Red Mangrove Adventure Inn, Isla Santa Cruz
Editor's Pick
Isla Santa Cruz
Ecuador
Tel: 593 5 2526 564
recepcion@redmangrove.com
www.redmangrove.com
Concierge.com's insider take:
An alternative to the forced march of a Galápagos cruise is the land-based stay, and this Isla Santa Cruz hotel sets you up nicely for day-trip explorations or island-hopping (the hotel is happy to help you coordinate—it has sister properties on Isabella and Floreana islands). On the ocean edge among wild mangroves near downtown Puerto Ayora, Red Mangrove looks kookily Disney-esque with its red adobe and kingfisher-blue curves, tree cross-section tables, fanciful domed roofs, and sushi bar. The 12 rooms have built-in platform beds, terra-cotta tile or wood floors, and bathrooms that seem hand-carved from solid rock. If you'd rather not leave Santa Cruz island, don't worry. The hotel organizes a menu of activities: exploring the island by 4X4, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, surfing, and even scuba diving.—Updated by Cathay Che