Royal Palm Hotel Offers Holiday Packages in Ecological Paradise

For those tired of the holiday scene in Aspen or even the over-crowded beaches of the Caribbean, Millennium Hotels and Resorts´ Royal Palm Hotel, the only deluxe hotel in the Galapagos, celebrates the winter holidays in unique fashion - in the ‘cradle’ or ‘sanctuary’ of evolution. What could be more appealing than caroling at Christmas in a tropical rainforest paradise that features spectacular beaches, yacht cruises through crystalline waters, and giant tortoises? Or a formal New Year's Eve, complete with cotillion, champagne and live music, on the islands where Charles Darwin revolutionized the concept of life in the 19th century?

Royal Palm Hotel offers a Christmas and a New Year's vacation package that features four nights of luxury in villa accommodations with panoramic views of the ocean and rainforest, daily breakfasts, round trip transfers and a friendly welcome at the resort's own airport VIP lounge, use of the property's recreational facilities, plus festive special events and specially planned activities.

Christmas Package
Enjoy an unforgettable Christmas dinner and caroling concert on December 24th. As well as guided tours to the famous Charles Darwin Station, the legendary Galapagos giant tortoises in their wild environment, the enigmatic pit craters of "Los Gemelos", the lava tunnels located on the hotel grounds, and a yacht cruise around Santa Cruz Island. Afterwards, enjoy a day at Tortuga Bay, recognized as one of the most pristine beaches in the Galapagos. Complimentary wine and French champagne is also included. Package must be booked by 12/23/02. Price: $2995USD
*Other room types are also available at the same price.

New Year's Eve Package
Ring in the New Year with a formal dinner, accompanied by complimentary wine, French champagne and a cotillion featuring live music. The package also includes a New Year's Day buffet brunch featuring typical Ecuadorian specialties. As well as a pre- or post-New Year's Eve tour to the Charles Darwin Station, Giant Tortoises Farm, the enigmatic pit craters of "Los Gemelos" and a visit to Garrapatero Beach, another splendid beach on the Santa Cruz Island. An additional lunch and dinner for two is also included. Package must be booked by 12/23/02. Price: $3071 USD
* Other room types are also available at the same price.

About Royal Palm Hotel, Galapagos, A Millennium Partner
The 500-acre Royal Palm Hotel is located on Santa Cruz Island, in the heart of the unique Galapagos National Park, a region world-famous since Charles Darwin's epic Voyage of the Beagle in the 19th century which formed the foundation of the theory of evolution. This location, plus the hotel's superb level of service and quality standards, create an inspirational and memorable setting for total enjoyment of the senses.

The resort offers 17 luxurious accommodations comprised of suites, villas and veranda studio rooms, one fine dinning restaurant, a swimming pool, a poolside informal barbecue restaurant and bar, tennis courts and a fully equipped business center with meeting facilities. The hotel also features a Galapagos Museum and observatory, as well as a full range of recreational and touring opportunities, including immediate access to the treasures of the Galapagos National Park. Royal Palm Resort is located just 20 minutes from Puerto Ayora, the main port for cruising the Galapagos Islands, and 40 minutes from Baltra Airport, with daily flights to Quito and Guayaquil.

The Royal Palm Health Club & Spa features a fully equipped gym, hair salon, sauna, steam room and spa featuring the highest quality services and products. The mission of the Club is to offer guests the very best spa experience, with exceptional standards of professional assistance in a natural and relaxing environment that inspires the island spirit. For every fully supervised spa treatment, guests are provided with every imaginable necessity, including towels, sandals and bathrobe as well as instructions for use of the gym, spa, sauna and steam room.

For reservations, please call (800) 528-6069, +(593) 5-527-409. For more information, visit www.milleniumhotels.com.