A natural paradise from which you will not want to return
When from the hotel lounger you see a half-meter black marine iguana pass by so calmly, While a mallard swims laps in the pool, you begin to understand why the Finch Bay Galapagos has been awarded four consecutive years with the award for World's Leading Green Hotel at the World Travel Awards
But the party does not end here. Right in front of the swimming pool the german beach, of white sand and turquoise waters, surrounded by mangroves, with an underwater garden in which there are many little sharks –don't worry, if you photograph them with an underwater camera they will look a third bigger–, rays, octopus, eels, sea turtles and other characters worthy of Finding Nemo.
The hotel has been awarded for four consecutive years as the best ecological hotel in the world
This animal richness has much to do with the privileged location of the hotel, in the south of the Santa Cruz Island, in the Galapagos archipelago.
To get from Puerto Ayora, the main city, you have to take a little boat –they call them Water Taxis–, a sort of Galapagos gondola that takes you to this boutique hotel in an environment of volcanic rocks, cacti and even a pink lagoon.
THE CRACKS, AN INTERSTELLAR DOOR
The jewel in the crown is Las Grietas, a five-minute walk from the hotel. Three natural rectangular pools embedded between lava cliffs.
Faced with such beauty, it is difficult to find a word that is up to the task. Let's say it could be a stargate to another dimension, and we were so comfortable. It is best to go at dawn , when the sun barely peeks out and Las Grietas, for a while, belong only to you.
after traversing a small forest of giant cacti , you go down some volcanic stone stairs and you find them out of the blue. I'm not going to lie, the water is cold, even more so at 06:00 in the morning, but we already know that the mind works selectively and positively.
Las Grietas: bathe in these spectacular natural pools between lava cliffs
A fact that gives us to understand the ecological dimension of the establishment is that it belongs to the exclusive network of hotels ** National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World ,** a group of 60 establishments spread over the five continents, that are characterized by their involvement with the environment and respect for communities.
The Finch Bay is one of the few hotels on the planet that produces its own water . This is because it hardly ever rains in the Galapagos and there are no wells or other natural alternatives.
To solve this situation, they imported a desalination plant and a modern rainwater harvesting system. In addition, to minimize contamination, they have a water treatment plant.
Another achievement is his ecological garden, which provides a good portion of the vegetables they use at the hotel. In another context, this bet would not have much significance, but let us not forget that we are in a desert territory –yes, the Galapagos are arid–, where it barely rains.
THE PICASSO OF THE STOVE
Speaking of vegetables: it cannot be left unmentioned the restaurant of the hotel, led by Emilio Dalmau, who is called the 'Picasso of the stoves', for creativity and the point of madness that he imprints on each of his creations.
The hotel is located in the south of the island of Santa Cruz, with an amazing wealth of animals
This renowned chef was a disciple of Ferran Adria, and the truth is noticeable. Their galapagueño tuna in soy sauce and sesame or its seafood risotto they will arrive directly at your hypothalamus never to leave it.
In terms of power supplies, the Finch Bay is also exemplary. uses solar panels for several of its facilities and LED spotlights and motion sensors that avoid wasting energy.
Of course, the rooms have biodegradable soap and shampoo.
Emilio Dalmau, a disciple of Ferran Adrià, is in charge of the hotel restaurant
The shapes of the hotel are reminiscent of the Ibiza architecture. Its unique plant blends perfectly into the landscape. predominate white tones, wooden furniture and magazines on nature and ecological issues.
It is no coincidence that its owner, the Ecuadorian Rock Seville, be a well-known environmental activist.
In the rooms, where a Zen decoration extends, you only find what is necessary: paintings of indigenous animals of the archipelago, a large and soft bed, cushions, a desk and as a gift a book about the local fauna.
In the bathroom there are some windows from where you can see the giant cacti typical of this ecosystem. Most notable are the terraces overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Hopefully at sunset you can see a sea lion playing on the shore. An image that will shower your Instagram with likes.
Hopefully at sunset you can see a sea lion playing on the coast from the terrace of the room
ENCHANTED ISLANDS CRUISE
Surely from that privileged vantage point sprouts your most adventurous spirit and the desire to explore the most remote places of the Enchanted islands.
The solution is very simple: you just have to go talk to the receptionist. Through Metropolitan Touring, the company that manages the hotel, you can make a cruise, without a doubt the best way to get to know them.
You just have to square dates and bet on one of the tours they do to the different regions of the Galapagos. offer from four nights to three weeks, depending on the needs of each client: the traditional to the eastern region, the penguin-watching to the west, or the more adventurous to the remote northern islands.
A perfect combination to visit the archipelago that is home to some of the most unique animal species on the planet. Of course, with ecological conscience.
Tour the islands by boat to discover all its natural wonders