Set in the heart of Santa Cruz Island’s giant tortoise territory, Montemar Eco Luxury Villas provides a secluded and sustainable retreat in the Galápagos. Created by local conservationists Reyna Oleas and Roberto Plaza, this 43-acre eco-retreat features two distinctive villas – Villa Tortuga and Villa Lechuza – built primarily from sustainable materials like volcanic rock and bamboo.
The property serves as both a luxury hideaway and a conservation success story, where guests can observe prehistoric giant tortoises in their natural habitat while enjoying farm-to-table dining, wellness activities, and personalized eco-adventures. Montemar’s commitment to sustainability extends from its solar-powered operations to its award-winning shade-grown coffee plantation, which helps fund tortoise habitat preservation.
Their story
Founded by conservationists Reyna Oleas and Roberto Plaza, Montemar emerged from their deep connection to the Galapagos Islands and its unique wildlife. After working as naturalist guides since 1994, the couple established this eco-luxury retreat in the heart of giant tortoise territory on Santa Cruz Island. Starting with two villas built from sustainable materials, they created an intimate sanctuary powered by solar energy and rainwater harvesting.
The property now serves as both a high-end eco-lodge and a crucial habitat for endangered Galapagos tortoises, while supporting local conservation through their award-winning coffee plantation and community initiatives. Despite initial challenges like spending their first year without electricity, their vision has transformed into a model of sustainable luxury hospitality. Read more about them.
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- Montemar Eco Luxury Villas was constructed using 70% local materials, including bamboo, volcanic rocks, and sustainably harvested Spanish Cedar, minimizing transportation impact. The property’s sustainable design earned recognition through various awards and was featured in a TED Talk on environmental architecture.
- The property operates on solar power, harvests rainwater, and treats all wastewater.
- The eco-lodges maintain a zero single-use plastic policy and use biodegradable cleaning products.
- Their organic farm produces coffee, fruits, and vegetables, supporting both hospitality needs and tortoise habitat conservation.
Highest level of energy efficiency
- The retreat operates entirely on solar power through a sophisticated 660 kw/h system with 42 backup batteries and a new bi-directional setup installed in 2023. The villas feature natural ventilation instead of air conditioners, solar water heaters, and rainwater harvesting cisterns with 125 m3 capacity.
- Energy efficiency is maximized through LED lighting and energy-saving appliances.
- Wastewater is treated through septic tanks with lava-filtered systems for irrigation.
Pioneer in waste management
- Montemar implements comprehensive waste management through composting 14 tons of organic material annually, converting it into natural fertilizer using soil, manure, wood dust and ashes.
- The lodge maintains a zero single-use plastic policy, utilizing biodegradable cleaners, cassava-starch packaging, and reusable containers.
- All supplies are purchased in bulk to minimize packaging waste, while paper bags and reusable bottles are provided to guests.
Using organic and chemical-free products
- Their farm-to-table approach includes biodynamic gardens producing fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs without preservatives, colorings, or additives. The property makes its own natural fertilizers and uses biodegradable cleaning products.
- Their award-winning coffee plantation follows sustainable cultivation methods without pesticides.
- All food preparation relies on organic ingredients from their gardens, including free-range eggs, artisanal breads, and homemade yogurt.
Actively protects nature and community
- The lodge actively supports community initiatives through art workshops, scholarships, and environmental cleanup campaigns. Guests experience authentic eco-conscious living while contributing to local wildlife protection and sustainable development.
Most Popular Activities Near Montemar
- Hiking, cycling and fishing adventures led by naturalist guides.
- Snorkeling and scuba diving in crystal-clear waters with 3,000 marine species.
- Kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming and surfing excursions.
- Wellness activities including yoga, meditation and signature massages.
- Farm-to-table dining experiences using organic ingredients.
- Coffee tasting sessions from their award-winning plantation.
- Interactive workshops with local artisans and community members.
- Wildlife observation, especially of the Giant Galapagos Tortoises in their natural habitat.
- Family activities like harvesting eggs, fruits and building bamboo forts.
- Cooking classes exploring traditional Ecuadorian cuisine.
- Discovery of even more unique experiences on Santa Cruz Island.
Best Time To Visit Montemar
- The Galapagos Islands offer unique experiences year-round, but the best time to visit Montemar Eco Luxury Villas is from December to May during the warm season. This period brings clearer skies, warmer temperatures (80-90°F), and occasional tropical showers that keep the vegetation lush. The giant tortoises are more active during these months, frequently visiting the property.
- The cool season (June to November) brings lower temperatures (70-80°F) and misty conditions but fewer tourists. Both seasons offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, though water activities are more enjoyable during the warm season when the ocean is calmer and warmer.