There are places where a more mindful way of life, one that is at one with nature and respectful of the environment and the local community is still possible. This is the case with the Hotel Puntagrande, on the Canary Island of El Hierro.
Affectionately known as the ‘Hotelito’, the first accommodation to be recognised as the smallest in the world, it is a sustainable retreat built from volcanic rock – a book carved in stone that tells tales of the sea and daring sailors.
Situated on a volcanic headland jutting out into the Atlantic, Puntagrande is an oasis of tranquillity with its own soundtrack: the sound of the ocean crashing against the rocks.
The tiny original building, measuring just forty square metres, was built in 1830 as a warehouse for the maritime trade, where wine, fruit and medicinal water from the Pozo de la Salud were stored for export to all corners of the world. The building’s harmony with nature is the result of the restoration carried out in 1975 by the architect José Luís Jiménez Saavedra, who sought to minimise the building’s environmental impact by using indigenous materials such as volcanic stone and local timber. I make use of the thermal properties of these materials to maintain a comfortable temperature all year round, which means there is no need for heating in winter or air conditioning in summer, thanks to the natural ventilation provided by the walls.
This historic building, which received the Award for Excellence in Tourism in 1984, was awarded the Silver Medal for Tourist Significance by the Government of the Canary Islands in 1991 and, in 2019, was designated a Site of Cultural Interest, certifying its heritage significance and consolidating its status as a cultural and historical landmark of El Hierro.
Championing a sustainable philosophy
Hotelito’s sustainable approach begins with the use of natural cross-ventilation generated by the sea breezes and the composition of the walls themselves, resulting in efficient climate control that is entirely respectful of the surrounding environment.
The guest experience is also designed to minimise their environmental footprint and foster a more authentic connection with the surroundings. This adults-only accommodation does not have televisions in the rooms, and the owners encourage us to switch off our mobile phones; an invitation to enjoy nature and the sound of the ocean, and in this way achieve the rest and total sense of well-being we are supposed to be seeking when we’re on holiday. Who wants to waste time in front of the telly or on their mobile when they could enjoy an exclusive, exciting and rejuvenating experience simply by looking out of a window, through which unforgettable images of El Hierro’s natural surroundings are projected, the true star of this wonderful journey, with its wild Atlantic, its landscapes and its sunsets?
Similarly, Puntagrande is reinforcing its commitment to the environment by carrying out small actions which, through repetition, lead to significant benefits. Simple habits such as changing towels every two days, using eco-certified cleaning products, or phasing out harsh chemicals such as bleach – replacing them with systems based on ionised water – are small details that may go unnoticed in day-to-day life, but which will undoubtedly yield positive results for the environment and for future generations.
This commitment extends to all areas of the establishment, which holds the highest level of ESG certification and is committed to achieving zero waste by eliminating the use of plastics and paper.
Similarly, it incorporates solutions focused on wellbeing and innovation, such as Japanese smart toilets, which combine cutting-edge technology with comfort and sustainability.
All these measures have resulted in the DCA (Dream&Charme Assurance) certification, which endorses the excellence in sustainability and luxury hospitality offered by Hotel Puntagrande.
The hosts at Puntagrande
Since 2018, Davide and Paula Nahmias have been at the helm of this family-run project, which is committed to a hands-on, sustainable approach that is deeply rooted in the island’s identity. This romance began when the couple, accompanied by their daughters Marta Sophie and Noa, decided to leave behind the life they had led in Italy up to that point and move to Tenerife. Some time later, during a visit to El Hierro, they discovered this charming hotel overlooking the sea and decided to make it their own. That same year, 2018, they bought the property, thus beginning a new chapter in their lives.
With great passion, courage and energy, they renovated the hotel, breathing new life into this iconic venue and creating an establishment that reflects this family’s love of hospitality and nature, whilst, of course, preserving all its charm, history and cultural heritage.
Since then, the “Hotelito” has offered a way of travelling that is more leisurely, more considerate and in line with today’s environmental values.
