The Ongoing Transformation of Hotel Tres Islas: A Case of Controversy and Renewal

Hotel Tres Islas, nestled in a picturesque location, is at the crux of proposed renovations that aim to modernize its amenities while facing significant scrutiny. The plans for transformation have sparked debates surrounding environmental sustainability and adherence to legal stipulations. Let’s dive deeper into the details of this transformation, the history of the hotel’s operations, and comparisons with a neighboring establishment.

Proposed Renovations: A Modern Touch

The renovation plans for Hotel Tres Islas are ambitious and comprehensive. They include the following key elements:

• New Solarium and Pool Renovation: A brand-new solarium is set to be constructed, alongside an extensive renovation of the western pool.

• Fitness and Accessibility Features: A modern fitness area will be developed between the two existing tennis courts, with an emphasis on making the space accessible for individuals with mobility impairments.

• Architectural Modifications: The plans outline the removal of architectural barriers, minor demolitions on the ground floor, and updating the perimeter of the property, including repairs to walls and the replacement of the main entrance door.

• Room Upgrades: Significant updates to the hotel rooms are also in the works. The plans indicate an effort to replace bathtubs with showers, improve thermal and acoustic insulation, and upgrade various facilities to enhance guest comfort.

• Wellness Area and Parking: A new wellness spa designed for accessibility will add to the relaxation offerings at the hotel, along with updated parking facilities.

Despite the modernization plans, concerns have been raised regarding their alignment with environmental sustainability principles, emphasizing the hotel’s location in a protected natural space.

A Complicated History of Concessions and Compliance Issues

The Hotel Tres Islas has been operating under a concession granted in April 2007 by the Ministerial order to Sonco Canarias, which has since become part of the RIU hotel group. The concession is valid until 2037 and has stringent conditions, particularly regarding the building’s height and surface area.

However, there have been multiple cases of non-compliance documented by the coastal authorities, including unauthorized conversions and renovations. These issues have led to two instances where the concession expired without a firm resolution. The latest expiration occurred in May 2025. In response, environmental group Turcón formally requested a reopening of the investigation in July 2025, citing ongoing violations.

This brings us to a contentious aspect of the current proposal: it includes plans for six new rooms on the notorious sixth floor, which had previously been a significant point of contention.

Comparing to Oliva Beach: A Neighbour’s Legal Battle

The situation with Hotel Tres Islas brings to mind the ongoing legal complexities faced by the nearby Hotel and Apartments Oliva Beach. Its concession, granted in 2003 and subsequently modified, was declared void by the Ministry for Ecological Transition in February 2024. The ministry ordered the demolition of the property, making it clear that the onus is on the concessionaire, Geafond Número Uno Lanzarote S.A., to cover the costs.

A conflict of jurisdiction was raised by the Government of the Canary Islands, but the Constitutional Court dismissed their appeal, affirming state authority over the matter. Nevertheless, the physical demolition of the structures is currently on hold due to legal complications involving the twenty apartments sold to private individuals.

In April 2026, the Audiencia Nacional rejected a challenge from Turcón regarding the hotel’s proposed renovations, simultaneously supporting RIU’s withdrawal from the planned upgrades. This highlights the complicated balance between maintaining tourist facilities and adhering to environmental laws.

The Path Ahead

As Hotel Tres Islas navigates through these complicated waters, it reflects much broader issues at play in areas where natural beauty meets tourism development. The renovations proposed signal an effort to enhance guest experience, but they also raise critical discussions about regulatory compliance and environmental integrity. This situation illustrates the ongoing tension between development and preservation—a conversation that continues to evolve in both regional and global contexts.