Hilton announced the signing of a franchise agreement with Serinatura SA to receive the Curio Collection by Hilton brand on the Galapagos Island of Santa Cruz with the conversion of the Royal Palm Galapagos Hotel. The renowned hotel will continue under the ownership of its current owners, being operated by the same company, chaired by Diego Andrade Murtinho, while joining the Curio Collection by Hilton, maintaining its historical commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism. With conversion anticipated in July 2022, Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection by Hilton will be the first international hotel brand with a presence in the destination and will adhere to Hilton's global environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy known as Travel with Purpose.
Owned by Serinatura SA and celebrated for its tradition and legacy in the Galapagos community, the current Royal Palm Galapagos hotel immerses guests in a pristine natural environment in Santa Cruz. The island is one of the most important in the archipelago being home to Tortuga Bay, the Charles Darwin Research Station and a port for ecologically responsible cruise ships. Located on a 160-hectare property in the lush miconia forests of the highlands adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Galapagos National Park, the hotel is nestled in a valley between two extinct cinder-cone volcanoes and features nine areas of geological interest, from craters to lava tunnels. Sustainability is at the epicenter of the hotel's spirit and values and is woven into its operations, commitment to guests and the community. Royal Palm Galapagos is the only hotel with a miconia and scalesia reforestation campaign and a rainwater harvesting program that helps ensure this destination remains resilient for future generations of visitors to come.
“The signing of the agreement with Royal Palm Galapagos marks a huge milestone for Hilton, for our Caribbean and Latin American portfolio and for the brand, as we welcome this sustainability-focused property into our growing Curio Collection of more than 115 hotels and resorts across the globe. around the world that are one-of-a-kind and have been specifically selected,” said Juan Corvinos, Senior Vice President of Development, Architecture and Design, Caribbean and Latin America, Hilton. "Located in a destination that changes the lives of those who visit it, this picturesque boutique hotel will offer its guests a truly unique tourist experience while continuing to protect and preserve the ecosystem of the place."
Established in the year 2000, inspired by a passion for travel, nature and connection with the environment, the boutique hotel is made up of 21 casitas and villas built in a natural setting and brimming with the charm of an Ecuadorian hacienda. Guests can recharge at the property's picturesque pool, spa or fitness center, or enjoy the natural wonders of the Galapagos through unique encounters with wildlife, from turtles to beautiful birds, while they enjoy the highest level of comfort and services provided in a protected and eco-sensitive environment. For a super immersive dining experience, the hotel has the only haute cuisine restaurant located inside a cavern in one of the property's lava tunnels.
The hotel, which is expected to join the Curio Collection by Hilton brand in July 2022, is currently undergoing a refurbishment plan that includes renovations to the lobby, spa, guest rooms, and dining offerings. This plan will complement and reinforce the hotel's sustainable architecture and design, with a continued focus on local sourcing, as well as green programs that include its water consumption reduction system through the reuse of rainwater, the recycling of almost 90% of its waste, a tree planting program and a farm of agricultural products that are used as input for the preparations of the hotel restaurants.
“At Hilton, we recognize that we have a critical responsibility to protect the communities we serve, which is reflected in our ESG strategy, Travel with Purpose. We look forward to working with this legendary property to continue to protect this incredible destination and promote more programs that allow our guests to travel to places like this, sustainably and responsibly," said Jean Garris Hand, Vice President of Global Environment, Social Affairs and Governance. , from Hilton.
The Hilton Effect Foundation, the company's global philanthropic arm, which seeks to further Hilton's goals for the Travel with Purpose program, has been involved in projects throughout the region, including partnering with organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, to protect Ecuador's native fish species, and the Galapagos Conservancy, to feed and protect the critically endangered Floreana giant tortoise.
Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection by Hilton will join Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton's 18 world-class brands.