An Unforgettable Galápagos Family Adventure

Overview

Removed you may think, but the hotel sits quite comfortably in this characteristically Old World part of town, and being conveniently positioned at the colonial and cultural heart of Quito its thirty-one rooms have magnificent views over the square and surrounding monuments.

Inside the décor is elegantly traditional, but is kept quite minimal for a contemporary twist. Downstairs is the lobby, complete with marble floors, velvet Chesterfields, and peppered with the odd antique, as is the dining room, bar and conservatory central patio. Then via the spiral stairs (or lift) are the rooms that feature all the contemporary amenities matched to the more modern soft furnishings, but the high ceilings, mouldings, wall murals and marbled bathrooms nod loyally to the mansion’s past and the opulence of a bygone era.

We can arrange for a number of private city tours of Quito with our expert, local guides. Please discuss this with our consultants when planning your itinerary

Overview

The Illa Experience Hotel can be found in the neighbourhood of San Marcos, long the home of Quito’s artists, writers and musicians, aiming to encapsulate the traditional hospitality of quiteños.

In a restored colonial mansion, each floor represents a different period in the city’s history – colonial, Republican and contemporary – with six rooms and four indulgent suites featuring hand-embroidered linens and artisan-crafted furniture.

As well as well-stocked wine cellar, a rooftop bar with panoramic views and a spa with Jacuzzi, the restaurant here is a partnership with the award-winning minds behind Nuema, offering a refreshing take on Ecuadorian cuisine with farm-to-table produce.

Overview

One of Quito’s largest hotels, the JW Marriott Quito is perfect for those who want all the extensive infrastructure, amenities and service that only a five star business class hotel can provide.

Rooms are well decorated and equipped, most with views of the city or volcano. Hotel facilities include a very large heated outdoor pool area (almost unique in Quito), four restaurants, bars, lounges and a well equipped spa.

Overview

Step back into Ecuador’s fascinating history, with a stay at this charming historical hotel in the centre of Quito, which has quite rightly been awarded UNESCO status. Situated amongst the narrow, cobbled streets and baroque architecture this hotel is located in a restored colonial mansion, with 22 beautifully decorated colourful rooms, replete with décor from the colonial era. For some peace and quiet from the bustling bohemian streets, you can sit back and relax in the hotels central patio, carefully designed to represent the importance of Quito’s historical past and the present, modern day. 

Outside of the hotel you will find some of Quito’s most beautiful historical monasteries, churches and a splendid collection of art shops, cafes and restaurants. At the weekend this area is a very lively with a fantastic atmosphere, a great place to be to be immersed into Quito’s culture. 

Overview

Solo travellers and couples alike are welcomed onto the Elite, a superb small ship that sails the waters of the Galápagos Islands. With either double suites or single cabins, you will sleep on supremely comfortable beds and wake to views of the ocean through the floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead onto a private balcony. 

This stylish vessel with its gold-painted hull has myriad communal areas for socialising with fellow guests and enjoying the views of the ocean and islands beyond. Sun yourself on the Sky Deck, where there’s a hot tub and loungers for relaxing and a small dining area for al fresco lunches, or head down to the bar and lounge to find quiet time with a book on the sofa. 

Your onboard crew is made up of real experts, from chefs who prioritise island-grown ingredients to guides and naturalists who will make the magic of the Galapagos come alive as you explore.

Overview

This all-suites ship is an idyllic vessel on which to explore the waters surrounding the astonishing Galápagos Islands. After spending days on land, meeting blue-footed boobies and sea lions and giant tortoises, you’ll be able to return to relax in your spacious bedroom complete with balcony and writing desk. 

Life on board is dreamy, with an open-air lounge, an outdoor hot tub and a sun terrace to keep you occupied, and for those seeking a little more adventure, there’s snorkelling gear to borrow as you swim around the boat. Alternatively, take to the water in your own vessel with one of the on-board kayaks, which will help you get closer to the islands’ incredible and wild coastlines. 

Families are well looked after on board, too, with a TV room for when you’re cruising between islands, and special kids’ meals prepared for younger travellers. The crew are experts in their field, with naturalists and wildlife guides to school you on the region’s incredible flora and fauna, and the chefs prepare fantastic food to please all palates.

Overview

Ocean Spray is a well-equipped and very reasonably priced vessel.

With a capacity for only 16 guests with eight very spacious cabins (the top four are 32m² in size) all with their own private balconies, this is a cruiser that prizes an intimate and comfortable Galápagos experience for its guests.

Enjoy al fresco dining on the deck to soaking in the Jacuzzi after your day’s excursions.

A comprehensive schedule of land-based and boat excursions to the islands will be discussed with you before the trip and when you first board the Ocean Spray. Talk to our designers for more details.

Overview

Enjoy an unforgettable adventure in the Galápagos Islands aboard the luxurious Galaxy Sirius. The spacious double staterooms with ample balconies are designed to offer a grand and comfortable experience, with a luxurious king-size bed, a private bathroom and large windows that provide breathtaking views of the Galápagos Islands.

