A Luxury Galápagos Vacation

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

The vessel has capacity for just 48 guests, striking a good balance between size and facilities. All of the twenty four staterooms are located mid-ship on the upper deck and come with spacious double or twin beds. As one of the newer boats in the Galápagos, La Pinta is kitted out with the latest equipment and has an excellent restaurant and bar, jacuzzi and a gym.

All tours are conducted with small groups of just ten guests or less with expert naturalist guides. Travellers have exclusive use of snorkelling equipment, sea kayaks, wetsuits and trips in the glass bottomed boat.

Overview

Billed as both the most luxurious and the most environmentally efficient yachts in the Galapagos, the Origin,  Theory and Evolve feature panoramic windows, a hot tub and while on board you’ll enjoy locally sourced, gourmet meals. They are both the only Relais & Châteaux-certified yachts operating in the Galápagos Islands and have been built with environmentally friendly, zero-emission material.

With ten deluxe double staterooms, each with large panoramic windows, private bathrooms, seating areas, local art work and satellite TVs, the yachts are able to accommodate up to 20 passengers in the utmost levels of comfort. The guide to passenger ration is one of the best in the Galápagos ensuring you enjoy first-class service.

The spacious interior features a dining and bar area, lounge, fitness centre, library, boutique and a computer station. Outside, the large sun deck features outside dining space, loungers, hammocks, Jacuzzi, hot tub and BBQ.

To ensure you make the most of your visit to the Galápagos Islands, daily excursions are led by two highly trained naturalist guides in small groups of no more than ten. You’ll enjoy nature walks with plenty of time for photographs and questions.

Overview

The Alya ensures a relaxing, informative and fun journey through this wonderful part of the world.

The 105-foot catamaran accommodates up to 16 guests in nine comfortable en-suite cabins, eight of which feature private balconies. Rooms are bright and fresh with large windows that allow plenty of natural light to flood in.

Itineraries combine hiking, snorkelling, swimming and kayaking with expert guided tours led by naturalist guides who will take you to the best spots on each island and help you get up close to the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos.

Back on board, there is a dining room, a library where you can unwind and watch a DVD, two bars and a sundeck with Jacuzzi – perfect for sinking into at the end of a day exploring, drink in hand.

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

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

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.