A unique accommodation in El Hierro is challenging modern booking norms by requiring guests to handwrite a letter instead of filling out an online form. Named El Elevador, this retreat is perched on a volcanic cliffside and designed for two. It offers a tranquil escape where silence and breathtaking views are integral to the experience.
The refuge is housed in a repurposed water pumping station, restored by Canary Island architect Alejandro Beautell and supported by Be Tenerife. Originally, the building raised water from a hidden spring to serve a community, a function now lost but symbolically transformed.
Spanning just 60 square metres, the compact space combines a lounge, kitchen, and bedroom, featuring a striking six-metre high bathroom within the old transformer tower. The design focuses on simplicity, intentionally eschewing distractions like Wi-Fi and televisions to foster a connection with nature.
The essence of El Elevador lies not in extravagant amenities but in embracing simplicity. It promotes a slower pace of life, with the natural surroundings – the ocean, volcanic rock, and tranquillity – enhancing relaxation. The breathtaking location provides a constant reminder of the power of the Atlantic and the island’s volcanic history, with basalt flows over 15,000 years old.
The site also holds significant historical value. Around 70 years ago, Juan Casañas carved a path into the cliff to access the spring, turning a hidden source into a vital community resource. This legacy is woven into the fabric of the retreat, which honours both the architecture and the human spirit connected to the land.
Guests hoping to stay must write a handwritten request outlining their motivation for visiting. Unlike typical hotel reservations, there’s no immediate confirmation; each letter is read individually. Responses are sent via post, including a preliminary booking and a private link for further arrangements.
El Elevador caters to those seeking a quiet getaway, far removed from the usual hustle and bustle. It encourages guests to unpeel layers of distraction and reconnect with the serene pace of island life, making the writing of the letter a meaningful start to the journey of unwinding.
