THE EVOLUTION OF LUXURY NOW

Now you can experience the wonder and the beauty of evolution first hand from a base of exceptional grace in the Galápagos Islands.  

The newly opened Pikaia Lodge is the first 5-star luxury hotel in this remote, iconic archipelago, 600 miles west of mainland Ecuador.

The Ecuadorian government aims to keep the human footprint as light as possible. The goal: to protect this rare fragile ecosystem from being fouled by humans, even as they witness its remarkable glory. About 97% of the Galápagos Islands are preserved as a national park.

Only 4 of the 20 Galápagos Islands are inhabited by humans. And, until now, the only accommodations available were the standard budget variety. They didn’t tempt us. When we were first there, 4 years ago, we opted to live aboard a small ship during our 10 day stay.

Pikaia represents its own form of evolution. The new 14-room lodge, on Santa Cruz Island, sits atop a hill on the edge of an extinct volcano, in the middle of a private, 77-acre property, with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The exploration begins here… then on excursions.

Naturalist, Charles Darwin, famously developed his theory of the Evolution of Species in the Galápagos in 1835, after spending just 5 weeks here.

He found that each island had its own distinct topography, formed by lava rock, each supporting its own distinct species of animals and plant life. About 95% of the islands' species that were here before the arrival of humans still exist.

Blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, Darwin's finches, albatross, and land iguanas are just a few of the fascinating creatures that evolved here.

Pikaia offers guests a tour of the islands within a 4-hour range of Puerto Ayora on its private yacht. You can explore the rugged landscapes and some of the most rewarding snorkeling anywhere on the planet.

Frolic with sea lions. Watch the elaborate mating rituals of the red-throated frigate birds. Check out the Galápagos penguins, the only wild penguins in the northern hemisphere. Then rest in your own private cabin as you sail back to base.

The Pikaia Lodge was designed by Ecuadorian architect Humberto Plaza. It is a minimalist design, influenced by evolution itself, to showcase the surrounding land, sky, and sea.

The buildings are made of eco-friendly concrete, glass, recycled steel, bamboo, and sustainably grown South American teak. Floor to ceiling glass windows keep you close to nature.

After a long day of adventure, dip into the infinity lap pool and enjoy a 180-degree view over the crater or, if you prefer, cool off in your own private plunge pool.

Indulge in a unique body treatment at the spa, where you’ll be slathered with volcanic Galápagos mud, and massaged with a rolling shamanic rain stick. Dine on fresh, beautifully prepared Ecuadorean and Peruvian food.

Then rest up on your high thread-count sheets as you drift off the dream about the beauty you’ve seen that day and fantasize about what you are about to witness tomorrow.

For more information about booking Galápagos travels, accommodations, and tours, check out Inti Travel & Tours, founded by Jeff Waugh, offering natural history tours. Waugh has more than 30 years of experience of Galápagos explorations.

Read more about Beautiful Evolution, as it relates to Arts/Design, Nature/Science, Food/Drink, Place/Time, Mind/Body, and Soul/Impact including The Beautiful Evolution Of Mimicry Now, Check Out Evolution’s New Tree of Life, Honoring the Beautiful Evolution of Taste Now and The Incredible Evolution & Art of Bugs Now.

IMAGE CREDITS:

1. Image: by Walt Denson for Lindblad Expeditions. Courtesy of Your Travel Designer. Tortoise, The Galápagos Islands. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.
2. Image: Courtesy of Pikaia Lodge. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.
3. Image: Courtesy of Pikaia Lodge. View of Pinnacle Point on Bartolomé Island. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.
4. Image: by Max Ruckman. Galápagos Sea Lion Beach. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.
5. Image: Courtesy of Pikaia Lodge. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.
6. Image: Courtesy of Pikaia Lodge. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.
7. Image: Courtesy of Pikaia Lodge.Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.
8. Image: Courtesy of Pikaia Lodge. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.
9. Image: Courtesy of Pikaia Lodge. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.
10. Image: Courtesy of Galapagos Reservations | Inti Travel and Tours, Inc. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.
11. Image: Courtesy of Pikaia Lodge.Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.
12. Image: by Jason Corriveau. Male Great Frigatebird Nesting on Genvoesa in the Galapagos. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.
13. Image: by Ian Carvell. Galápagos. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.
14. Image: Courtesy of Galapagos Conservation Trust. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.
15. Image: Courtesy of Pikaia Lodge Galapagos. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.
16. Image: by BN App - Download now!
17. Image: Courtesy of Pikaia Lodge. Iguana. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.