Diksha Sundriyal
In ‘Eden,’ a group of people tries to find their own version of paradise on the island of Floreana, off the coast of Ecuador. The first ones to arrive there are Dr. Friedrich Ritter and Dore Strauch, whose accounts of building a new life from scratch attract Heinz Wittmer and his wife, Margret, who leave their life in Germany to turn over a new leaf. Trouble arrives shortly after in the form of a self-proclaimed Baroness named Eloise and her two lovers, creating a sense of distrust and paranoia, which does not end well for anyone. In the end, the Wittmers are the last ones standing, and their legacy still continues on the island in the form of a business set up by Margret.
The Hotel Created by Margret Wittmer Still Exists on Floreana
When Eloise Bosquet de Wagner Wehrhorn came to Floreana, she revealed her ambition of building a luxury hotel that would be exclusive for the elite. About three decades later, a hotel was built on the island, but it did not conform to the Baroness’ vision. The Wittmer Hotel was set up by Margret Wittmer in 1962. By then, the mysterious events surrounding the Baroness’ disappearance and Dr. Friedrich Ritter’s death had already faded. The Wittmers had also experienced tragedy after their son, Harry, drowned in a boating accident.
However, having spent more than three decades on the island, it was home to the Wittmers, and this is where they would set down their roots. The hotel was a part of that plan. Today, the Wittmer Hotel sits by the black sand beach at Playa Negra in Puerto Velazco Ibarra in Floreana, where Margret had laid its foundation in the 60s. The hotel has welcomed guests for more than six decades now, and still remains a popular choice for tourists, particularly those interested in the history of the Wittmer family and the events of the Galapagos Affair. Margret passed away in 2000, handing over the charge of the hotel to her daughter, Floreanita, who then passed the reins to her daughter, Erika García.
The family’s legacy is deeply embedded in the island, as tourists are welcomed at the main pier by the statue of Rolf Wittmer, the first person born on Floreana. The caves where the Wittmer family first set camp are also a popular tourist site on the island. The museum, situated within the Wittmer Hotel, also offers outsiders an insight into the island’s history. Unlike the Baroness’ idea of making a hotel that only caters to millionaires, the Wittmer Hotel opens its doors to everyone with open arms. Its rustic vibe, proximity to the beach, and the availability of hiking trails and viewpoints offering exceptional views of the island make it an excellent choice for all travelers.
Read More: Eloise Bosquet de Wagner Wehrhorn: Was She a Real Person? How Did She Die?
