Hotel Indigo achieves a perfect fit in the Galapagos

06.03.2024 - 14:03 / travelweekly.com

I've made a number of visits to the Galapagos Islands over the years, so I was excited when I learned of an opportunity to try something a little bit different on a recent trip there.

Instead of immediately embarking on a small-ship expedition as I normally do, this time I would begin my trip with an onshore adventure, a chance to explore local culture and some of the wildlife from a land-based perspective.

The Hotel Indigo Galapagos provided a home base for my exploration of the island of San Cristobal. At just 35 rooms, it is the smallest Hotel Indigo in the world. The reason for that diminutive size: The laws on the islands are quite strict when it comes to construction, and 35 units is the most a hotel can have.

It is also the only brand name hotel on the island, and as a result it is one of only a handful in the archipelago where guests can earn loyalty points: Hotel Indigo is owned by IHG Hotels & Resorts and is a member of IHG's One Rewards program.

At one with its surroundings

There are intentionally no two Hotel Indigo properties that are alike. At each, the designers take pride in researching and integrating the local energy and interests into the look and feel.

The design of the property pays homage to the region's culture and natural beauty. I noticed immediately upon arrival a lobby that was rich in volcanic stone and natural greenery. The reception desk uses stone similar to what visitors might recognize from a local landmark, Kicker Rock. Suspended from the ceiling are upside-down cones, reminiscent of the underwater volcanos that formed the archipelago.

Hotel Indigo's nod to its surroundings continues with light fixtures meant to look like the shells of the giant tortoises the Galapagos are perhaps best known for. Bathrooms have stone surfaces, and toiletries are made locally. The decor has an animal theme -- after all, isn't that why we visit the islands? -- and is different on each of the hotel's three floors.

But the designers did not ignore modern conveniences; they went in the other direction to look for the things that would impress guests. For example, in addition to bedside power outlets there are wireless charging shelves that keep cellphones tucked into a vertical nook on the wall while guests snooze. I've stayed at many hotels, and this was the first where I've found this neat feature.

The Hotel Indigo is also the only hotel on San Cristobal with an elevator, making it accessible for those with mobility challenges. And despite being so small, the hotel still carved out space for spa treatment rooms and a lovely fitness center on the beachfront level.

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