GALAPAGOS ISLANDS — Hilton is set to debut the Curio Collection by Hilton brand on Galapagos Island this summer, following a franchise agreement with Serinatura S.A.

Formerly the Royal Palm Galapagos Hotel, the conversion of the renowned property will take place July 2022, at which point it will be known as the Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection by Hilton. Upon opening, it will represent the first international hotel brand name with a presence in the destination.

Located on the Galapagos Island of Santa Cruz, the boutique hotel will remain owned and operated by its current management company, led by Diego Andrade Murtinho, while joining Curio Collection by Hilton. It features 21 casitas and villas, a pool, fitness centre and the only fine dining restaurant located inside a cavern within one of the property’s lava tunnels. The hotel, sheltered within a valley between two extinct cinder cone volcanoes, is also the only hotel with a Miconia and Escalesia Reforestation Program and a Rain Harvesting program to ensure the destination remains resilient for future generations.

“The signing of Royal Palm Galapagos marks a momentous milestone for Hilton, our Caribbean and Latin America portfolio and the brand, as we welcome the sustainability-focused property to our growing Curio Collection of more than 115 one-of-a-kind handpicked hotels and resorts around the world,” said Juan Corvinos, senior vice president, development, architecture and design, Caribbean and Latin America, Hilton. “Nestled in a life-changing destination, this picturesque boutique hotel will offer guests a truly unique travel experience while continuing to protect and preserve the destination’s ecosystem.”

Currently undergoing a renovation, the hotel will debut a refreshed lobby, spa, guestrooms and dining. As part of its commitment to sustainable architecture and design, the refresh will complement the hotel’s environmental programs that include a water reduction system that reuses rainwater and recycles nearly 90% of its residues, as well as a Plant-a-Tree Program and on-site produce farm.

The Hilton Effect Foundation, the company’s global philanthropic arm that seeks to advance Hilton’s Travel with Purpose goals, has been engaged in projects across the region, including partnering with organizations such as The Nature Conservancy to protect native Ecuador fish species, and Galapagos Conservancy to feed and protect the critically endangered Floreana Giant Tortoise.