Hotel and restaurant in a park. Imagine a veritable time capsule hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the great Pacific port of Guayaquil. In the 1980s, historic buildings threatened with destruction were moved, rebuilt and renovated plank-by-plank on the banks of the Daule. Hotel del Parque was one of these buildings. Today, you can discover it standing elegantly, wrapped in the tropical bosom of a vast botanical garden. Sitting on the waterfront, the hotel’s restaurant, Casa Julián, specialises in the finest seafood and freshest fish. Having embraced the local culinary tradition of soups and stews, its chef is also known to skilfully play with the flavours and textures of avocado, banana and cocoa. ... Learn moreless

Luxury cruises on the ocean. Sometimes you need to get away from it all to truly understand and appreciate the world. Gaining a new perspective is exactly the experience that Ecoventura offers in the sublime waters of the Galapagos archipelago. During one-week cruises aboard its three yachts – the Origin, Theory & Evolve by Ecoventura – guests explore the Galapagos National Park, one of the very first UNESCO World Heritage sites, in a unique and environmentally responsible way. To respect this delicate ecosystem, the three ultra-modern vessels each accommodate just twenty travelers, making for exclusive and intimate expeditions for seven nights. Whether kayaking, paddle-boarding, snorkeling, or simply during shore excursions on the islands in small groups, professional naturalist guides will introduce you to the exceptional local flora and fauna. Ecoventura’s approach reflects the status of these islands as the ‘last sanctuary of natural life’, as famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau described them. Every guest plays a critical role in their preservation. ... Learn moreless