, but as Hosts on La Gomera’ - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Bancal Hotel & Spa is closely intertwined with the volcanic landscape and distinctive culture of La Gomera. Its terraced architecture takes its inspiration from the traditional “bancales” that have shaped the island’s steep hillsides for centuries. For Olivier Doche, Director of Bancal Hotel & Spa, this relationship with the destination goes far beyond design. The aim is to give guests a genuine sense of the island through its landscapes, people, food and traditions.

What was the original idea behind Bancal Hotel & Spa?

Our goal was clear from the very beginning: Bancal Hotel & Spa should reflect the character of La Gomera. The island has an extraordinary landscape, a strong identity and a culture that has developed over generations. We wanted all these elements to be reflected in the hotel.

Our aim was not simply to create accommodation, but a place where guests can experience the island in all its dimensions – its nature, tranquillity and hospitality. That is why we see Bancal Hotel & Spa as part of its surroundings. Every stay should encourage guests to discover La Gomera while enjoying a place where tranquillity, quality and personal service come together naturally.

Bancal is not simply somewhere to stay on La Gomera. It is a place from which to discover and understand the island.

The name “Bancal” refers to the island’s historic agricultural terraces. How did these inspire the architecture?

The bancales are one of La Gomera’s most characteristic features. They tell the story of the island and reflect the way people have worked with and respected the landscape for centuries. We wanted to translate precisely that principle into architecture.

The natural topography of the site was largely preserved and determined the entire design. Basalt excavated during construction was used to build the characteristic dry-stone walls that now structure the different levels of the hotel. Native, water-efficient plants complement the concept.

The result is architecture that visually blends into the hillside despite the size of the hotel. This relationship between architecture and landscape has become one of Bancal’s defining characteristics. We are particularly pleased that this approach has been recognised: among other distinctions, the project received an award in 2024 for the best renovation of a hotel with more than 100 rooms.

Travellers increasingly look for authentic experiences. How do your guests discover La Gomera beyond the hotel?

Our aim is to bring the island to life. That is why we see ourselves not just as a hotel, but as hosts on La Gomera. Our team knows the island first-hand and enjoys sharing personal recommendations with our guests.

Through reception, we arrange hiking and cycling tours, visits to local wineries and many other activities. We also offer our own programme, including garden workshops, stargazing and traditional Canarian sports.

As a certified Bike-Friendly hotel, we provide professional services for cyclists. Guests can also use routes developed by Cycling Friendly that start directly at the hotel and allow them to explore the island actively. In this way, many discover places they would probably never have found on their own. It is these personal experiences that make a stay on La Gomera so special.

Sustainability has become a key issue in hospitality. How is it put into practice at Bancal?

Sustainability influences every decision we make. Our hotel operates entirely on electricity. More than 2,000 photovoltaic panels cover around 40 percent of our energy requirements, while the remaining electricity comes from certified renewable sources.

We also take a responsible approach to water management. A modern treatment system allows us to reuse water and irrigate our gardens sustainably. In addition, we work closely with regional producers, reduce paper consumption through digital processes and promote electric mobility.

Our relationship with the people of La Gomera is equally important. Around 70 percent of our employees come from the island and play an essential role in helping our guests experience La Gomera authentically.

For us, sustainability also has a social and economic dimension. It means working with local suppliers, creating jobs on the island and ensuring that the hotel has a positive impact on its surroundings.

La Gomera also plays an important role in your cuisine. What is your culinary philosophy?

For us, good food begins with the ingredients. We therefore give preference to regional producers and follow the seasons. Some of our ingredients are grown in our own organic gardens and brought fresh into the kitchen.

Canarian cuisine offers enormous diversity. We want to interpret it in a contemporary way without losing sight of its origins. Our Larrife restaurant is perhaps the clearest expression of this philosophy. Located high above the Atlantic, it combines regional ingredients with modern cuisine and offers spectacular views towards Tenerife and Mount Teide.

It is a contemporary concept rooted in Canarian produce and recipes, with the surrounding landscape always present.

Hiking, wellness and switching off go naturally together on La Gomera. What role does AUALA Wellness & Spa play?

La Gomera naturally encourages people to be active – walking, exploring hiking trails, discovering the forest or simply spending time outdoors. AUALA Wellness & Spa was conceived as the counterpoint to this active side of the experience.

After a day exploring the island, we want to provide a place where guests can recover, slow down and reconnect with their bodies. Our hydrotherapy circuit, individually tailored treatments using natural products and exclusive therapies support recovery after an active day.

Our “Active Leg Therapy”, developed specifically for hikers, is particularly popular. The wider concept includes AUALA Spa and AUALA Rituals, complemented by AUALA Fit with modern training facilities and guided classes including yoga, Pilates and meditation.

Together, these elements create a combination of activity, relaxation and wellbeing that fits naturally with the lifestyle of La Gomera.

What would you like guests to remember after their stay?

I would like them to remember not only the hotel, but above all the feeling they experienced here. La Gomera has a special ability to reconnect people with nature and give them moments of tranquillity and relaxation.

If our guests return home and say, “I really enjoyed La Gomera, and Bancal Hotel & Spa was the perfect place from which to discover the island,” then we have achieved our goal.

Olivier Doche, Director of Bancal Hotel & Spa

Originally from France, Olivier Doche has made the Canary Islands his professional home for more than 30 years. After completing his training in France, he moved to the archipelago, where he managed several four- and five-star hotels before taking the helm of Bancal Hotel & Spa on La Gomera.

For Doche, good hospitality begins with making guests feel genuinely welcome. Personal and attentive service is therefore central to his approach. At Bancal Hotel & Spa, he combines this philosophy with a close relationship with La Gomera, regarding the island not merely as a beautiful backdrop but as an essential part of the travel experience.

Image Credit: © AI generated illustration with material courtesy of Bancal Hotel & Spa