ABOUT US
A Different Way of Living in Galápagos
Montemar began as our home — and with a question:
How can we live in Galápagos while leaving it better than we found it?
We are Reyna and Roberto, conservationists and former Galápagos naturalist guides. More than three decades ago, we made these islands our home, guided by a belief that still shapes our lives today: people and nature can thrive together.
When we found Montemar, the land was part of an ancient migration route for Galápagos giant tortoises, but invasive plants had taken over much of it. We began restoring its native habitat. Slowly, the vegetation recovered — and the tortoises returned.
We built our family home here, choosing simplicity, respect for place and the lightest footprint possible. Years later, we decided to share it with travelers.
Today, Montemar remains intentionally small: two villas, six rooms and no more than twelve guests.
For us, luxury isn’t about having more. It’s about experiencing more deeply, while leaving something positive behind.
Welcome to our home.
Reyna & Roberto
No front desk, no big groups, no pressure:
Just nature at its purest.
No front desk, no big groups, no pressure: Just nature at its purest.
YOUR HOSTS
Welcome to our family
the power of nature on the Galápagos, this
wonderful natural gem, is a pleasure.”
— REYNA OLEAS
be one with nature. The closeness you experience with
wildlife here can be found nowhere else.”
— ROBERTO PLAZA
OUR BACKGROUND
We, the owners of Montemar Eco Luxury Villas, are two passionate Ecuadorians, Reyna Oleas and Roberto Plaza, a married couple who have devoted our lives to nature and conservation.
Moving to the Galápagos was not easy and we’ve made our share of mistakes — one of them forced us to spend our first year in the property with no electricity — and with two kids at home! But we’ve learned from our missteps, which have proved essential in bringing us to where we are today.
As partnered entrepreneurs, we designed Montemar Eco Luxury Villas and became hoteliers with the support of a beloved friend. As passionate hosts, we love to collaborate with scientists, participate in projects with the local community and provide our guests with inspiring experiences.
OUR FOOTPRINT
We have prepared a summary of
our impact in Galápagos
OUR HISTORY
A brief timeline of our love story with
the Galápagos:
A brief timeline of our love story with the Galapagos:
1994:
We, Reyna and Roberto, come from mainland Ecuador and start working as naturalists guides in Galapagos.
1996:
By now experts who frequently travel to the islands, the naturalists guides fall in love and become a couple.
2003:
Cayetano, our first child, is born.
2004:
Our family becomes bigger with the arrival of a new baby, Marisol.
2006:
Our family moves to Galápagos.
2009:
We take the opportunity to buy a piece of land in the highlands area of Santa Cruz Island, with a stunning ocean view.
2011:
We build the main house, Villa Tortuga and the guest house, Villa Lechuza. Then, we begin the set up for the coffee plantation aiming to raise money to support the tortoises living in the area.
2012:
For the first time, our family host scientist to support research projects about the Giant Tortoise.
2019:
After converting both our former home and guest house into luxury villas, Montemar Eco Luxury Villas opens for business.
2025:
Montemar Ecoluxury Villas receives clientes from all around the globe and is continuously creating unforgettable memories for our clients.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Our labor is recognized by
our local and regional community
Our labor of love is recoginzed all around the globe
TEDx Galápagos: I live on an Island Galapagos, Ecuador – 2005
EDx UCS:
!Vamos a Tejernos!
history behind our work with hospitality at Montemar. Guayaquil, Ecuador – 2022
Frente Insular de la Reserva Marina
de Galápagos
Galapagos, Ecuador – 2021
Finalists for the Green Awards of
Latin America
America.
Galapagos, Ecuador – 2022
Santa Cruz Municipal Government
Galapagos, Ecuador – 2022
Galápagos Chamber of Tourism
Galapagos, Ecuador – 2022
Ecuadorian Red Cross
Galapagos, Ecuador – 2023
REMOTE SEEDS Talk: Can we work collectively in an “ecosystemic” way?
Cuenca, Ecuador – 2023
