Ingredients:

• 150 g unsalted butter, softened
• 80 g dried figs (stems removed, finely chopped or blended)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Chop the figs very finely or pulse in a food processor until paste-like.
2. In a bowl, combine the softened butter, fig paste, honey (if using), cinnamon, and salt.
3. Mix well until smooth and fully combined.
4. Spoon into a small jar or ramekin and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.

Let it soften slightly before serving.

We hope this brings a touch of Tigaiga to your table — and whenever you miss us, just spread a little on toast and dream of our Restaurante Tinguaro!

In the first few years, 99 hotels worldwide received this coveted award. A milestone for the industry that aimed from the outset to offer travelers orientation and trust. In addition to a certificate, the winners received a sign that was clearly visible at the hotel entrance – a sign of exceptional quality that potential guests can immediately recognize.

HolidayCheck Award and Spain

Spain has been one of the leaders among the countries with the most award-winning hotels for years. We are particularly proud that Tigaiga is also repeatedly represented among the winners.

In the current edition of the HolidayCheck Awards 2025, our two hotels made it into the top 10 most popular hotels in Spain:

• 7th place: Tigaiga Suites

• 9th place: Hotel Tigaiga

This award is a confirmation of our commitment and the passion with which our team looks after our guests.

Our thanks to all Tigaiga guests

The HolidayCheck Award would not be possible without the support of our guests. Every review, every comment and every smile we receive motivates us to continue to do our best.

Let’s celebrate this together and toast to this special milestone! We look forward to welcoming you back soon – at the Hotel Tigaiga or the Tigaiga Suites!

Familia Enrique Talg

At this special time of the year, we are filled with joy as we reflect on the many wonderful moments we’ve shared with you throughout the year. For us, Christmas is not just about lights, gifts, and celebrations, but also an opportunity to cherish what truly matters: human connection.

At our hotel, Christmas is a special time. We take great care to decorate every corner, creating an atmosphere where the festive spirit is palpable. From the star atop our tree to the special menu prepared by our kitchen, everything is designed to make this season unforgettable for you.

We want to thank you for your trust, your presence, and the memories you have created here, which are now part of our story.

We wish you a holiday season filled with peace, joy, and love. And of course, we would be delighted to welcome you back, whether to celebrate the holidays with us or simply to enjoy a relaxing escape at any time of the year.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Warm regards from the Talg family and Tigaiga team

Next Tuesday, November 12, 2024, will be a day that we, the Talg family, will forever hold dear. As part of the third Regional Congress of the Asociación de la Empresa Familiar de Canarias (EFCA) in Gran Canaria, we will be honored with the IX Award for Family Businesses in the Canary Islands. This recognition fills us with immense pride and gratitude—not only as a family but also on behalf of the entire team at Hotel Tigaiga & Suites.

This award is more than just a prize; it is a tribute to the dedication and effort of those who came before us and to everyone who has been part of our family’s story. Our business, founded three generations ago, continues to thrive today in a world that is constantly changing. We remain committed to delivering top-quality service, grounded in sustainability and a deep respect for the natural environment that surrounds us.

The EFCA, dedicated to showcasing the vital role family businesses play in the economic and social fabric of the Canary Islands, has selected us for this edition in recognition of our contribution and the legacy our family has built in the region’s tourism sector. This congress will also highlight the importance of developing specific leadership skills in family businesses—essential to overcoming modern challenges while staying true to our core values.

One of the most special moments will be the award ceremony itself, where the Hon. Vice Minister of the Presidency and Spokesperson for the Canary Islands Government, Mr. Alfonso Cabello, will present us with the honor. This gesture adds even greater significance to this already extraordinary occasion.

“For us, the Talg family, it is an immense honor to receive the IX Award for Family Businesses in the Canary Islands. We are deeply moved and proud of this recognition, which reflects the hard work and dedication of three generations committed to excellence and a love for our homeland. This award is a tribute to everyone who has been part of our story and to those who continue to place their trust in us. We will keep moving forward with the same passion and commitment, honoring the legacy that binds us to the Canary Islands and its people. Thank you for this incredible honor!”