What we found when we walked through the doors
A warm smile welcomes guests as they arrive at Puntagrande. Davide and Paula ensure that every aspect of the hotel blends harmoniously with its surroundings. The meticulous attention to detail and respect for the building’s local history are evident in the elegant rooms and in the thoughtful, sustainable customer service.
The hotel’s four distinctive and unique rooms, together with its cosy and stylish apartments, are a marvel of authenticity, comfort and luxury and, of course, genuine hospitality. The rooms, each one unique and with sea views, are furnished in a simple, natural style. In these rooms, local materials — stone and wood — blend exquisitely with traditional nautical objects, some of which become part of the furnishings, such as the original porthole glass found on the bedside tables.
Resting in the rooms at Puntagrande is like taking a journey back to our childhood, to that unforgettable moment when we slept peacefully, cradled in our mother’s arms – only here, the lullaby is the sound of the sea.
Cuisine also plays a prominent role in Puntagrande. The restaurant, which is exclusively for guests aged 16 and over and is open to both hotel guests and visitors, offers a relaxed and sophisticated dining experience. Davide and Paula select the finest local produce to create dishes that exude authenticity. Locally inspired dishes that will ensure we enjoy an unforgettable dining experience.
As far as possible, they ensure that the products they offer their diners are locally sourced. Influenced by the seasons, the dishes are prepared using fresh, local ingredients, authentic and carefully selected, and crafted with passion; always respecting tradition, with a touch of modernity and meticulous presentation. Using the finest local ingredients, the chef creates unique, vibrant and colourful dishes. Mediterranean and traditional Spanish cuisine, complemented by international dishes, with a range of vegan options also available. And for dessert, a selection of delicious homemade cakes and sweets.
The wine cellar offers a wide selection of local and international wines and spirits that reflect the restaurant’s atmosphere and character. We’ll be able to choose the finest wines from El Hierro, including a special selection of our exclusive Puntagrande wine, complemented by Prosecco, champagne and special cavas to celebrate the special moments we’ll experience at the “Hotelito”.
It features an indoor dining room decorated with traditional artefacts from old fishing boats, where you can experience an authentic seafaring atmosphere. A terrace offering the best views of the ocean also adds a touch of freshness, from which we can enjoy the cuisine and the pleasant Atlantic breeze. Watching the sunset from here is a magical experience that’s priceless.
An immersive dining experience and a cigar club
Table Mapping Experience is a captivating dining experience that combines the beauty of 3D video mapping with the cuisine of a gourmet restaurant. The dinner begins with an introduction by the staff. From this moment on, the lights dim, the room is transformed into a world of magic, and images synchronised with the dishes being served are projected onto the dining table. Underwater and volcanic scenes, combined with stories about the island of El Hierro and the Hotel Puntagrande, come together to take us on an unforgettable journey through the senses, leaving diners with memories of a unique and unforgettable dining experience.
Located within the boutique hotel, the Hotel Puntagrande Cigar Club is an exclusive retreat dedicated to the art of cigars, offering an unrivalled experience. Here you can enjoy the rich aromas of the world’s finest cigars; a selection of premium cigars from some of the most renowned tobacco-growing regions, ranging from the subtle elegance of classic Cuban cigars to the bold complexity of Nicaraguan blends.
The exclusive wooden armchairs, the sea breeze and the soft lighting create a sophisticated and intimate atmosphere, ideal for relaxing and savouring our favourite cigar. A knowledgeable and passionate team of cigar connoisseurs will guide us through the world of blends and help us choose the one that best suits our preferences. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced enthusiast, you’ll always be welcome at the Cigar Club.
A carefully selected range of perfectly paired spirits makes this experience even more complete. The menu offers an exquisite selection of top-quality premium spirits, including aged rums that complement the flavours and nuances of your chosen cigar.
This iconic building, listed in the Guinness Book of Records in 1989 as the world’s smallest hotel, was awarded the prestigious Michelin Key in 2025, placing it amongst the world’s most exceptional establishments. It is also a member of Historic Hotels of Europe, one of Europe’s most prestigious heritage collections, and has been officially included in the Boutique Hotel Club, an exclusive community bringing together some of the world’s most distinctive boutique hotels, selected for their authenticity, their ability to offer unique experiences and their strong identity.
