Casa Ceibo Boutique Hotel & Spa

Overview

Description

Nothing is more magical than witnessing the historical, cultural, and environmental wealth that is prolific throughout Ecuador’s Bahía de Caráquez and the coastal region. It’s home to more than 300 species of birds and a bountiful host of other wildlife — everything from hermit crabs to herrings, howler monkeys (Alouatta spp.), and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). This remarkably diverse show of nature plays out against a multitude of picturesque backdrops: wetlands, mangrove islands, country fields, wet and dry tropical forests, bay, ocean, beach, and much more. An abundance of exotic flora and fauna perfectly accessorizes the coastal beauty, romancing the senses and soothing the soul.

Along the coast, Case Ceibo guests can visit numerous towns and hamlets, which provide an opportunity to buy ethnic crafts and goods, and to get a glimpse into Ecuadorian traditions both old and new. Whether watching a local artisan weave an authentic Panama hat or picking out a tagua-nut necklace from a village vendor, these Ecuadorian experiences will be the makings of memories that last a lifetime.

Rooms

We have 18 luxurious rooms which have been decorated with furniture of the finest wood of the area, made by local craftsmen and complemented by beautiful stained glass windows. The hotel offers three kinds of rooms: standard, overlooking the front gardens of the main building and the tennis court; luxury, overlooking the pool and the pier; two suites with a view of the gardens and the swimming pool view; and a presidential suite.

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 35

Percentage of local employees: 94%

College scholarships: Casa Ceibo Boutique Hotel & Spa is supporting three different scholarships of approximately $25,000, for careers in business management, marine biology, and ecotourism.

Reforestation of the mangrove swamp: The objectives of this project include the following:

• Protect and preserve the environment.
• Help the growth and sedimentation of the land.
• Prevent the intrusion of salinity to the interior of the land.
• Improve the estuary food chain.
• Preserve biodiversity.

Community english program and Isla Corazon–Portovelo community children eco-club: Casa Ceibo has made a donation for the children of Satia Say school to receive English classes during various levels of schooling. In addition, an ecological club for 40 children ages four to eleven has been established within the community of Portovelo, where children will receive environmental education so they can be trained as the future guides of the wildlife reserve and leaders of recycling programs in the area.

Water purification program: Casa Ceibo has developed a project to sell purified water to the local community for a relatively low price (a quarter of the normal average). The objective of this program is to provide people with drinkable water at anytime.

Rates

$150 and up

• Standard rooms: $300
• Deluxe rooms: $400
• Suites: $500
• Presidential suites: $650

For all rooms, add 12% VTA local taxes and a 10% service fee.

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Quito (UIO); Guayaquil (GYE)

Nearest local/national airport: Manta (MEC)

Travel time to nearest airport: 1 hour 15 min from Manta (MEC)

International airlines arrive and depart from the Quito and Guayaquil International airports. Daily flights from Quito to Manta are available in the morning and afternoon via two major national airlines: Aerogal and Icaro. The flight takes approximately 30 minutes. There are no flights from Guayaquil to Manta. Transfer to Casa Ceibo from Manta may be arranged with the hotel.

Additional Information

Awards or Recognitions

• American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (AAHS) - As the first recipient of the Five Star Green Award in all of South America, Casa Ceibo set a new standard for progressive hospitality in this region of the world.
• Chaine des Rotisseurs - Casa Ceibo is thrilled to be the founding member in Ecuador for this elite gastronomic society.
• Conde Nast Johansens - Casa Ceibo is officially recognized by Johansen's for its fantastic food, Ecuadorian art, and atmosphere.

Date This Information Was Provided

April 2011.

Photos courtesy of Casa Ceibo Boutique Hotel & Spa, Ecuador, for SustainableTrip.org.