With heartfelt gratitude, we look back—and with joy and motivation, we look forward. May this moment mark yet another step in our journey of preserving our traditions while continuing to innovate for the future.

Warm regards, The Talg Family

Professional Career: A Path of Innovation

Enrique Talg’s career spanned more than five decades of tireless work and an international journey that enriched his vision of tourism. His first steps in the hospitality industry began as an apprentice at the Gran Hotel Taoro in Puerto de la Cruz between 1944 and 1947. Over the years, he held various roles in prestigious hotels across Europe, including the Gran Hotel in Stockholm (1951, chef) and the Grand Hotel et Des Alpes in Montreux (1954, head of reception). His international career also took him to the Suvretta House in St. Moritz (1954, head of supplies) and the Restaurant Hotel Reina Cristina in Algeciras (1956, director). In London, he worked at the Hatchetts restaurant, and in 1953, he oversaw the inauguration of the Lido Metropole in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Finally, after several positions as receptionist and deputy director at the Hotel Martiánez in Puerto de la Cruz, in 1958, he planned and built the Hotel Tigaiga together with his father (Enrique Talg Schulz), becoming its director and owner.

In 1964, Enrique Talg married Dr. Gisela Reineke, with whom he shared his life and his passion for the hotel and tourism. Together, they had three children: Ursula, Irene and Enrique, who have followed in their father’s footsteps and now manage the Hotel Tigaiga. Family has always been at the heart of his legacy, and their daily presence was key to the hotel’s growth and success.

Leader in Environmental Management and Sustainable Tourism

From the construction and opening of the Hotel Tigaiga in 1959, Enrique Talg Wyss left his personal mark on hospitality and environmental management, turning his hotel into one of the most awarded hotels in the world, according to TUI’s rankings. Among the many innovations he introduced at the hotel was the installation of the first telex in Puerto de la Cruz, which greatly modernised international communication at the time. Additionally, in 1982, Talg pioneered the implementation of the first solar energy system in the Canary Islands, a clear reflection of his commitment to sustainability.

Traditional Dances on Sundays at the Tigaiga

Over the years, the Hotel Tigaiga has cultivated an extremely loyal clientele, thanks to the welcoming atmosphere and personalised service that Don Enrique and his team consistently provided. Some of the most loyal guests made the Tigaiga their home away from home, with some having stayed over 500 nights or visited the hotel more than 55 times. This loyalty reflects the hotel’s commitment to quality, which has led generations of tourists to return year after year to Puerto de la Cruz for their holidays.

A unique part of the Hotel Tigaiga’s charm lies in its spectacular subtropical gardens, meticulously designed and cared for by his wife, Dr. Gisela Reineke. Today, these gardens host plants from around the world, creating a natural environment that surrounds the hotel and offers guests an oasis of tranquillity. Doña Gisela not only beautified the hotel, but her work also embodied the family’s philosophy of integrating nature into the hospitality experience, offering guests a carefully maintained and unique environment. For decades, she was a key figure in providing personalised care for the guests, ensuring that each one felt at home.

Enrique Talg Wyss and His Team

Enrique Talg deeply valued his team, considering them an essential part of the hotel’s success. Among his closest collaborators was Luis Pérez, who worked at the Hotel Tigaiga throughout his entire professional life and retired as head of reception. Alongside Luis, key figures such as Camejo at the Tamaimo bar, Don Cándido as maître d’, Don Pedro at the Tinguaro, Don Carmelo in the kitchen, and Don Santiago and Don Emilio in administration, among others, contributed to the hotel’s success with their dedication and hard work. They made the Tigaiga a special place for its guests, many of whom remain loyal to this day.

