After my Galápagos cruise, I’m anxious to check email. I sit on my balcony at Hotel Solymar, looking out over the jacuzzi, lap pool and the ocean. However, I’m very quickly distracted from my phone.
Two sealions swim by, arcing out of the water like dolphins. A heron sits by the pool, gazing out at the same gorgeous view as me. Pelicans lumber by and frigates soar overhead. There are several marine iguana soaking up the heat of the sun on the pool deck. This is an easy safari!
Hotel Solymar is the oldest hotel on Isla Santa Cruz, but with the current main building constructed just eight years ago, the only way you can tell is from the assured hospitality and service.
A short walk from the main Puerto Ayora pier, the hotel (and its 3-year-old sister Isla Del Sol, providing meeting space and bigger suites, just across the street) is extremely convenient to all the restaurants, shops and day trip providers in town.
Family-owned and operated, Solymar makes you feel welcomed and relaxed.
But instead of heading out to a restaurant, sit next to the sea and enjoy Chef Edwin Viña’s fantastic cooking. Perched next to the pool and surrounded by a flower- and herb- filled garden, this is a restaurant not to be missed. Classic and creative sushi, fresh seafood, lomo, a wide variety of veggies, tempting desserts — far beyond what I expected on an island 1000km from the mainland!
And during my delicious lunch, not only do I see all the animals above, but a turtle and a huge eagle ray swim by too.
Oceanfront rooms from US$380, inclusive of a large buffet breakfast and mini-bar snacks
– Fantastic views and Galápagos animals too!
– Chef Edwin Viña’s impressive cooking
– Listen to the waves as you drift off to sleep
– Voices can carry … you might want earplugs if you want to sleep in
Johanna Read
Contributing Editor
We loved our stay at Fresco Caves Suites. The combination of spacious, luxurious and warm cave suites and the hospitality of the staff and owners of the hotel meant a perfect stay in Cappadocia.
Fresco is up a short hill, in the picturesque old city centre of Urgup, with stunning views over the town and across to the Erciyes Mountain. The hotel is a combination of three historical mansions and offers accommodation in 11 cave rooms and 6 mansion rooms, some even with original wall frescos of 19th Century Ottoman era.
We stayed in two different cave rooms and can highly recommend them. The novelty of living in a cave never wore off. The caves are elegantly decorated, each with its own special features. We really liked the wooden wardrobe doors, hand carved from reclaimed wood, and the Turkish style metal pots, basins and jars which adorn the rooms. The décor and tasteful lighting allow the natural features of the stone to shine (I loved the swirly patterns on the walls).
A short tunnel led to the spacious cave bathroom, with a bathtub big enough for two (we were also lucky enough to have a Jacuzzi bath). The great water pressure meant I didn’t have to wait long for the tub to fill to enjoy my soak after a day of exploring. A separate shower stall with two shower heads (rainwater and normal) provided excellent water pressure and piping hot water.
The caves in Cappadocia have a natural temperature of about 18 degrees Celsius. At Fresco Caves, with a few radiators for good measure, our winter visit was warm and cosy. AC will keep you cool in the summer time. All rooms come with tea/coffee/water, minibar, Wi-Fi (there’s a Wi-Fi router in most rooms, cleverly disguised behind the art), satellite TV, handwoven robes and slippers (I actually use these!)
Fresco Caves is a well-run, family owned hotel. All the staff feel part of the family and everyone works to make your stay better, from the reception staff who see to your every need with a warm smile to the owner who appears at every breakfast to make sure your stay is perfect. We could not have been treated better during our stay.
The hotel receives guests from all over the world and Turkey and caters for couples, families and small groups. We think the ambiance is especially suited for romantic getaways. We would love to return one day.
From US$110 per night in a choice of cave and mansion rooms
– Staying in a luxurious cave – the natural features are gorgeous and how could you not want to live in a cave?
– One of the few hotels who follow through on their environmental policy – our towels were not changed if we hung them up!
– The hospitality of the staff and owners is superb
– Some of the rooms front on to a terrace so you’ll want to keep the curtains closed for privacy.
Simone
Review Team
I’ve never seen so many turtles. Or so many iguana. Or sealions. Or blue-footed boobies. Or, or or. The variety and quantity of the animals I saw on my cruise with Haugan was amazing!
