Team and Vision
Team
David Essoyan, a United States citizen raised in Asia and the Middle East, is the owner. Presently residing in Westport, Connecticut, he is employed in the hedge fund industry, focused on Asia. Geovanny Sarigu, Hacienda Tranquila S.A. Partner and General Manager oversees the office and properties. Born in Pelileo, Ecuador of Italian father and indigenous mother, he moved to San Cristobal at age twelve and he has worked in sustainable tourism and social work for over ten years. In addition to being a Certified Surf Guide by the Galapagos National Park, Geovanny has also received various vocational training in project management, sustainable tourism, and outdoors education from the University of Indiana in the U.S.
Our Activities Director, Fabian Andi, is of indigenous descent, hailing originally from the Ecuadorian Amazon region. He came to Galapagos when he was 20 years old, focusing his career here in sustainable tourism for over ten years. He is also a Certified Surf Guide with the Galapagos National Park and has participated in a number of vocational training courses, such as sustainable tourism, project development, and leadership.
Carlos Simbana was born at La Soledad and manages the hacienda and all of the livestock.
Vision
When I first visited San Cristobal, Galapagos in March of 2004 on a surf trip, I fell in love with the island, the people, and the waves. Before returning home I looked into the possibility of actually owning land. My friend, and guide at the time, Geovanny Sarigu, showed me some places around town but nothing clicked. It was only when he took me up to La Soledad in the highlands that I discovered the tranquil paradise that I had in mind. I had a dream in my youth of being the caretaker of a retreat where people could engage in healthy and rejuvenating activities.
My passions being martial arts and surfing, I envisioned a place in a natural setting, where people could enjoy disciplines such as martial arts, meditation, yoga- as well as outdoor activities like surfing, horseback riding and camping. When Geovanny introduced me to the property at La Soledad, I felt that I had found that place. Later that day, while catching the sunset after a surf session at Loberia Beach, Geo and I shared our dreams and pledged to make them a reality. Five months later, with the very capable help of Paz Horowitz Abogados law office, Hacienda Tranquila S.A. came into being.
