About us
The current Finca is the result of many passionate people who have poured their heart and soul into the development and preservation of the complex over many decades.
A Place Full of History and Transformation
Finca El Drago exudes a unique energy, shaped by the stories and influences of the families who have lived here over the years. From European aristocracy to patchwork communities – this home has undergone an impressive journey of transformation that continues to this day.
The Beginnings
Aristocratic Elegance
In 1891, Finca el Drago was built by Fernando de Llarena y Monteverde for a British aristocratic family. The main house and the present-day retreat building shaped the elegant style of the estate, which remains visible to this day. In 1918, the couple Domingo Salazar y Cólogan and Maria de Ascanio y Méndez de Lugo expanded the estate. They hired renowned architects and landscape designers, giving the finca its current structure. Special elements such as an Andalusian pergola and a chapel were added, both of which are now considered cultural heritage sites of Tenerife. Salazar, who came from a distinguished Spanish family, had previously directed the Botanical Garden of Puerto de la Cruz before becoming President of the Cabildo Insular de Tenerife (1920–1924). His political engagement even led to a visit from the Spanish King Juan Carlos I in 1956.
Change and Creativity
The Conrad Family
In 1982, the estate was sold to Michael Conrad, a German award-winning advertising mogul who was searching for a peaceful place for his widowed mother and family. The finca had stood empty for almost 30 years and required extensive restoration under the guidance of his wife Helga. The Conrads used the finca as a private retreat for friends and family but also as a think tank and opened it up to tourism. Since many members of the family were creatively and musically gifted, concerts and jam sessions around the campfire were frequently held on the finca.
Modern Vision
Retreat Resort & Farm-to-Table Concept
In 2022, Alexander Funk took over the finca. Inspired by the magical tranquility of the place, Alexander and his friend Stefan decided to develop this gem into a holistic retreat center. At the beginning of 2024, an adjacent banana plantation was acquired, where a permaculture food forest will be developed in the coming years. As part of the farm-to-table concept, organically grown vegetables and fruits will be processed in the finca’s own restaurant. The offerings will be complemented by yoga halls, sweat lodges & ice baths, adventure playgrounds, and much more. A small festival area will host ecstatic dance events, concerts, and open-air cinema nights. The estate of Finca el Drago now spans approximately 35,000 sqm.
Meet our team
Alexander Funk
Owner
Alexander is an entrepreneur and philanthropist from Hamburg who has been living in a community with four families since 2020. In 2022, he purchased Finca El Drago and spent a year there with his family and close friends. On Tenerife, he found the ideal conditions for his great passion – the Ironman. His training on the island paid off: In October 2024, he competed in the World Championship in Hawaii. He quickly became passionate about the idea of transforming the Finca into a place where people—especially families—can reconnect with nature and each other, offering an alternative to mass tourism.
Stefan Heinen
Manager
Stefan is the creative mind behind the vision of transforming the estate from a traditional apartment hotel into a holistic retreat and healing center. During a sabbatical year with his family in the Orotava Valley, the idea to significantly expand and reorient the Finca took shape. Throughout his career, Stefan has founded three start-ups. With the Finca, he transitions from the film industry to the field of mindful and sustainable tourism. He lives with his patchwork family in a community in Hamburg and spends as much time as possible at Finca El Drago.
Maria Martin Hernández
Manager Guest Service & Housekeeping
Maria is the heart and soul of the Finca, the head of room service, and the third generation of her family to work at El Drago. Her mother started back in 1974 as an assistant to her father. From the age of five to twelve, Maria lived on the Finca with her family and knows the estate better than anyone else. Since her mother retired this year, she has been keeping everything running smoothly and is the main point of contact for all guest inquiries regarding the apartment facilities.
Linda Schuh
Head of Marketing and Strategy
Linda combines entrepreneurial thinking, scientific expertise, and holistic healing arts. With a Master’s degree in Management, experience in entrepreneurship, a background in nutritional science, and training in yoga, Ayurveda, and mind-body medicine, she brings body, mind, and strategy into alignment. She has worked for one of Europe’s most successful retreat centers and now offers her own retreats in yoga, movement, meditation, and Ayurveda. Today, she helps shape the strategic vision of the finca, leads marketing, and builds a vibrant ecosystem where true connection, healing, and growth can flourish.
Scott Craver
Head of Permaculture & Garden Design
Scott studied fine arts, is a trained carpenter, and brings not only craftsmanship but also entrepreneurial experience to the project: For six years, he ran a landscaping business in Germany before his love of surfing and nature brought him to the island in 2021. He now channels his entrepreneurial spirit and creative drive into building our permaculture food forest. If he’s not out catching waves, you’ll most likely find him among the plants or in the workshop – always in his element.
Finca El Drago: a place full of opportunities
Tenerife has some magic places to visit, and yet many guests spend most of their time on the complex, enjoying the amenities. You can chill out in the various gardens, enjoy the saltwater pool, the sauna or yoga classes. Have fun playing Billiard or Darts in our community room, or watch the sunset from our historical pergola. Whatever you need to unwind, we’ve got it covered.
Explore the Finca