Today, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced the opening of the extraordinary Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection by Hilton, a boutique property with 21 villas and guest rooms embodying the charm of an Ecuadorian hacienda. Nestled on a 400-acre site in the lush forests of the Miconian Highlands, endemic to the adjoining Galapagos National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Curio Collection by Hilton's sanctuary of tranquility is a haven of serenity and unforgettable encounters with wildlife.
“With a debut in a destination that organically invites travelers to connect with nature, dream and discover, this memorable opening establishes the first international hotel brand to arrive in the Galapagos Islands, while also making Ecuador the number 30 for the ever-expanding Curio Collection by Hilton brand,” said Jenna Hackett, Global Head of Brands, Curio and Tapestry Collections by Hilton. “With more than 115 unique hotels and resorts around the world, Curio Collection by Hilton properties deliver carefully curated, authentic experiences that are distinctive and inspired by their local communities. Royal Palm Galapagos makes that vision a reality, and we look forward to welcoming travelers to this truly one-of-a-kind hotel.”
Nestled amid stunning scenery and unspoiled vegetation on the Galapagos Islands, located approximately 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador, Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection by Hilton is designed to carefully and respectfully maximize guest interactions with the remote, unique and ecologically sensitive destination. Protected by a valley between two volcanoes, the hotel boasts nine areas of geological interest, from craters to lava tunnels, and features newly upgraded accommodation, a reception area, restaurants and a gym. By the end of 2022, guests can expect a new spa, and by mid-2023, the hotel plans to introduce a renovated pool.
Amenities
The hotel's 21 deluxe rooms and villas are surrounded by verdant landscaping and decorated with local fabrics, earth-toned accessories and artistic touches, offering casual contemporary elegance inspired by the nature reserve of the beloved enchanted islands.
The eight deluxe rooms have large bedrooms, dining area and entrance galleries or terraces to enjoy the large garden and views of the nature reserve. Likewise, the eight villas have a bedroom, bathroom, Jacuzzi room, living/dining room and wood-burning stove to enjoy and enhance the picturesque views of the property and the island of Santa Cruz. The Executive Villas are more secluded cabins with a private garden, indoor sauna, living room and dining area with a wood-burning stove. The largest suite on the property is named after British royalty and boasts exceptional privacy. It includes two bedrooms, a sauna, a private garden, a wood-burning stove, a dining room and more.
For a super immersive experience, guests can camp at the crossroads of comfort and jungle in the midst of unspoiled wilderness. With three different camping spots, the hotel offers a way to enjoy the diversity of the Galapagos Islands with its overnight camping program.
Gastronomy
The gastronomic experience is the essence of the hotel, with a cuisine based largely on fresh products from the Galapagos Highlands. Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection by Hilton offers a distinctive dining experience with island-sourced ingredients, from locally grown vegetables and fruits to sustainably harvested meats and seafood. The hotel's food and beverage options are curated by two extraordinary Galapagos born and raised sous chefs, Patricio Sisa and Rommel Chalen, who bring their vast experience, passion and delight for their local traditions, including traditional Ecuadorian and international flavors, to their ever-evolving menu, while at the same time transforming Galapagos customs into culinary adventures.
The hotel houses the only haute cuisine restaurant in the destination located almost 20 meters underground. Inaugurated this year, this new culinary journey begins in Muttini, a 30-year-old building decorated with cannons and anchors, with a guided tour of the lava tunnel ending in the volcanic vault with a six-course dinner inspired by culture and ingredients. local.
The Royal Palm Restaurant serves delicious local and international cuisine, with a variety of Galapagos recipes using fresh ingredients from their own farm and catch of the day. The 50-seat restaurant blends elegant colonial style and traditional island design with warm mahogany furnishings that reflect the glow of the live fire and on warmer nights, guests are invited to dine alfresco on the terrace under equatorial stars. The cellar reflects the eclectic nature of the menu and includes a wide range of some of the best wines in South America.
Amenities + Experiences
Home to one of the world's last remaining natural island ecosystems, the Galapagos Islands are prized as the world's premier destination for exploration and wildlife encounters. Both adventurous travelers and those seeking a quiet, eco-friendly retreat can fill their days with a plethora of excursions. From seeing a giant Galapagos tortoise in its natural habitat for the first time as they freely roam the National Park to snorkeling through volcanic crevices filled with crystal clear emerald waters, the hotel's designed experiences will leave guests in awe of the islands. .
Beyond the world-renowned voyages of the islands, guests have the unique opportunity to conserve the endangered species that live on the property, such as the Galapagos Chick, Galapagos Short-eared Owl, Scalesia pedunculata ( tree known as milky), the miconia robinsoniana (shrub known as cacaotillo) and more. Those looking to recharge can revel in the property's idyllic and picturesque swimming pool, newly remodeled fitness center, and be mesmerized by the natural wonders of Galapagos while enjoying the highest level of services provided in the hotel's pristine setting. By the end of the year, the hotel plans to present a new spa that will have an exclusive area for relaxation and massages in the lava tunnel,
Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection by Hilton is the perfect destination for the traveler who dreams of their next getaway. For travelers looking for a little more than a vacation, Curio Collection by Hilton's newest hotel offers the “Live Life”* sabbatical experience. Over the course of 30 days, guests are invited to reconnect with nature and discover the wonders of the Galapagos in a unique immersive journey. Available now through December 31, 2022 for $25,000 USD, guests can embark on an unforgettable, life-changing adventure where they can choose a weekly experience that connects them with the environment, while enjoying the comforts and conveniences surroundings of the hotel. Whether they spend the day diving at Las Grietas, bird watching,
Environmental wellness is at the epicenter of the hotel's ethos and comes to life as a refuge on a Galapagos expedition. As the only hotel with a miconia and scalesia reforestation program, the fully immersive green promise lives and breathes within the property's walls, as seen through its Rain Harvesting program, which helps ensure the destination remains sturdy for future generations of travelers. Bringing sustainability to an elevated experience, the hotel's environmental programs include its water reduction system through which rainwater is reused and nearly 90 percent of waste is recycled, a tree-planting program, and a own farm of agricultural products used by the hotel restaurants.
“We are proud to be the first international hotel brand to debut in this extraordinary place known for its wildlife and unique biodiversity. With destination environmental stewardship at the core of our ESG strategy, Travel with Purpose, we are committed to minimizing the impact of our operations and protecting this incredible community. Sustainability is at the heart of the hotel, which is why we are delighted to offer guests a unique and immersive experience in this very special destination,” said Erica Gordon, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Public Affairs and ESG, and President of the Hilton. Global Foundation.
The Hilton Global Foundation, the company's global philanthropic arm that seeks to further the goals of Hilton's Travel with Purpose program, has been involved in projects throughout the region, including collaborating with 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 participates in Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton's 18 distinctive hotel brands. Program members who book directly have access to instant benefits, including a sliding fee scale that allows them to choose almost any combination of points and money to book a stay, exclusive member discounts, free standard Wi-Fi and access to the app Hilton Honors Mobile.