Discover the fusion of polo and luxury from the perspective of Daniela Bustamante, General Manager of La Palma Polo Hotel | Travel Blog

Quito is one of the most attractive destinations for travelers who are passionate about exploring the architecture of its churches, adventure, and the unique experiences that can be had in the heart of Ecuador.

And its hotels are the best complement for travelers to delight in this destination, one of which is La Palma Polo Hotel, which offers exclusive stays where guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of the Ecuadorian countryside while enjoying equestrian activities and culinary delights.

In this exclusive interview with Daniela Bustamante, General Manager of La Palma Polo Hotel, learn about the animals, amazing experiences, and future ideas and plans for our amazing boutique hotel and polo club. 

If you are a polo player enjoy riding horses and love the magic of Quito, learn more about this hotel.
 

 

Table of contents

• The origins of the La Palma Polo Hotel
  - The Role of Daniela Bustamante
  - The Origins of La Palma Polo Hotel
• Luxury and polo fusion in Puembo
  - A Prime Location
  - Key differentiators of the hotel
  - Traveler profile
• Favorite Moments and Personal Insights
  - Wellness area: her favorite spot to connect and work
  - Favorite moment: the unforgettable wedding
• Sustainability and Community Engagement
  - Environmental Initiatives
  - Support the Local Community
• La Palma Polo Hotel in SCAPE magazine
  - Grateful to be Featured in the Magazine
  - An exclusive gift for magazine readers
• Future Plans for La Palma Polo Hotel
• Message for you
• FAQs
  - Where is La Palma Polo Hotel located?
  - What can guests experience at La Palma Polo Hotel?
  - What are the hotel's sustainable practices?
  - How can I reserve a hotel experience and receive the offer for SCAPE Magazine readers?

The origins of the La Palma Polo Hotel

 

La Palma Polo Hotel combines luxury, polo, and nature in a unique boutique hotel experience, but have you ever wondered how it came about? Daniela shares the story below.

The Role of Daniela Bustamante

 

Daniela Bustamante is the Hotel Manager at La Palma Polo Hotel. Her role consists of developing unique value propositions for each guest, overseeing the brand positioning of the hotel. 

"My main objective is to create unique experiences for guests that combines luxury, comfort, and environmental responsibility" Daniela said.

The Origins of La Palma Polo Hotel 

 

Although polo was not a popular sport in Ecuador, at the beginning of the 20th century several families sent their children to study in Europe and the United States.

 “When they returned, they already knew polo and wanted to continue playing it” recalls Daniela.

Many had estates and played there, until the idea arose to create suitable spaces for the sport. First they played in what is now El Ejido Park, then at the Catholic University, and later in La Carolina. However, the city's growth brought the need for a new home and thus, the purchase of land in Puembo was born. Before long that polo club developed into the hotel that exists today, incorporating new services and opening its doors in 2017.

Luxury and polo fusion in Puembo

 

La Palma Polo Hotel is the only boutique hotel located inside a country club, offering unmatched amenities and exclusive experiences.

A Prime Location

 

The La Palma Polo Hotel experience begins upon arrival in Quito, thanks to its privileged location just 20 minutes from Mariscal Sucre Airport, allowing international guests to feel that their journey begins the moment they arrive.

Key differentiators of the hotel

 

La Palma Polo Hotel stands out as the only boutique hotel within a country club, offering 20 hectares of green areas and a core of approximately 18 rooms that combine luxury and comfort. Among its most outstanding experiences are:

• Polo lessons and horseback riding
• Brunches combined with polo matches
• Chocolate tasting with 100% Ecuadorian cacao 
• Family events, including pizza-making in the wood-fired oven and evening firepit events

 

Traveler profile

 

The ideal guest at Palma Polo Hotel is someone who connects with nature, silence, and the surroundings. 

 “Our guests are people who want to disconnect and enjoy not only their room, but everything the surroundings have to offer” says Daniela Bustamante.

They also have a growing local market of Ecuadorians, especially on weekends. And thanks to its accessibility and a glass room overlooking the lagoon, it has become a venue for weddings and exclusive events.

Favorite Moments and Personal Insights

 

Daniela shares her favorite spaces and experiences that capture the essence of La Palma Polo Hotel.

Wellness area: her favorite spot to connect and work

 

Among all the spaces at La Palma Polo Hotel, there is one that Daniela is particularly fond of: the wellness area, a unique space with direct views of the pool.

"Sometimes I just love to be here and work; there are a great view and it is such a peaceful place" she says. 

In addition, she mentions that the feelings aren't conveyed in the photos and encourages people to visit to experience it for themselves.

Favorite moment: the unforgettable wedding

 

Every day in the hotel is just filled with memorable moments. One of those was shared with us by Daniela: "It was a special summer day and we had the entire hotel booked for a destination wedding. It was such a spectacular moment, the guests were having a good time by the pool, baked pizza in our wood-fired oven... it was spectacular" says Daniela full of emotion. 