Seeing Galápagos by cruise is ideal because it allows you to explore the islands in a way that is impossible by staying on land. The islands are too spread out and many of the sites with interesting geology and an abundance of animals are accessible only by boat.
And an ideal cruise to see them with is Haugan Cruises.
Haugan has two catamarans, the Coromorant and the Ocean Spray (and a new one, the Petrel, starting in 2015). I spent a delightful six days aboard the Ocean Spray exploring several islands. Each boat has only 16 guests and cruises range from 4 to 8 days. Haugan provides boats in the luxury category, the top category in Galapagos (but keep in mind these are luxury by Galápagos standards — boats are designed yes for comfort, but also to cross the rough seas between Galápagos islands).
Cabins are large, beds are comfortable, there is good storage, as well as a couch and a desk to sit at. Each has a private bathroom with shower (and L’Occitance amenities, my favourite) and a large balcony. The dining room has two separate tables, so you’ll have a chance to talk to all your fellow passengers. You’ll spend time at the bar, on the top deck near the jacuzzi, at two outdoor dining areas, and in the indoor briefing room to learn about the next day’s agenda.
On each cruise you’ll be treated to tours on foot, by zodiac boat, kayak, and underwater via snorkel (kayaks, wetsuits and snorkelling gear provided). Your guide will help you spot flora, fauna and geology and understand why what you’re seeing is so unique. Haugan’s guides are really excellent (other guides I met on the islands all knew of Javier, Ocean Spray’s naturalist, and agreed he was one of the best).
Haugan Cruises provide some of the best luxury cruise experiences in Galapagos, and come recommended by top hotels such as Casa Gangotena and Mansíon del Angel.
From US$2940 per person, inclusive of meals, snacks, soft drinks, equipment and guided activities
– Excellent (and bilingual) guides: you will learn more than you can imagine!
– Cabins are quite spacious and decorated simply with beautiful nature photographs to inspire you; plus my favourite bathroom amenities — L”Occitane
– Hot chocolate and snacks ready and waiting when you return from snorkelling with the sealions and turtles
– Crossing between islands can mean rough seas — you’ll appreciate the fresh air from your private balcony
Johanna Read
Contributing Editor
Casa Gangotena exudes elegance. The building, a former mansion, is exquisite.
Built in 1880 and serving as home to several Republican-era presidents, it suffered from a major fire in 1914. The mansion was rebuilt by the Gangotena family in 1926, and was occupied by them until 2001. In late 2006 extensive restorations to turn the mansion into a hotel were begun. Walking through the grand staircase and hallways today, you can find original tin ceilings, mirrors, murals and friezes, as well as impeccable design and the best of furnishings.
The location is ideal. Casa Gangotena is in the centre of historic Quito, facing Plaza San Francisco with beautiful views of the imposing church and monastery of St Francis. From the hotel’s rooftop terrace, you can see in every direction including toward El Panecillo hill and the 45 meter statue of a winged Virgin Mary, made out of 7000 pieces of aluminium.
Casa Gangotena is a hotel both luxury and boutique. It has 31 rooms, all different, eight of which face on to Plaza San Francisco. Rooms are outfitted with every comfort you could possibly imagine. I especially loved the basket of local Ecuadorian fruits, and the brochure explaining what they were and the best way to eat them.
Dining at Casa Gangotena is not to be missed. Executive Chef Andrés Dávila uses local ingredients and both traditional and fusion recipes. The buffet breakfast (with eggs to order) is stunning. Afternoon tea features a local coffee blend and five tea varieties, plus sweet and savoury treats from the pastry chef. And dinner … let’s just say I ate far too much, yet still wanted a second serving of the llama springrolls!
Opened only in October 2011, Casa Gangotena has already won several Trip Advisor Travelers Choice awards, including for Best Hotel in South America (2014) and placed sixth for Best Hotel in the World (2014).
From US$450+ per night, inlcudes a marvelous breakfast and afternoon tea
– Perhaps the softest sheets I’ve ever slept on
– Top notch cooking (don’t miss the llama springrolls)
– Simply gorgeous inside and out
– While guests are asked about food preferences at check in (what a lovely service!), this information seemingly was not transmitted to the kitchen, as I was served verboten pork in an amuse bouche (but the server identified every ingredient, so no harm done)
Johanna Read
Contributing Editor