Hotel Review: Villa Escalecia in Puerto Ayora

a wooden sign reading oro verde hotels escalesia hangs next towooden front gate — Front entrance of Villa Escalecia

About Villa Escalecia

Villa Escalecia is a luxury resort located in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands. It is one of the only private homes available for exclusive rental in the Galapagos. You can also rent a single room for your stay. With a maximum occupancy of 15 people, Villa Escalecia is perfect for a retreat or connecting with new friends.

When you enter the gates of the home, you are greeted by lush plants in a tranquil garden. Large windows and a wide open door beckon you inside, where you are welcomed by the house attendants. The foyer is filled with sculptures of local wildlife and breathtaking paintings hang on every wall. Experience true indoor-outdoor living on this quiet property, with pocket doors on every level that allow the sound of the ocean to fill your ears. Relax by the pool with some marine iguanas who think the rocky stones are their personal sunbathing spots. Dine in luxury with ocean views and a soft morning breeze brushing across your skin.

Villa Escalecia has everything you need to fill your trip to the Galapagos with laid-back luxury.

Location

Villa Escalecia is located in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, right on the water. Bright blue waves crash against the black lava rocks beside the pool and several rooms have balconies with ocean views. The hotel sits on the corner of Charles Darwin Ave, the main road that runs through Puerto Ayora, and Pelican Bay Ave. Steps away from the Villa, restaurants, shops, and tour companies line the street, and less than a 10-minute walk away is the main pier, where most tours that leave Puerto Ayora start. A 5-minute walk away is the fish market, where you’re sure to find a sea lion snoozing on a bench, small sharks and rays circling the water, waiting for scraps of dead fish, and giant pelicans flying about, looking for their opportunity to catch some fish.

If you walk 10 minutes in the opposite direction, you will reach the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you can see giant tortoises and learn about conservation efforts in the Galapagos Islands. If you’re looking for an itinerary or things to do in the Galapagos, check out my full guide to the Galapagos!

Rooms

Ocean View Rooms

I HIGHLY recommend booking the master suite, which is everything you’ve ever dreamed of having in a master suite at home. The view is incredible, even laying on the bed, and you’ll sleep peacefully with the crashing ocean waves to soothe you to sleep. No noise machine is necessary here! The bed was soft (for reference we sleep on a Purple mattress at home), which was a welcome relief to my sore body. The pillows were fluffy, and the robe was perfect to lounge in after a long day of exploring.

Also on the top floor, there is a smaller suite with a double bed and hammock on the balcony, perfect for reading a book and relaxing. Additionally, there are two rooms with two double beds with an ocean view.

Garden View Rooms

The garden view rooms are in another part of the villa, styled like a mini-suite with a small kitchenette and dining area. There are two double beds and two twin beds in this room.

a king sized matress sits in the middle of a room filled with wildlife decor at villa escalecia — Master Suite Bedroom

Amenities

Villa Escalecia has all the amenities you’d expect from a luxury resort, including a pool and hot tub. The rooms have individual air conditioners (a true lifesaver), and the bathrooms are stocked with soothing aloe products, including conditioner! They also have hair dryers, ironing boards, and every other soap you could possibly need.

Breakfast is included with your stay, and you can purchase wine or other alcoholic beverages on-site.

There is wifi, but like everywhere in the Galapagos, it is slow enough that it’s not worth trying to use your phone. A note — download the offline version of Google Translate prior to your arrival in the Galapagos because English is not widely spoken. Locals may speak a few words, but it is easier for everyone if you use a translation app!

a glassy infinity pool overlooks the bright blue ocean and black lava rocks, while boats and other buildings sit off in the distance — View from the pool

Is Villa Escalecia Anxious Traveler Approved?

Definitely! Villa Escalecia is the perfect place to stay in Puerto Ayora. With a great location, luxurious rooms, and high-touch service, you can relax and enjoy the rest of your trip knowing that your accommodation is five stars!

If you have a long layover in Quito on your way to the Galapagos, take some time to tour the incredible city. I’ve got a guide to spending one day in Quito for you!