Did you know that the Belize Black Howler Monkey is one of the top 10 loudest animals in the world? This is one of many things we learned and experienced at Chaa Creek.

We think it’s a great idea that at least one Sunday a year we take time out to pay extra attention to that special someone who brought us into the world and introduced us to love.

One of the things Chaa Creek prides itself on is providing an informal learning experience for our guests by stimulating interest in Belize’s fascinating history, natural environment and culture, and then providing the tools to follow up that interest. For example, guests can wander up to the Belize Natural History Centre (NHC) and get a glimpse into the local ecology, Maya culture, flora and wildlife at their own pace, and then feel free to ask our knowledgeable licenced naturalist guides questions.

In order to survive in the increasingly competitive tourism industry, even the most remote resorts must pay careful attention to their kitchens as travellers are placing greater emphasis on a quality dining experience, the food and beverage manager of a popular Belizean eco resort advises.

With a bit of comparison shopping, a summer holiday in an exotic Caribbean rainforest setting may cost less than taking a vacation at home, according to a vacation planning expert at Belize’s The Lodge at Chaa Creek. Bryony Fleming Bradley, who is also Chaa Creek’s assistant GM, said that the popular eco resort’s all-inclusive Belize vacation packages can result in big savings by removing any hidden costs from a holiday. “What always blows out vacation budgets is the many surprises and hidden costs people seem to encounter when travelling, whether overseas or in their own country,” she said. “As much as you plan, things always seem to arise that end up costing more than expected.”

Chaa Creek’s all-inclusive Christmas vacation packages include luxury accommodation, and all meals as well as a wide range of activities and access to all features in the 365 acre private rainforest nature reserve, such as the Belize Natural History Centre, a butterfly farm, Maya Medicinal Plant Trail and Maya Organic Farm, Hill Top Spa and infinity pool, as well as all transfers, government taxes and staff gratuities. “We’re called a ‘destination within a destination, because once you’re here you can have a complete affordable Belize experience, hiking, horseback or mountain bike riding along our vast network of jungle trails…

Tourists arrived in record numbers in Belize during the first quarter of 2013, prompting one popular eco resort to do something that has industry professionals scratching their heads – offer discounts.

Lucy Fleming, the cofounder and GM of the Lodge at Chaa Creek, said that she has been seeing a rise in families taking part in activities and all-inclusive Belize vacation packages such as the Family Adventure package Chaa Creek offers.

The Natural Child World article also highlights other hotels and tour operators in the US, Australia, Mexico and other locations that share a similar commitment to sustainability.

“Chaa Creek sits within a 365 acre private rainforest reserve, and with all of the activities and amenities on offer, we really are a destination within a destination. And, with over 30 years’ experience and close relationships with other resorts, tour companies and service providers, we can design and deliver packages that really are exceptional,” she said.

Fox News’ recent pick of The Lodge at Chaa Creek as a one of the world’s most outstanding jungle and rainforest retreats marks the third time the Belize eco resort has been featured by the US news agency this year, and is further proof that the tiny Caribbean country is coming into its own as a premier travel destination, marketing administrator Larry Waight said today.

Mr Waight explained that the Summer of Love program was conceived as a way to encourage more people to spend more time with their loved ones over the summer by taking part in a range of exciting yet affordable adventure activities.

“As a small developing country, Belize never had a marketing budget to match any of the world’s more popular destinations, which is one of the reasons why the Belize Tourism Board always referred to the country as ‘Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret’. However, as we see on a daily basis at Chaa Creek, visitors are always taken with the incredible natural beauty and warm, friendly people we’re blessed with, so it was only a matter of time before word got out.”

“Over the years we’ve seen an increase in bookings for Belize family vacation packages to celebrate birthdays, wedding anniversaries, graduations and other significant events. A few years ago one family asked if Mother’s Day was celebrated in Belize, and if we could do something special for their mother.

With the easterly breeze and the calm waters, conditions on Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye are perfect for wind and kite surfing. There are schools on both islands offering lessons and rentals. For the serious surfers, it is possible to windsurf the 12 miles between Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye and back, although a pit stop is recommended!

Belizeans looking for an exotic location combined with rainforest activities, fine dining, an enchanting setting and luxurious accommodations need look no further. Chaa Creek offers the perfect staff retreat option for the discerning professional.

Bryony Fleming Bradley, who manages the Hilltop Spa at Belize’s Chaa Creek eco resort, said that the March 16 2013 Huffington Post article confirms that the health benefits of a tranquil vacation are now well documented.

The Huffington Post has selected The Lodge at Chaa Creek as one of the world’s 10 most relaxing destinations for sustainable tourism. In an article entitled “Eco-Resorts: The World’s 10 Most Relaxing Destinations For Sustainable Tourism” written by Carolyn Gregoire and published today on the travel section of the Huffington Post.

Ms Fleming and her husband Mick moved to the tiny English speaking country over 30 years ago just as it was making the transition from the former crown colony of British Honduras to the modern, independent nation of Belize.

Many North Americans have this misconception that Belize is a distant and forgotten land deep in the rainforests of Central America. It is, in fact, only a two hour flight from Florida or a just a few hour drive from Mexico. This tiny country with an area of 8,867 square miles is unique because it was the only British colony in the region where English is the official language and Elizabeth II is still the queen.