Relax and unwind in the elegant living room, the ideal place to enjoy time at sea with other travellers, or soak up the sunlight and breathtaking panoramic views as you stargaze from the sun deck. You can also immerse yourself in the beauty of the Galápagos Islands as you sip on your favourite drinks in the alfresco lounge, or savour the exceptional cuisine prepared by the expert chefs in the dining room.

Experiences include exploring the mesmerising underwater world of the Galápagos Islands through snorkelling adventures, paddling through the crystal-clear waters on a kayak or embarking on a thrilling panga ride and discovering the enchanting islands whilst observing the diverse marine life in their natural habitat.

Overview

A truly unique way to enjoy the wonderful nature of the Galápagos islands. Set in 55-hectare grounds in a remote corner of Santa Cruz island, the GSC camp has just nine large and very well appointed safari style tents.

Each is appointed with private bathroom with a hot water shower. The tents are spaced well and have a large double bed and private balcony from which to enjoy the views. The new family suite has three bedrooms suite (master and two twins), and its location next to the main lodge makes it an ideal option for families who favour more private and cohesive lodging.

All the tents surround the main and very elegant contemporary lodge complete with restored antiques and furnishings installed by its well-travelled owners. There is a large main communal area where meals are served and a lounge to relax in. The hotel also boasts an infinity pool from which to admire the landscape. A variety of activities to explore the island and surrounds are possible from the camp. The camp is also renowned for its sustainable and positive impact efforts, including projects aimed at reforestation and protection of endemic flora.

Overview

Set on the island of Santa Cruz, Finch Bay Eco Resort is one of the best and most convenient beachfront hotels in the Galápagos. With a calm protected beach in front and a pleasant pool area, it makes for a wonderful place to relax before or after your Galápagos cruise.

The hotel has a good restaurant and offers tours around the island or boat trips to other surrounding islands can also be organised. The hotel is decorated in a relaxed contemporary style, with the best rooms offering a private veranda and views out to the sea.

Overview

Pikaia Lodge is the only hotel in the Galápagos with its own private reserve. The lodge’s central location in the archipelago allows for land-based and day cruise excursions through the natural wonders of the Galápagos aboard the lodge’s private 145-foot luxury yacht, M/Y Vision. This means that guests can explore nearby islands, secluded white sand beaches and diverse wildlife with short navigation times.

As a Relais & Châteaux property, Pikaia Lodge prides itself on gastronomic excellence. The Evolution Restaurant, with its contemporary and casually elegant decor, serves menus that change every two days. Dine on the restaurant’s terrace to enjoy breathtaking views of the Galápagos National Park.

The lodge’s amenities include an infinity pool with Peruvian travertine marble decks and a wellness centre perched on crater rims, offering dramatic Pacific Ocean views. The Sumaq Spa, designed in a minimalistic Japanese zen style, provides a serene space for massages and relaxation.

Overview

With its focus set firmly on protecting the natural habitat of the Galapagos giant tortoise, Montemar has has sustainability at the core of their operation. You’ll find two beautifully-appointed and fully sustainable villas on the island of Santa Cruz. The villas are set on 43 acres of private land. Montemar produces most of its own energy, collects rainwater and grows a lot of its own produce on its organic farm. Thanks to all this, is has an incredibly low environmental footprint.

Villa Tortuga can accommodate eight guests and Villa Lechuza can sleep four guests. Villa Tortuga boasts four spacious teak-floor bedrooms with large sliding windows which allow plenty of natural night in as well as giving you stunning views. The kitchen and bathrooms boast red cedar furniture and marble and stainless steel furnishings. Three of the four bedrooms have their own private decks. Villa Lechuza’s teak-floor bedrooms also offer great views of the islands and tortoises. In the social area you’ll find an open kitchen and dining room with an al fresco dining area out on the deck.

The land on which Montemar stands has been reclaimed to help recover the native vegetation that sustains the giant tortoises, and the property is part of the Galapagos Tortoise Movement Ecology Programme. You can learn more about the programme and its related projects and meet the people who run it while staying here.

There are plenty of activities to keep you and your family busy while you’re here. Go kayaking, paddle boarding and surfing in the clear waters, or spend time swimming and snorkeling. If you prefer to stay on land, you can go hiking, cycling and scootering across the islands.

Overview

Originally built as a grand charity centre in the heart of Guayaquil in 1891, it avoided demolition after being bought and reconstructed, piece by piece, in its current location within Parque Historico on the banks of the Daule River, and restored into an elegant boutique hotel.

There are 44 guest rooms classically furnished with period local pieces, in subdued hues to contrast with the tropical park outside.

Overlooking the waterfront, the Hotel del Parque’s restaurant serves sophisticated modern takes on Ecuadorian cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood and local ingredients.

Overview

Located close to the airport, the Hilton Colon is an excellent option for Guayaquil. It’s the best hotel in the city with the level of service and finish that one comes to expect from this brand.

Recent refurbishment means that the interiors are elegant and contemporary. Features include a large outdoor pool area, an excellent spa and a choice of different restaurants. There is also an adjoining complex with shops and banks.