She also mentions that when it got dark, the celebration continued with a chocolate tasting in the stunning glass-enclosed hall, especially adorned for the occasion, and the bride made her entrance in a golf cart. That was one of the most special moments for Daniela.
 

Sustainability and Community Engagement

 

La Palma Polo Hotel incorporates green practices while also balancing support for the local community.

Environmental Initiatives

• LED lighting with sensors, which is energy efficient
• Rainwater recovery for irrigation
• Waste management and recycling program
• Eco-initiatives via construction using sustainable materials
• Solar panels which offset electricity used on the farm
• They don´t use plastic bottles, only glass bottles

 

Support the Local Community

 

Most of the individuals employed live in Puembo and typically walk or bike to work. The hotel, for example, is thoughtful about where the ingredient, flowers and other items come from, generating jobs and creating sustainable economic growth.
 

La Palma Polo Hotel in SCAPE magazine

 

Voyagers Travel Company is launching an international tourism magazine called SCAPE, which brings together tourism experts from South America and Antarctica. The Palma Polo Hotel has been selected to be part of it and is sharing its experience with us.

Grateful to be Featured in the Magazine

 

To be featured, in this edition of SCAPE magazine, presents a unique opportunity for La Palma Polo Hotel to exhibit its essence to the world. 

“We are really happy, especially me, because when I received an invitation to be part of this project, I couldn’t think of a better opportunity for us to be aligned” explains Daniela Bustamante.

The boutique hotel director highlights the importance of sharing the experience with an audience that values exclusivity and authenticity: “How wonderful to be able to work together and be given this opportunity to showcase our product to the world, especially with all the customers they have abroad.”
 

An exclusive gift for magazine readers

 

In addition to sharing its history, La Palma Polo Hotel offers something special for readers of the magazine.

Daniela Bustamante highlights a special promotion.

 "We're going to include as an incentive a horseback ride again so they can come and experience not only the hotel, but also the equestrian experience we have.”

 This again is part of the hotel philosophy: not just to provide luxurious accommodations, and not just to provide an authentic experience, but also to create an experience that engages visitors with nature and the tradition of polo, creating memories for the visitors that last far longer than their given stay.

Future Plans for La Palma Polo Hotel

 

At La Palma Polo Hotel, innovation is constant. Daniela Bustamante shares how the hotel has evolved to offer unique experiences:

• Renovated wellness center and resort-style pool.
• New coworking space and spa with three cabins and a jacuzzi.
• Renovation of the entrance roads for greater comfort.
• Two new rooms, bringing the total to 18.
• Expansion of the menu of experiences so that guests can enjoy the hotel even more.

“All these improvements reflect our commitment to offering a place where every detail adds to the overall experience of our guests” explains Daniela.

Message for you

 

Quito is eager to share its architecture, nature, and culture, and La Palma Polo Hotel, in its wonderful location, will make it even better: 

at La Palma Polo Hotel more than 20 hectares of green areas, dining rooms with an overview to the lagoon or polo fields, much room for unique experiences such as horseback riding, chocolate tasting, wood-fired pizza, and fun with the family.

 “Overall, I think the best advice I can give you is to come and see the La Palma Polo Hotel and experience everything for yourselves, because the photos don´t capure everything you will feel here”, says Daniela Bustamante.

And you, are you ready to visit this hotel and enjoy the fusion of polo and luxury?
 

FAQs

 

• Where is La Palma Polo Hotel located?

  La Palma Polo Hotel is located in a privileged area of Puembo, just 20 minutes from Mariscal Sucre Airport and 11 miles from the Historic Center of Quito. Guests can enjoy peace and tranquility in the Ecuadorian countryside without being too far from the city.

• What can guests experience at La Palma Polo Hotel?

  Guests can enjoy a variety of experiences, such as Polo and Horseback Riding lessons, Brunch with a Polo Match, Ecuadorian Cocoa Chocolate tastings, wood-fired pizza gastro-experiences, family activities, and many unforgettable moments in nature with horses.

• What are the hotel’s sustainable practices?

  The hotel promotes sustainability through the use of LED lights with sensors, rainwater recovery, waste management and recycling, sustainable construction materials, solar panels, and glass bottles instead of plastic. They also support the local economy by employing locals and sourcing local products.

• How can I reserve a hotel experience and receive the offer for SCAPE Magazine readers?

  To reserve an experience and receive the exclusive offer for SCAPE Magazine readers, please contact the hotel directly through their official website or by phone. Mention the SCAPE offer at the time of booking.

Travelers can book their experience un La Palma Polo Hotel clicking here. BONUS! Remember that you get an additional horseback ride for being a reader of SCAPE magazine.