A Man Committed to His Community

In addition to managing the Hotel Tigaiga, Enrique Talg Wyss played key roles in the development of tourism on Tenerife and was an active promoter of important tourism institutions. He was a founding member and part of the board of directors of the CIT (Tourism Initiatives Centre) in Puerto de la Cruz, Skal Club of Tenerife, and Club 13, and was involved with the Lions Club. He was also a founding member of the Hogar Santa Rita, a member of the Institute of Hispanic Studies, and a member of the Red Cross in Puerto de la Cruz. He collaborated with the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Tourism Board, was a founding member and part of the board of directors of ASHOTEL, and co-founded ZONTUR. For many years, he represented ASHOTEL on the board of the Teide National Park and was part of the committee for the Tourism Excellence Plan of the Orotava Valley and the Hotel Quality Plan of Spain. In 1995, his Hotel Tigaiga was selected by the ICTE (Institute for Spanish Tourism Quality) to implement the first hotel quality standards.

Recognitions

Throughout his career, Don Enrique received numerous awards recognising his work. In 1961, he was awarded the Prize for a more beautiful, clean, cheerful and optimistic Tenerife by the Tenerife Island Council and the Island Tourism Board. In 1980, he was honoured with the Gold Star as Hotel Director of the Year by the Spanish Association of Hotel Directors (AEDH) and HUSA. In 1984, the Centre for Tourism Initiatives of Puerto de la Cruz awarded him the Gold Medal for his work on Tenerife’s hiking trails. In 1985, he was awarded the Silver Medal by the Government of the Canary Islands during the celebration of World Tourism Day. In 1994, he received the Excellence Award at the IV International Tourism Congress. After his passing in September 2006, Enrique Talg was posthumously honoured with the Tenerife Tourism Award 2007 (Tenerife Island Council), in recognition of his dedication and excellence as an exemplary hotelier and businessman, a pioneer in environmental quality, customer care, and collaboration between the public and private sectors.

A Lasting Legacy

The sudden death of Enrique Talg on 27 September 2006 (World Tourism Day), while he was preparing to receive another award for environmental management at the Hotel Tigaiga, left a void in Tenerife’s tourism community.

To close this article, we, as his children, would like to express our deepest gratitude to our father, Enrique Talg Wyss. He left us an invaluable legacy, not only at the Hotel Tigaiga but also in the hearts of those who knew him. His dedication to improving and preserving Tenerife, always respecting the environment and putting people first, inspires us to continue following in his footsteps. We remember you with love, and we are committed to continuing to care for and develop what you loved so dearly. Happy centenary!

Tourism is undeniably a key economic driver, bringing prosperity to many destinations worldwide. However, it also presents challenges that can significantly impact local environments and communities. In a recent feature by ITN’s Transformational Travel section, our representative in sustainability, Irene Talg, was interviewed to discuss how tourism can evolve to be more sustainable and community-focused.

Environmental Preservation and Community Engagement
The Canary Islands, a hotspot for global tourism, has implemented forward-thinking strategies to ensure that its tourism industry does not come at the cost of environmental degradation. Central to this effort is the collaboration between government bodies, local businesses, and communities. The Canary Islands Tourism Board has introduced a digital tool that allows tourism companies to measure their carbon footprint and create action plans for climate protection.

A Commitment to Responsible Travel
The conversation with Irene Talg underscored the importance of responsible tourism practices. As travelers become more conscientious about their environmental impact, it is essential that destinations continue to offer ways for tourists to enjoy their visit while minimizing their carbon footprint.

At our organization, we are proud to be part of this movement, continuously working toward tourism that respects the planet, supports local communities, and provides unforgettable experiences for travelers.

