Villa Scalesia: A Luxury Hotel in the Galápagos Islands with Fernando Salazar, General Manager | Travel Blog

Located on Santa Cruz Island, within Galapagos waters frequented by sea lions and witnessing the Pacific Ocean as far as eye can see, Villa Scalesia reshapes the definition of personal luxury in the Galapagos.

In this second edition of SCAPE Magazine, focused on Wellness and Gastronomy, we present an exclusive interview with Fernando Salazar, who shares the story behind Villa Scalesia and how it delivers a deeply personalized luxury experience while preserving the fragile Galápagos ecosystem and fostering meaningful encounters with its unique wildlife. More than a luxury stay, it is a private refuge in one of the world’s most extraordinary natural environments.”

Table of contents

• The Origin and Concept of Villa Scalesia
  - Villa Scalesia: A Miss Universe Choice
• An Experience Defined by Privacy and Exclusivity
• Wildlife as Part of the Daily Experience
• Fernando’s Favorite Spaces
• Wellness in Its Purest Form
• Gastronomy Tailored to the Guest
• Sustainability as a Non Negotiable Standard
• Being Featured by Voyagers Travel Company
• Looking Toward the Future
• A Message to Future Guests
• FAQs

Continue reading and let yourself be surprised!

 

The Origin and Concept of Villa Scalesia

The family from Guayaquil who owned Villa Escalesia used the property as their private holiday residence. The establishment received a new boutique hospitality concept when it opened its doors in 2010. 

The villa contains two Escalesia species in its front yard which create a symbolic bond between the property and the islands' special biodiversity.

Villa Scalesia: A Miss Universe Choice

Fernando Salazar proudly recalls the visit of Miss Universe Victoria Kjær, who stayed at the villa during her time in Ecuador, highlighting Villa Scalesia as a destination that embodies luxury, privacy, and the unique beauty of the Galápagos.

An Experience Defined by Privacy and Exclusivity

Villa Escalesia provides an extraordinary experience to Galápagos Islands visitors through its extensive 1,800 square meter property which contains six suites that can host up to 12 guests.

Unlike larger hotels, the villa provides:

• Full privacy
• Tailor made itineraries
• Flexible dining and Activity schedules
• Personalized Concierge service

 

Fernando Salazar also shares an image of the Presidential Suite, highlighting how this space beautifully captures the connection between luxury and the natural essence of the Galápagos, featuring a private balcony that serves as a true window into the surrounding environment.

Wildlife as Part of the Daily Experience

One of the most unforgettable aspects of Villa Escalesia is the proximity to wildlife.

• Sea lions often approach the breakfast tables.
• Marine iguanas  spend their resting time beside the infinity pool which stretches into the distance. 
• People can observe blue footed boobies when they visit the coastal areas which stretch along the water's edge.
• The main attraction for most visitors becomes their close contact with wild animals which they experience during their stay.

Fernando explains that the villa seeks to demonstrate something powerful:

Luxury and wild nature are not opposites.
They can exist in harmony.
 

Fernando’s Favorite Spaces

When asked about the most essential spaces within the villa, Fernando highlights three:

• The oceanfront infinity pool
• The seaside jacuzzi
• The front courtyard facing the horizon
   

“The jacuzzi and infinity pool are at the edge of the sea,” he explains. “You can completely disconnect from stress while watching the ocean.”

The front patio serves as the main area which carries most of the community's historical importance. The area functions as a tranquil spot which allows you to observe the complete lunar cycle while you enjoy reading or reflect on the distant landscape.

For Fernando, it represents serenity and the true rhythm of the islands.

Wellness in Its Purest Form

Wellness at Villa Escalesia is organic.

It is not about elaborate spa menus, it is about immersion in nature.

Guests experience restoration through:

• Oceanfront relaxation
• Sea breeze and salt air therapy
• Sunrise swims in the infinity pool
• Jacuzzi sessions under the stars
• Quiet reflection surrounded by wildlife
   

The sound of waves replaces city noise.
The horizon replaces screens.

Wellness here is elemental.

Gastronomy Tailored to the Guest

Dining at Villa Escalesia is entirely personalized.

Menus are designed according to guests’ preferences and dietary needs, featuring:

• Fresh local seafood
• Ecuadorian coastal flavors
• International cuisine upon request
• Flexible dining schedules
   

Breakfast by the ocean, sometimes accompanied by curious sea lions, becomes an experience in itself.

Gastronomy at the villa is not standardized.

It is curated.

Sustainability as a Non Negotiable Standard

The Galápagos Islands remain entirely dependent on sustainable practices because they possess no other survival options except sustainability.

Fernando emphasizes that Villa Escalesia adheres to strict environmental practices, including:

• Advanced recycling systems
• Biodegradable products
• Conscious energy and water usage
• Ongoing staff training in environmental responsibility
   

Suppliers and local partners must align with these principles.

The villa reflects the broader Galápagos philosophy: exclusivity must coexist with preservation.

Being Featured by Voyagers Travel Company

For Fernando, being selected for SCAPE Magazine was deeply meaningful.

He explains that our team achieved this because we worked together with strong commitment to our work and deep affection for our activities.

He describes the publication as recognition of the villa’s commitment to excellence and sustainability.

“To be part of a platform that promotes conscious luxury travel confirms that our efforts are being seen.”

The feature was not simply publicity.

It was affirmation.
 

Looking Toward the Future

Due to Galápagos regulations, Villa Escalesia has no plans to expand its number of rooms, a factor that reinforces its exclusivity.

Instead, the focus is on:

• Continuous service improvement
• Staff development
• Elevated guest personalization
• Strengthening sustainability initiatives
   

At Villa Scalesia, growth is about continuously redefining luxury through refinement and sustainability in the Galápagos Islands
 

A Message to Future Guests

Fernando describes Villa Escalesia as:

“A home where nature, service, comfort, and luxury come together.”

It is intimate.
It is private.
It is deeply connected to the islands.

He invites visitors who have never been to Galápagos to discover the region through an experience which creates lasting personal memories.

FAQs

1. Where is Villas Escalesia located?

The Galápagos Islands of Ecuador host Villa Escalesia which exists on Santa Cruz Island. The villa stands next to the ocean which allows people to reach downtown areas easily while they enjoy complete privacy in a peaceful setting.

2. How many guests can Villa Escalesia accommodate? 

The facility offers six suite accommodations which can accommodate 12 guests at Villa Ecalesia.The space consists of 1,800 square meters yet it operates as a controlled facility to provide employee care through individual attention and a welcoming atmosphere.

3. What elements create a distinct experience at this hotel which sets it apart from other Galápagos hotels?

The hotels in Galapagos offer visitors an experience which distinguishes them from all other lodging options found in this area.

4. Can I book a stay at Villa Scalesia online?

Yes, absolutely. By exploring the following website, you can easily reserve your stay at this exclusive luxury hotel in the Galápagos Islands.