Hilton has announced plans to debut its Curio Collection brand on the Galapagos Islands.

The existing Royal Palm Galapagos is set to join the collection in July, from when Hilton will become “the first international hotel brand name with a presence in the destination”.

The 21-room hotel is located on the island of Santa Cruz, home to Tortuga Bay and the Charles Darwin Research Station, and a port for ecologically responsible cruising.

The property is situated within a 160-hectare estate in the Miconia Highland Forests, next to the Galapagos National Park, and within a valley between two extinct cinder cone volcanoes.

The hotel is undergoing a renovation project ahead of the rebranding, including a refresh of the lobby, spa, guest rooms and dining facilities.

Features include 21 casitas and villas, a swimming pool, fitness centre, and a fine dining restaurant “located inside a cavern within one of the property’s lava tunnels”.

The hotel also features several environmental initiatives, including the reuse of rain water, a plant-a-tree programme, an onsite produce farm, and the recycling of 90 per cent of its residues.

Commenting on the signing Juan Corvinos, senior vice president, development, architecture and design, Caribbean and Latin America, Hilton, said:

“The signing of Royal Palm Galapagos marks a momentous milestone for Hilton, our Caribbean and Latin America portfolio and the brand, as we welcome the sustainability-focused property to our growing Curio Collection of more than 115 one-of-a-kind hand-picked hotels and resorts around the world.

“Nestled in a life-changing destination, this picturesque boutique hotel will offer guests a truly unique travel experience while continuing to protect and preserve the destination’s ecosystem.”

Hilton’s Curio brand launched in 2014, and last year passed the milestone of 100 properties worldwide.

Notable forthcoming Curio hotels include Lost Property St Paul’s London, and Sea Breeze Santorini Beach Resort – both of which are scheduled to open this spring.

hilton.com