Major Refurbishment of RIU Palace Tres Islas: A Step Towards Sustainability

Fuerteventura, one of the stunning Canary Islands, is set to witness a significant transformation with the refurbishment of the RIU Palace Tres Islas hotel. Nestled among the protected Corralejo Dunes, this prominent hotel has received the green light from the island’s environmental authority for a comprehensive modernization project. This initiative aims not only to enhance the hotel’s facilities but also to ensure that it aligns with sustainable practices.

Environmental Approval and Conditions

The refurbishment project was approved following a simplified environmental impact assessment. The authority concluded that the modernization would not have a “significant effect on the environment,” provided that strict environmental conditions are adhered to during the construction phase. This careful consideration reflects the delicate balance between development and environmental preservation, especially given the hotel’s location in a protected area.

The Need for Refurbishment

The RIU Palace Tres Islas has been showing signs of wear and tear due to its age and constant exposure to the salty sea air. The hotel group has emphasized that the refurbishment is essential to address these issues and to position the hotel as a benchmark for sustainability in the hospitality sector. The planned upgrades aim to enhance both the structural integrity and the guest experience.

Planned Improvements

The refurbishment will encompass over 20 distinct improvements to the hotel. Key features of the project include:

• Addition of New Rooms: Six new rooms will be constructed on the sixth floor, expanding the accommodation options for guests.
• Enhanced Facilities: Improvements will be made to parking areas, and all lifts and kitchen extraction systems will be replaced.
• Modernized Reception and Amenities: The reception lobby will undergo refurbishment, and a new solarium and fitness area will be added. One of the swimming pools will also be renovated, along with the creation of an adapted spa area for guests with reduced mobility.

The focus will remain on the existing structure, ensuring that the hotel’s footprint, height, and volume remain unchanged, thus minimizing the environmental impact.

Surrounding Protected Areas

The RIU Palace Tres Islas is situated in an environmentally sensitive zone, surrounded by the Corralejo dune system, which is part of the European Union’s Natura 2000 network. This includes the Corralejo Special Area of Conservation and the Dunas de Corralejo e Isla de Lobos Special Protection Area for birds. The hotel also borders the marine conservation area of Sebadales de Corralejo and the Corralejo Natural Park.

Despite the sensitive location, the environmental authority has determined that most of the refurbishment will occur within existing structures, thereby limiting the consumption of geological resources and the occupation of additional natural land.

Wildlife Protection Measures

The environmental assessment acknowledges that construction activities could temporarily disturb local wildlife. To mitigate this, RIU will implement measures to minimize noise, dust, and artificial lighting during the refurbishment. The hotel will also temporarily close during construction to reduce overall activity around the site.

An environmental specialist will supervise the work to ensure compliance with regulations protecting local wildlife and plant species. Special care will be taken to safeguard protected plants, such as Limonium tuberculatum, found in the area.

Addressing Environmental Concerns

The refurbishment project has faced objections from various environmental organizations, raising concerns about its impact on public coastal land and the surrounding protected areas. However, the environmental authority has clarified that many of these issues fall outside the scope of the environmental assessment.

Environmental groups have called for strict adherence to existing legislation and have raised questions regarding the planning and concession status of the hotel. They have also highlighted the need for the nearby RIU Oliva Beach hotel to be demolished as part of broader environmental considerations.

Commitment to Sustainability

The refurbishment is centered around four main objectives: improving energy efficiency, enhancing structural safety, modernizing facilities, and promoting sustainability through water-saving technologies. RIU asserts that the project is crucial for ensuring the safety and environmental sustainability of the building while enhancing the quality of the guest experience.

With the environmental approval now granted, the refurbishment of the RIU Palace Tres Islas can proceed, paving the way for a modern, sustainable hotel that respects the unique ecological landscape of Fuerteventura.