Highlands Villa

Highlands, Santa Cruz Island – Galapagos

 

This exclusive estate in the uplands of Santa Cruz Island in Galapagos offers you an original, boutique hotel-style Galapagos experience, in which you actually live amongst the Galapagos wildlife that you have come to see.

The estate is owned and run by a British naturalist and SCUBA guide with 10 years of experience in Galapagos, and his Ecuadorian wife. They will act both as your hosts and guides, ensuring your visit is relaxing, educational and fun, and offering a truly authentic and personalized touch to your Galapagos adventure.

The estate itself is situated on the fertile slopes of an ancient and extinct volcano in the rural uplands of Santa Cruz Island that itself is located right in the heart of the Galapagos Archipelago, six hundred miles off the west coast of Ecuador in South America.

The grounds of the estate comprise more than twelve acres (five hectares) of private farmland that have been almost completely reforested with endemic and native trees, under which specialty and sustainable 'conservation' coffee is growing.

 

The main house is nestled within this forest and has terraces that peer out over the top of it, with majestic panoramic views to the national park, marine reserve and outlying islands. It also allows birds to be easily observed in the forest canopy from above - a feature that is absolutely unique to this property.

Nature trails wind their way around the estate; giant tortoises lumber freely through the undergrowth; native birds thrive in the tree canopy; epiphytes such as mistletoe, orchids, mosses and ferns are found in abundance.

This is an idyllic and secure retreat for individuals, families and small groups who want comfortable accommodation and the privacy, tranquility, cooler air, and natural habitat only found inland from the coastline.

The estate is conveniently located in the fresh, humid zone of Santa Cruz Island, three hundred meters above sea level and just 12 km (15-minutes by taxi) from Puerto Ayora town. It provides a convenient base from which you can explore Santa Cruz and outlying islands, but still have access to town amenities, beaches and other local attractions.

 

The main house itself comprises three sizeable en suite bedrooms, each with air conditioning and ceiling fans. Each has access to a private balcony or terrace. Large windows and sliding doors offer fantastic views from each room. Each has the option of queen size or twin beds.

The grounds are secure for children and offer a world of adventure and fun. Children can explore the grounds of the estate or play on the grass lawns or splash around in the children's swimming pool. Parents can join in the fun, or relax in a hammock, reading a book or enjoying a snooze.

In the evenings another world comes alive. On a clear night, gaze up into the Milky Way, listen and look out for hunting bats and barn owls, enjoy an educational documentary about Galapagos, or just spend quiet, quality time with friends and family; parents who wish to spend time alone can take advantage of our baby sitting service. The owner/naturalist guide offers evening educational lectures about the natural history of the islands.

 

This estate is the natural selection for discerning travelers who stipulate authentic, private and personalized travel adventures and accommodation. And, it represents an attractive and viable land-based alternative, or add-on, to a traditional cruise ship.

A stay here is not only relaxing, but also fun and highly educational for both adults and children; you can be assured that the proprietors, as your hosts and guides, will do their utmost to ensure that your stay becomes one of your most memorable and rewarding travel experiences.

 

FARMHOUSE

The main Farmhouse spans the upper levels of the property, featuring three spacious en suite bedrooms. Each has direct access to a private balcony. The main living area on the first floor comprises a large open plan lounge with stone fireplace, dining room and kitchen. A large south facing terrace offers spectacular views over surrounding farmland, Galapagos National Park and Galapagos Marine Reserve to Floreana Island.

 

GARDEN ANNEX

The main farmhouse building includes an apartment at garden level featuring three en-suite bedrooms with beautiful views to the flower gardens and Scalesia forest. Bedrooms all lead off the main lounge. An open plan lounge, with dining and kitchen areas lead onto a large, private terrace and grass lawn that has a small water fountain and views to the sunset in the west and direct access to the nature trails.  The lounge features a TV & multi-region DVD (with USB & memory card inputs or game consoles).

 

THE ESTATE IN BRIEF:

• Private balconies and terraces
• Open plan lounge and dining areas
• Full board (sit down or buffet)
• Fully fitted kitchen
• Air conditioning and/or ventilation fans
• Choice of queen size or twin beds
• Baby cot/crib available on request
• Baby-sitting available on request
• Five hectares of private grounds
• Nature trails
• Access to grass lawns and flower gardens
• Children's swimming pool
• Observatory platform
• Bird watching and giant tortoises
• Tour booking services
• Personal naturalist guide services
• Daily cleaning service
• Laundry service
• Airport transfer on request
• Taxi service on-call
• Internet service via modem
• Personal attention 24 hours
• Massage and spa services on request