Spring and summer are just around the corner in the Southern Hemisphere, and there is much new for seasonal travelers and industry insiders to look forward to at The Finch Bay Eco Hotel in the Galápagos. The award-winning eco hotel located on Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island recently earned honors as South America’s Leading Green Hotel 2013 from the World Travel Awards. It’s the second year in a row the hotel has taken home the coveted honor.
But that’s just for starters. For more exciting developments at The Finch Bay, read on:
• The Finch Bay is one of the few hotels in Puerto Ayora to harbor its own yachts, each specially designed and splendidly suited for taking guests on day trips to some of the most beautiful sites in the Galápagos. Sea Finch recently returned from dry dock in Guayaquil. Along with routine maintenance, the yacht’s interiors were completely renovated for a whole new look. For a peek below deck, peruse the gallery of images here.
• Already renowned for its beautiful grounds along the seafront of Santa Cruz Island, The Finch Bay recently turned attention to the gardens around its swimming pool and guest rooms. Result? An oasis of peace and a haven for wildlife, with more than 500 newly planted button mangroves casting shade and water pools and channels fed by the hotel’s water treatment plant newly integrated into the landscape. How much will you love it? As much as the Darwin’s Finches and ducks that regularly flock to the property.
• In keeping with its place as a model of sustainability that respects its unique environment, The Finch Bay recently renewed a series of hot water-heating solar panels on the roofs. Going one step further, the hotel plans to install new panels on the roof of the bar in the not-too-distant future to heat the swimming pool and power all electrical appliances in the bar. The combined upgrades will reduce dependence on the electrical grid and take The Finch Bay one step closer to carbon neutrality.
• Head Chef Byron Rivera takes delighting The Finch Bay’s guests very seriously. To that end, he is now a Master Cuisine Cordon Bleu – one of only a few chefs in of Ecuador with that distinction from the world-renowned culinary school. Chef Rivera’s new lunch and dinner menus, designed with his kitchen team, are not to be missed – especially Seared Red Tuna; lip-smacking contemporary takes on classic Ceviche; and a new version of Encocado, a northern coastal favorite of fish swimming in thick coconut sauce. Watch a video about Byron’s work and philosophy.
The Finch Bay is located in a privileged spot by a small sandy cove in Puerto Ayora. With 21 Garden View Rooms and 6 Ocean View Suites, swimming pool, restaurant, day tours to visitor sites on two yachts, activities on Santa Cruz, and all-inclusive packages, guests experience these remarkable islands at their own pace, mixing exploration with relaxation. It’s the Galápagos, the Finch Bay way.
Rates from $350 per room (with taxes included). For more information or to make reservations at the Finch Bay, see www.finchbayhotel.com