Dear Mr. Wendleder,
At the end of the year, I am pleased to inform you that your flight from Hamburg to Santa Cruz has been confirmed by all airlines. So you will fly as agreed, on Saturday, January 9, 1954, according to the following flight plan:
10:50 departure from Hamburg  

12:45 arrival in Frankfurt  

14:00 departure from Frankfurt  

18:10 arrival in Madrid, with overnight stay  

8:10 departure from Madrid on January 10, 1954  

12:45 arrival in Las Palmas  

17:00 departure from Las Palmas  

17:35 arrival in Santa Cruz  

The flight price for the round trip is DM 1066. The DM 200 you have already paid as a deposit for your passage will be deducted from this amount.
I wish you a healthy and successful year in 1954.
Best regards, 

Luis Pérez Rodríguez (Puerto de la Cruz, 1947) is living history of tourism in Puerto de la Cruz since its beginnings in the 60s. Although he has been retired since March 2011, he remains a very important figure for the Talg family, owners of the Tigaiga Hotel and Tigaiga Suites, with whose three generations he has worked. Luis’s story is the story of the Talg family and of personal growth, loyalty, and smiles. His situation was quite common in many families whose father died leaving small children, some of whom had to start working very young to help support the family. At 10 years old, he began to “lend a hand” at the old Martiánez hotel, then managed by Enrique Talg Schulz, who about six years later, in 1963, took him to work at the Tigaiga hotel, already owned by the Talg family. In fact, he is one of the few who has worked with three generations and even knows the fourth. “I worked in the mornings and studied in the afternoons with Don Manuel, the teacher,” he recalls. Although he spent his five decades in the active workforce primarily in Reception, which he directed from a very young age, Luis is familiar with all departments. Today, he has a special relationship with those who are also part of his family. He attends Pilates classes several days a week at Tigaiga Suites and then takes the opportunity to greet his former colleagues. Luis sees artificial intelligence as progress, but he remains focused on human intelligence and kindness as key elements of the hotel business.

?Tell us, Luis, you started working at the Martiánez hotel as a child at the age of 10, when it was managed by Enrique Talg Schulz, the grandfather of the current generation. What was your role and how did you come to work at that hotel?

Well, the truth is, at home we were in trouble when my father died, so some of the five siblings had to start working. Really, at ten years old I could do little, it wasn’t real work, just small tasks like delivering mail, running errands… and not much more. At that time, my case was not so uncommon, there were more children and teenagers helping out in some businesses. My first contract was at 14, and at that time I cleaned windows, worked as a bellboy, and helped guests carry their bags and luggage, swept the sidewalks… I remember there was a water fountain in front of the hotel; I would go, fill the bucket, and take it to Gilberto Cabrera so he could mop.

?And weren’t you studying?

I went to school in the afternoons, with Don Jesús, the teacher; they were actually private lessons. Don Jesús taught many boys my age.

Luis in his early days at the Martiánez hotel with some customers and the hotel maître.

?In 1963, you moved to the Tigaiga hotel, which opened in 1959 and is celebrating its 65th anniversary today. Did you imagine retiring at that same hotel back then?

I came to Tigaiga because Martiánez closed and the Talg family had their hotel finished and in operation, already owned. The truth is, I’ve only worked with the Talg family for about 54 years (smiles).

?At Tigaiga, you took a six-month break to go to Germany and learn the language…

Yes, that’s right. I was fortunate to spend six months in Germany learning German, through some hotel guests who had a bath business, something like today’s spa; I made good use of the time, didn’t go out with the Spaniards and always sought to speak German. At Tigaiga, I asked for special permission during those months for training and got it. And there, I not only learned German, but also worked as a cleaner, chambermaid… swept, made beds, washed kitchens…

Workers at Tigaiga in the 60s.

?Times have changed over these decades. What, in your opinion, has been the hallmark of the place where you have always worked?

I always noticed that this hotel had something special from a professional point of view; compared to other hotels, the staff at Tigaiga were extraordinarily qualified; just in the way we treated the guests, we were unique in Puerto.

?And why do you emphasize that difference so much?

Because this was like a great school, we workers learned the trade in the same hotel, with a unique customer service, I insist. [“How many years have you been here, Yeray?” he asks at that moment to one of the waiters. “22; I started at 17 as a waiter’s assistant and learned the profession here,” he replies]. Look, 22 years, which is quickly said for a young person like Yeray; I mean, this has always been a school, really. Here, everyone taught you, from the boss (Enrique Talg Wyss, father of the current owner generation, Enrique, Irene, and Úrsula) to other professionals.

