In a landmark deal that marks the largest hotel asset transaction in Spain’s history, Spring Hotels, one of the Canary Islands’ leading hospitality groups, has acquired the iconic Mare Nostrum Resort for €430 million.
This move doubles the group’s portfolio and firmly establishes it as a dominant force in southern Tenerife.
The acquisition includes three hotels with over 1,000 rooms, a dedicated MICE centre, and a variety of food and beverage venues, including the renowned Hard Rock Cafe and Palapa Beach Club. The Mare Nostrum Resort recently underwent a €56 million renovation led by its former operator, Selenta Group, which is partially owned by Brookfield in Spain.
This agreement will expand Spring Hotels’ portfolio with three properties:
- SIR ANTHONY – a 5-star boutique hotel with 70 rooms, many with private terraces and ocean views,
- CLEOPATRA PALACE – a 4-star property with 431 rooms, famed for its Roman architecture,
- ARONA MEDITERRANEAN PALACE – a 4-star, 391 room family-friendly resort offering spacious accommodation and vibrant communal spaces
This acquisition builds upon Spring Hotels’ existing roster of properties:
- HOTEL VULCANO – a chic 4-star with 371 rooms and pool party vibes
- BITCORA – a family-focused 4-star with 314 rooms and its own water park
- ARONA GRAN – an upscale 4-star plus adult only resort with wellness-centre, spa, and fine-dining oriented
With its headquarters in Tenerife and a management team deeply rooted in the island, Spring Hotels stands out as one of the few hotel groups with genuine local roots and operational leadership in Tenerife.
True to its brand promise “The Heart of Tenerife” this move reaffirms the group’s pledge to celebrate local culture, champion regional employment, and amplify the island’s reputation.
Miguel Villaroya, CEO of Spring Hotel said: “For us, this is more than a hotel expansion, it’s a proud repositioning of this iconic resort into local hands.”
He added: “It’s a bold commitment to quality, a wider product range, and to Tenerife itself. This operation reflects the group’s strength and sustained growth over the past decade. It’s a strategic step that reinforces our position as a sector leader while expanding our offering by complementing our four-star portfolio with high-end tourism products.”
This landmark acquisition gives Spring Hotels greater leverage with key tour operators, suppliers and travel partners, reinforcing its long standing commitment to the UK and Irish markets, where Tenerife remains a top-performing destination.
Joanna Robinson, chief sales officer at Spring Hotels said: “The acquisition isn’t just about numbers, it’s a forward-thinking investment.”
She added: “We’ll be educating everyone in the UK & Ireland about our new portfolio imminently. There’s real excitement about what this means for agents and customers alike.”
As tastes shift and the Canary Islands gain a new ‘cool’ credibility beyond their classic sun-and-sand appeal, this acquisition reinforces Spring Hotels’ relevance. The region is also expected to see a boost in winter tourism, as geopolitical unrest makes other destinations less predictable.
While brand development remains on the table for the future, Spring Hotels assures guests and staff that the current focus is on continuity and stability. All operations at the newly acquired hotels will continue uninterrupted.
Villarroya added: “This is a huge step forward, but one taken with humility, pride, and a clear vision for our island’s future. Spring Hotels is Tenerife, and we’re just getting started.”
The integration of Mare Nostrum Resort into the Spring Hotels portfolio not only increases the group’s accommodation capacity, but also enhances operational and commercial synergies – driving future growth, profitability, and greater negotiating power in the market.
