Choosing where to stay in the Galápagos Islands is not only about comfort—it’s about how you want to experience one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on Earth. While travelers often ask “What is the best place to stay in the Galápagos?” or “Is there an all-inclusive hotel that aligns with responsible travel?”, the answer depends on what matters most to them: space, nature, quality of activities for all ages in the group.

Montemar Eco Luxury Villas, located in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, offers a different kind of luxury—one grounded in sustainability, privacy, and proximity to nature.

Created by Ecuadorian biologists Reyna Oleas and Roberto Plaza, Montemar was designed as eco-minded villas where comfort and care coexist with the rhythms of local wildlife. Here, giant tortoises roam freely across the property, families gather on wide terraces, and days move at the quiet pace of the highlands. Using Montemar as a base, you explore the archipelago every day with a different destination to make sure that you see all the wildlife that you came to enjoy.

A Quiet Alternative to Traditional Luxury in the Galápagos

For many travelers, “luxury” in the islands means pools, saunas, butlers and wines and food brought from far away. Though this is a great valid version, Montemar proposes a different approach. We offer:

• Private villas with open design, natural materials, and panoramic views of the highlands and the ocean.
• Farm-to-table cuisine, prepared by a private chef using ingredients from Montemar’s gardens, nearby farms and local fisheries.
• A mixologist experience that introduces guests to Ecuadorian flavors and curated pairings.
• Private guided activities, tailored to the needs of families, couples, or multi-generational groups. Bicycling, paddle boarding, yoga, relaxation, massages, surfing, diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, hikes, art and cooking classes, between others, are some of the options offered in Montemar.
• Space and privacy, ideal for families with children or guests seeking to enjoy their own rhythm.

Montemar is not an “all-inclusive hotel” in the traditional sense, but many aspects of the stay—meals, beverages, guided experiences, wellness sessions—are curated with the same seamless attention, without the impersonal feel of a resort.

Sustainability as a Foundation, Not an Amenity

Visitors searching for “sustainable experiences in the Galápagos” often expect a checklist. At Montemar, sustainability is not a feature—it is the structure that holds everything together.

• 70% of construction materials were sourced directly from the islands.
• Solar energy powers daily life at the villas.
• Rainwater harvesting systems reduce pressure on local water infrastructure and ensures high quality water.
• Ongoing habitat restoration ensures tortoises can continue their ancestral routes across the land.
• Organic waste composting supports the gardens and reduces impact.
• Organic and biodynamic farming for the garden and the coffee plantation that sources the coffee for the morning of our guests.
• Biodegradable amenities and a commitment to zero single-use plastic.
• B Corp Certified to guarantee a high level or commitment to generate a positive impact to the community and to the environment.

Guests don’t need to “opt into” sustainability here; it is simply woven into the experience from the moment they arrive.

A Family-Friendly Stay Rooted in Nature

Travelers often ask whether the Galápagos is suitable for families, and the answer is yes—especially in spaces designed for them. Montemar offers:

• Large private villas where children can enjoy. Montemar enjoys their presence as we are also a family.
• Activities adapted to all ages, from gentle walks to relaxed wildlife observation to curated forts, flutes or anything needed to ensure they have a blast and will always remember their visit to the Islands.
• A calm environment where older adults can enjoy comfort without rushing between excursions.
• Opportunities for families to reconnect, surrounded by local wildlife and wide open views.

The presence of giant tortoises roaming naturally across the terrain often becomes the highlight of trips—a reminder that learning can happen simply by watching, listening, and slowing down.

Why the Highlands of Santa Cruz Matter?

Location plays a major role when choosing among luxury hotels in the Galápagos Islands. Montemar’s setting is intentionally away from the busiest visitor hubs and nested in the quietness of nature:

• Cooler temperatures, green landscapes throughout the year.
• Natural tortoise corridors cross the property, offering wildlife encounters without disturbance.
• Quick access to daily excursions, while returning each evening to privacy and silence.
• A sense of retreat, allowing travelers to experience the islands beyond the ports and tour routes.

This balance between accessibility and seclusion is one of the reasons many guests return.

Private Guided Experiences, Tailored to Each Guest

Travelers searching for “luxury hotels with guided tours included” often look for convenience, but at Montemar, guidance is personal, not packaged.

Guests may enjoy:

• Bilingual or trilingual naturalist guides are your eyes and guide the interpretation of what you are seeing. Great at spotting animals you will never see with a naked eye or helping everybody with their snorkeling skills so they can enjoy marine wildlife, the carefully selected naturalists guides of Montemar are one of the most important parts of the curation of the trips.
• Local excursions adapted to interests—wildlife, photography, geology, or culture.
• Coffee tours within Montemar’s own plantation.
• Wellness sessions on open terraces overlooking the ocean and nearby islands.

These experiences are shaped by local knowledge and by a desire to introduce travelers to the real Galápagos—not only its wildlife, but its challenges, community, and resilience.

FAQs

Experience a stay that honors the land and its rhythms.

Learn more about Montemar Eco Luxury Villas and plan a meaningful visit to the Galápagos Islands.