An exclusive property nestled on a 480-acre private estate in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, Royal Palm Hotel is a secluded hideaway situated on a gently sloping hill with views to the ocean in the distance.
Surrounded by native flora and fauna, and ringing with the hum of Darwin finches and egrets, the accommodation is an immersive base for further island exploration. Its eight well-appointed casitas have verandas that overlook the estate, while the 13 luxurious villas sit individually within the grounds and offer advanced privacy and space. An on-site restaurant affords guests with ocean-views on clear days, although many prefer to dine al fresco with a sundowner cocktail under the blanket of stars.
The property is situated in a valley between two extinct volcanoes, so it is little surprise to know that sinkholes and craters permeate the estate. A fascinating and lesser-visited attraction of the island is the 800-metre-long and 1.5-million-year-old lava tunnel that lies just twenty minutes away from the property – walk (and crawl) through its length to experience an exciting journey back in time to the shaping of the volcanic island.
Royal Palm Hotel offers a wealth of excursions on a tailor-made basis, enabling guests to try everything from snorkelling to horse riding, spa treatments to yacht expeditions and from nature-trail walks, to tree-planting. Spectacular snorkelling, diving kayaking or mountain biking can be arranged in one of the many scenic island locations.
Royal Palm Hotel can be found in the lush Miconia highland forest on Santa Cruz Island, just 20 minutes away from the port town of Puerto Ayora.
Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.
Named after the Darwin finches that frequent the surrounding area, Finch Bay Hotel is nestled across from Puerto Ayora in a quiet oceanfront location on Santa Cruz Island. The property features 27 rooms and suites, an outdoor pool and a restaurant that serves locally-inspired cuisine. The property is flexible in that it offers stays on only a bed and breakfast basis right through to a complete full-board package with daily guided land and sea excursions.
A unique concept in the Galapagos, Pikaia Lodge is a contemporary property that carefully balances adventurous land-based activities with ocean-bound excursions. Guests are welcomed on board the lodge’s spacious and luxurious yacht and allocated a private cabin, but are able to return at night to the comforts of Pikaia Lodge to sleep on steady ground. Providing an ideal base from which to explore a wide selection of islands, the lodge operates similarly to boat-based programmes by providing planned, fully-guided excursions that include sea kayaking, snorkelling and walking.
Situated in a grove of wild red mangrove and perched on the edge of the sea, Galapagos Habitat is peacefully removed from the hustle and bustle of the town of Puerto Ayora whilst being just a stone’s throw from the Charles Darwin Research Station. Featuring 17 stylish rooms and suites with views to the ocean or mangroves, each furnished to a high standard in a minimalist style, Galapagos Habitat offers a beachside restaurant that serves a fusion of Japanese and Ecuadorian specialities, a waterfront jacuzzi and complimentary use of kayaks. Wilderness excursions and day tours to the nearby islands also operate daily from Galapagos Habitat.
Consisting of just three superbly constructed eco villas that are the first of their kind in the Galapagos, Montemar is the sustainable passion project of two native Galapaguenos and environmentalists. Composed of natural local materials like bamboo, cedar and lava rocks, the villas blend seamlessly with the surrounding 43 acres of land, through which Galapagos tortoises and wild horses roam freely. The property has its own outdoor bamboo yoga and meditation studio, and the three villas range in size and are each uniquely decorated.
An oceanfront residence overlooking Pelican Bay on Santa Cruz Island, Villa Escalesia is a private home that offers sea views, a private infinity swimming pool, expansive sun decks, a whirlpool and ocean-view hammocks. Boasting total privacy and unobstructed views of Academy Bay and Santa Fe Island, the villa is an ideal location for groups of up to 12 people to congregate for private parties, reunions or annual get-togethers. Available for hire on a full-board or full-board and serviced basis, the property is designed to accommodate once-in-a-lifetime memories.
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