Hotel Los Frailes Tafira Alta a hotel that could never return to its original purpose.

Exploring the Forgotten: A Day of Filming at Hotel Los Frailes

Today was another exciting adventure as we set out to film for ExploGC, our ongoing project showcasing the hidden gems of Gran Canaria. Our destination? Tafira Alta, a picturesque area in the northeast of the island. More specifically, we had our sights set on Los Frailes, a once-grand hotel now lost in time.

Arriving at Los Frailes

The journey to Tafira Alta was as scenic as ever, with winding roads leading us through lush greenery and stunning landscapes. Upon arriving at Los Frailes, we were met with an unexpected obstacle—a massive "For Sale" banner stretched across the front, and the entire area was fenced off. Disappointed but not discouraged, we decided to scout the perimeter, hoping to find a way in. Eventually, we spotted a small opening in the fence that allowed us to squeeze through. With cameras in hand, we stepped inside, eager to rediscover this forgotten relic.

A Walk Through Memory Lane

This wasn’t our first visit to Hotel Los Frailes. Four years ago, we had explored and filmed the interior of the abandoned hotel, capturing the eerie yet captivating atmosphere left behind. However, we hadn’t taken the opportunity to document the exterior in detail. Today, we aimed to correct that.

As we walked around the building, we were struck by how nature had slowly begun reclaiming the structure. Vines crept up the walls, windows were shattered, and the once-bustling courtyard was now eerily silent. We took our time, capturing every angle, every weathered detail, bringing the story of Los Frailes back to life through our lenses.

Caught in the Act

Just as we were finishing our shots, our exploration was cut short. A man approached us, making it clear that we were on private property. Expecting the worst, we braced ourselves for a stern lecture or an immediate escort off the premises. Instead, we were pleasantly surprised.

A Conversation with the Guardian of the Past

Rather than ordering us to leave immediately, the man engaged us in a conversation about the hotel's history and its uncertain future. He explained that while the property was up for sale, it was also under nature conservation regulations. This meant that no structural renovations were allowed, and the hotel had to remain in its original state. The only exception was the bar and restaurant area, which could be restored for similar use. However, the rooms—once filled with guests seeking relaxation and luxury—could never be refurbished, ensuring that the hotel could never return to its original purpose.

It was a fascinating yet bittersweet revelation. Los Frailes was caught in limbo—too precious to be demolished, yet unable to be revived. Its grandeur would remain frozen in time, slowly fading with each passing year.

A Well-Deserved Coffee Break

After thanking the man for his time and insight, we left the property under his supervision. With our cameras full of footage and our minds buzzing with the stories we had just uncovered, we decided to unwind. We drove to Las Palmas and found solace in a cozy corner of Hotel Madrid in Triana. As we sipped on our coffee, we reflected on the day’s adventure—the unexpected hurdles, the hidden stories, and the beauty of exploration.

Final Thoughts

Our visit to Los Frailes was a reminder of why we do what we do. Exploring abandoned places isn’t just about the thrill of discovery; it’s about preserving history, telling forgotten stories, and shedding light on the places that time has left behind. While Los Frailes may never see guests again, it still holds a rich and mysterious charm that deserves to be remembered.

Stay tuned for our upcoming video on this incredible location, and as always, keep exploring the unseen corners of the world with us. Until next time!

- The ExploGC Team

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