?But besides that direct approach, from your years of experience, what are two other key factors you think a hotel should have?

Cleanliness, of course, which may sound absurd because it’s taken for granted, but it’s an important value; and alongside that, food, gastronomy is fundamental for a hotel business to succeed.

Luis at the reception of Tigaiga, alongside a hotel waiter in the 70s.

?You, who lived so closely the daily interaction with customers, many of whom you might even see as part of your family, what do you think about all the technology applied to customer service?

All technological advances are fine, but I insist that the most important part of a hotel is the qualification of the staff to serve the guests. We had a phrase years ago that we used a lot: “You have to show your teeth, not to bite, but to show our smile.”

?And with that special treatment, you surely made friends among the hotel guests.

Of course; we got to know all the guests here by name; I have friends in Germany whom I call occasionally and who were hotel guests.

“I knew everything about Tigaiga, even where the shut-off valves were for each area of the hotel” ?Excuse me for insisting on this matter, how do you see artificial intelligence in your philosophy of customer service? Does it fit in?

Well, the truth is, personally I believe that the essence of human interaction will be lost. This talking to a machine and “goodbye, have a nice day,” I don’t know if I see that… Human intelligence is completely linked to kindness.

?If you had to name just two fundamental skills for working in a hotel, what would they be?

Well, of course, something I’ve repeated a lot in this conversation, excellent and personalised customer service; and, of course, languages.

?How do you view the new generations in this sector?

Well, quite well prepared in knowledge, but I think they lack a bit of kindness; it’s great to have qualifications, like in Tourism, but there’s something in the way of being, human interaction, and that’s also learned; and this isn’t exclusive to a hotel, but to any other type of business where there’s a relationship with customers.

Tenerife Without a Car: Sustainable Mobility for a Better Future

This year, we want to highlight the Tenerife Without a Car initiative, a project that promotes sustainable mobility on our beautiful island. This proposal aims not only to reduce the carbon footprint and air pollution but also to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. At the Tigaiga, we actively support and encourage the use of alternative and environmentally friendly transportation among our guests.

For more information about our “Tenerife Without a Car” initiative, visit our website.

How You Can Contribute During Your Stay:

• Bike Excursions: We offer guided bike routes so you can explore Tenerife in an eco-friendly and healthy way.
• Hiking Trails: Discover the numerous hiking trails.
• Public Transportation: We encourage you to use Tenerife’s efficient public transportation system. Check with our reception for information on the best routes and schedules.
• Group Excursions: Join our organized excursions, which use shared transportation to minimize the use of individual vehicles.
• Hotel Tigaiga’s Environmental Commitment

Our commitment does not stop here. We have implemented various sustainable practices within the hotel, such as:

• Use of renewable energies
• Recycling and waste reduction programs
• Water and energy-saving policies
• Promotion of local products in our restaurant
•  
• Thank you for your support and happy World Environment Day!

For more details on our sustainable initiatives and how you can contribute, feel free to contact us or visit our website.

However, Tenerife is much more than just a popular tourist destination. The island stands out for its diversity, both in terms of tourism and landscape, as well as culturally. It is characterized by the bustling centers of mass tourism in the south, as well as the quiet, authentic places in other parts of the island.

As the Talg family, we place great importance on highlighting this diversity while actively working on solutions to address all challenges. We are aware that tourism plays a vital role in the island’s economic development, but it is also essential to consider the needs and concerns of the local population and the environment.

Therefore, we strongly advocate for sustainable tourism that combines economic, social, and environmental sustainability. For over 65 years, we have worked closely with local communities and organizations to find solutions that meet the needs of both tourists and locals.

At the Tigaiga, we see ourselves as part of the solution: ee are proud to actively promote sustainable tourism and continue to contribute to the positive development of our beautiful island.