Discovering the Galapagos Islands’ Pikaia Lodge

At dawn, in the Galapagos Islands, the air feels cool and unusually pure. It’s tinged with saltwater and volcanic earth; with every breath, giving you a sense of the natural, pristine state of the archipelago; a place where life moves at a gentler pace. Giant tortoises lumber through open spaces as if they own the islands (though arguably they do) while the process of evolution is nothing abstract or theoretical. It reveals itself actively, right in front of your eyes.

Thanks in large part to UNESCO designating it as a Natural World Heritage site, the archipelago operates as a marine sanctuary that protects marine biodiversity. The islands are even recognized as one of the “Seven Underwater Wonders of the World.”

Though the flight between the islands and Ecuador’s largest city (Guayaquil) takes only 90 minutes, arriving in the Galapagos creates the experience of reaching a world apart in every sense.

To take in the absolute best of this remarkable island world, an equally remarkable retreat offers visitors a space that combines scientific exploration with unrivaled comfort: we’re talking the luxury-class Pikaia Lodge.

One of the most striking views across the Galapagos Islands is awarded to travelers who visit Santa Cruz Island, and the elevated position of Pikaia Lodge on that island gives them one of the very best vantage points. Built on one of the most privileged spots on the upper boundaries of the misty highlands of Santa Cruz, the lodge is removed from the often-busy docking area of the coast.

Clearly a primarily land-based option, travelers opting for a Pikaia experience can explore the islands in a way distinct from the typical ship-based expeditions operating throughout the islands. The lodge’s property covers seventy-six acres that extend around a plateau set 1,500 feet above sea level. The grounds include volcanic landscapes, and even a private Giant tortoise reserve and a forest. But don’t worry about any annoying mosquitos; Pikaia’s cooler temperatures and continuous ocean breezes keep the lodge and grounds pest-free.

From the lodge, visitors will enjoy expansive views of the pristine, arid savannah of the adjacent Galapagos National Park by looking north to extinct volcanic cones shrouded in mist, as well as mountains covered with lush tropical cloud forests, and green pasture farms by looking to the south-west; along with a 270-degree view of the seemingly infinite Pacific Ocean with nearby islands as a backdrop. 

Where design meets nature

Pikaia Lodge sits high on Santa Cruz Island, where the building feels more like an extension of the natural landscape. The building’s design extends in a low horizontal profile that matches the dark lava fields spreading out around the site. In this way, the design choices for the lodge align with the immediate geological features.

The lodge has adopted a contemporary architectural design that expresses horizontal lines through steel and glass softened by pale wood and volcanic stone as its building materials. The separation between interior spaces and outdoor areas is achieved by the lodge’s floor-to-ceiling windows, which create an uninterrupted view of the Galapagos highlands and Pacific Ocean. 

Faultless accommodations

The fourteen rooms at the Pikaia Lodge emphasize “luxury rather than opulence,” as these seek to provide the highest yet understated level of service and comfort for all its guests.

Among the various rooms at the lodge are twelve stunning Terrace Rooms and Balcony Rooms, situated on either the ground-floor terrace area or with second-floor balconies, all boasting panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows.

Added to this is a single spacious Garden Suite that includes a ground-floor terrace with a private garden and, finally, a roomy Pool Suite is provided with a plunge pool and a private garden in its ground-floor terrace area.

While all the rooms were designed for natural cooling through cross ventilation and thermal insulation, each has remote-controlled split air conditioners and ventilators. These guest rooms also have generously sized bathrooms, walk-in closets, vanity sinks, wall mirrors, and shower areas and bathtubs with captivating views.  

Beyond the suite

Restaurant / wine cellar

Dramatically situated on the edge of the crater, the lodge’s Evolution Restaurant offers an unrivalled view of the untouched Galapagos National Park. Enjoy gourmet dining while looking out over mist-covered volcanic cones to other islands of the archipelago. This restaurant also has a walk-in wine cellar stocked with some of the finest South American wines.

Lobby Lounge & DNA Bar

These facilities offer not only a relaxing space where guests can unwind after their day of sailing and hiking activities, they also provide striking views of the Galapagos’ natural environment. The barmen whip up world-famous cocktails along with local drinks by using top-quality liquors, tropical juices, wines, and beer.

Infinity pool

Clad in South American marble and arranged with loungers that encourage lingering under the open sky, Pikaia’s infinity pool allows you even more sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding untouched savanna.

The Sumaq Spa

Functioning as a peaceful wellness center, Pikaia’s spa provides treatments that incorporate local elements to help activate the senses and immerse one’s body in the very essence of the islands. The spa contains three facilities: a massage room, a whirlpool, and a fully equipped gym that provides a spinning bike, a modern treadmill, and an elliptical trainer. More than two miles of the lodge’s dedicated walking, jogging, and biking paths should be regarded as essential facilities for guests’ use.

Island adventures

The adventure packages at Pikaia can be as short as three nights or as long as seven, all including both sea and land excursions. Plus, you’ll benefit from lounge access at the airport, food and beverage at the resort, a personal naturalist guide throughout your stay, and a smart Pikaia Lodge backpack.

Sea excursions

The lodge operates a private yacht, making the ocean yours throughout the day. You can choose to be shuttled to hidden coves and nearby islets for kayaking, snorkeling, and diving. There, you’re sure to interact with sea lions swimming playfully through the transparent waters while benign reef sharks patrol silently along the ocean floor in their natural habitat. 

Notwithstanding its proximity to other islands, you’ll discover some of the finest beaches of the Galapagos within walking distance of the lodge’s twelve rooms and two suites.

Land adventure

The Galapagos Islands are, of course, best known for their exotic natural surroundings. Therefore, the Pikaia Lodge experience always includes guests taking a silent walk through Santa Cruz Island’s highland region. In fact, only steps from the lodge, you will come face to face with giant Galapagos tortoises, since Pakaia has its own private tortoise reserve on the property.

Small groups follow their guides who take them through twisting paths which lead to areas where these giant tortoises feed and (safely) to active volcano sites that demonstrate the unbridled power of nature.

A different kind of Galapagos experience

The truth is, the Galapagos Islands can do without luxury. They’ve done just fine for millions of years without it.
But places like Pikaia Lodge manage to do something interesting; they make the wild more accessible while cushioning your encounter with it. You still wake up to the same volcanic wind, to the same ancient creatures moving across the land, to the same reminder that nature runs the show here.

The difference shows itself in the margins of the day. After hours in saltwater and sun, you return to cool stone floors, a shaded terrace, and someone placing a glass of good wine within reach… a comfort-filled front-row seat to one of the most extraordinary natural theaters on earth.