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The opening of Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection by Hilton marks the hospitality group’s entrance to this extraordinary archipelago.
Home to just 21 rooms, the property will provide a tranquil haven for discovering the islands and their abundant wildlife.
Entry to the Galapagos
Immersive experiences introducing guests to the Galapagos are complemented by serene accommodation and gastronomy drawing on the locale at this new boutique hotel reflecting the charm of an Ecuadorian Hacienda.
The hotel is set within a 160-hectare estate, adjacent to UNESCO World Heritage Galapagos National Park, in the Miconia Highland Forests. This location encompasses nine areas of geological interest from craters to lava tunnels. Overall, the property is designed to maximise guests’ interaction with these surroundings.
The hotel’s 21 rooms and villas are joined by facilities including a reception area, restaurants and a fitness space. The spa is expected to reach completion by the end of 2022 and a pool will be open by mid-2023.
Jenna Hackett, global brand head of Curio and Tapestry Collections by Hilton, said: “Debuting in a destination that organically welcomes travellers to connect with nature, dream and discover, this momentous opening marks the first international hotel brand in the Galapagos Islands, while making Ecuador the Curio Collection by Hilton brand’s 30th country to welcome travellers to its growing portfolio.”
“With more than 115 unique hotels and resorts around the world, Curio Collection by Hilton properties provide authentic and curated experiences that are both distinctive and draw inspiration from their local communities. Royal Palm Galapagos brings that vision to life, and we look forward to welcoming travellers to this truly one-of-a-kind hotel.”
A reflection of the surroundings
The hotel’s rooms and villas are dotted across the landscape and decorated with earth toned fixtures and local textiles to represent the natural surroundings through contemporary casual style.
The eight deluxe rooms come with dining areas and terraces or front porches surrounded by gardens and the reserve, while the eight villas offer a living and dining room, jacuzzi room and open fireplace. The executive villas have a private garden and indoor sauna and the largest suite encompasses two bedrooms. The hotel also has three camping sites.
Gastronomy is a key part of the hotel experience with cuisine highlighting produce of the Galapagos highlands, as well as an in-site farm, and the Galapagos-born chefs, Patricio Sisa and Rommel Chalen, using these ingredients to fuse Ecuadorian culinary tradition with international flavours.
This culinary experience is offered in the hotel’s 50-seat fine dining restaurant, which is located inside a lava tunnel nearly 60ft underground. The culinary journey begins at the 30-year-old Muttini building displaying anchors and cannons before continuing with a guided tour of the lava tunnel and six-course dinner accompanied by South American wine at the volcanic vault.
Additional facilities at the property span a picturesque pool and fitness centre. The spa is due to open in the lava tunnel.
An eco-conscious retreat
The Galapagos Islands are celebrated across the world for the wildlife encounters they afford. The hotel immerses guests in this location through excursions such as snorkelling among the volcanic crevices and getting involved in conservation programmes.
Environmental well-being is at the heart of the hotel’s overall ethos. It is the only hotel with a Miconia and Scalesia Reforestation Program with the implementation of sustainability initiatives such as the Plant-a-Tree Program.
“We are proud to be the first international hotel brand to debut in this remarkable location known for its unique wildlife and biodiversity,” said Erica Gordon, senior vice president, global head of public affairs and ESG, and president of the Hilton Global Foundation.
“With destination stewardship at the centre of our Travel with Purpose ESG strategy, we are committed to minimising the impact of our operations and protecting this incredible community. Sustainability is at the heart of the hotel, so we are thrilled to offer guests a thoughtfully immersive, once-in-a-lifetime experience in this special destination.”
The Hilton Global Foundation has also been engaged with projects, including partnering with The Nature Conservancy to protect native Ecuador fish species, across the region.
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