SATURDAY July 30, 2011 – Wildlife includes all non-domesticated plants and animals, and fortunately for Belizeans, in Belize we are surrounded by nature. Today the Eco Kids learned about how important wildlife is and why they need to protect it.

With tourism growing around the world, communities are now realizing that they need their local wildlife not only for healthy ecosystems but because it provides great economic benefits.

You’ve been a fantastically successful pop star, sold over 40 million records, have your own TV show and claimed to have romanced thousands of women, and now you’re finally going to ask the one woman you’ve really loved to be your first wife. Where do you pop the Big Question? Why, Belize, of course. Gene Simmons could have picked any spot on the planet to ask Shannon Tweed, his long-time girlfriend and mother of his two children to finally tie the knot.

Chaa Creek Maya weddings can be held at one of several beautiful Maya temple or ceremonial sites, each having its own distinct feel and providing incredible backdrops for photographs and videos. Xunantunich, known locally as the Temple of the Stone Maiden, is a beautiful pyramid temple with rare frescos in a park like setting surrounded by lush rainforest and offering stunning views from the summit. Cahal Pech, on the outskirts of San Ignacio town features a royal palace and tranquil grounds with a variety of structures and settings.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek has recently been selected as one of the top ten resorts for the entire Central and South American region, according to this month’s Travel+Leisure Magazine, which features their annual “Best resorts in the World” awards list for 2011.
And the good news for travellers to Belize is that Chaa Creek’s partner in an all-inclusive Rainforest to Reef package, Victoria House on Ambergris Caye, was also named as one of the top ten by the magazine and its website.

Two big birthdays will be celebrated in the Caribbean/Central American region this year as Belize and its first eco-resort, The Lodge at Chaa Creek, both turn 30. Chaa Creek, which had previously been a small family farm, first opened its doors to paying customers the same year that Belize, the former British Honduras, gained independence from Great Britain in 1981, and the celebration of these two milestones is turning into a major party.

Situated some 12 kilometres north of San Ignacio town and straddling the Belize – Guatemala border, El Pilar’s 100 acres contains over 25 plazas, temples, palaces, residential structures, and causeways. Inhabited continuously between 800BC and 1,000AD, it supported a population of over 20,000 at its peak, and was one of the most important centres of the Lowland Maya. For us, one of the more interesting aspects of El Pilar is not just what has been found, but the way in which the research is carried out.

Chaa Creek’s Maya and La Mar Honeymoon Magic is an all-inclusive package offering couples the best of two romantic worlds. The Lodge at Chaa Creek is Belize’s oldest and best known eco-resort, set within a private 365 acre nature reserve with beautiful thatched-roof cottage style accommodation, exquisite candlelit dining, a pool, butterfly farm, a professional Hilltop Spa and other amenities. Miles of well-maintained trails through the rainforest are perfect for horseback and mountain bike riding or tranquil nature walks.

Located in Central America just south of Mexico, Belize sits along enchanting turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Every year, thousands of scuba divers from around the world visit Belize in search of the perfect dive. Belize is home to three of four atolls, – a ring-shaped formation of coral reef – located in the Western hemisphere. This makes Belize one of the best dive spots in the world. Their crystal clear and warm waters provide great visibility.

Here’s a list of the best dive locations in Belize:

“When you think about it, Chaa Creek is a great family vacation destination in itself. It‘s also the perfect base for exploring Belize’s beautiful rainforests, Caribbean beaches and the spectacular Belize Barrier Reef as well as Maya temples, sacred caves and archaeological sites. “No matter what your age or interests, there’s something to do at Chaa Creek, from exploring the miles of rainforest trails on foot, horseback or mountain bike, canoeing the beautiful Macal River, visiting our on-site Maya temples and sites or taking part in nature walks and tours.”

For the next two years, the Belize Tourism Board will be following the blueprint’s outline to balance growth of a vibrant tourism market with the need for conservation and sustainability of the nation’s precious resources. Working with partners including ecotourism consultant Megan Epler Wood, the Planeterra Foundation, of which Wood is executive director, and the tour company, Gap Adventures, a founding partner of the foundation, the board is hoping to successfully sell investors and tourists the very same treasured assets it is duty-bound to protect and conserve.

It’s amazing what happens when you get away from the television, computers, X Boxes, PlayStations and other modern distractions and spend time together in nature. And when you can choose from hiking, swimming, canoeing down pristine rivers, horseback or mountain bike riding through gorgeous jungle trail, wandering through ancient Maya temples, going on guided nature walks, exploring sacred Maya caves filled with artefacts, altars and relics, or any number of activities, it’s a safe bet no one will be bored.

Belize is blessed with one of the best climates in the world. The yearly temperature is around 84° F (29°C) without much fluctuation between seasons. During even the hottest summer months, coastal sea breezes and Belize’s large tracts of jungle and rainforests provide cooling relief. Instead of four seasons, Belize really only has two – the wet and the dry. And while they both have their charms, I like the wet, which runs roughly from June through December – things are greener, the jungles more lush and the typically short summer afternoon rains are refreshing.

What have former US President Bill Clinton, actor Ted Danson, entertainers Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga done for Belize lately?

Quite a bit, actually…they all contributed to a recent Christie’s Green Auction that raised over US $1.5 million to benefit four international environmental organizations including Oceana, which has been instrumental in assisting Belize to completely ban the destructive practice of trawling from its waters.

Something not often highlighted, but to me of huge importance, is the flexibility of a Belizean honeymoon experience and the ability to structure your time exactly as you wish.
I’ve been around, and I still can’t think of anywhere as beautiful, and as romantic as the Caribbean. Even Johnny Depp wouldn’t be as charming anywhere else. Pirates of the Mediterranean just doesn’t quite have it.

Book now and receive a 20% discount on rooms for the following dates:Feb 15 – March 11, 2011.These specials does not apply to the Macal River Camp, existing reservations or Packages.

“Dear Mick and Lucy, I am pleased to tell you that The Lodge at Chaa Creek is one of only three finalists in the category of Most Excellent Lodge – Mexico and Central America chosen from our portfolio of more than 270 hotels.

The ancient Maya civilization of Central America left behind a riddle: an intricate and mysterious hieroglyphic script carved on stone monuments and painted on pottery and bark books. Because the invading Spanish suppressed nearly all knowledge of how the script worked, unlocking its meaning posed one of archaeology’s fiercest challenges. Until now.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Belize’s eco resort in the Heartland of the Maya, has invited filmmaker George Lucas to take part in their 2012 – Maya Perspectives lecture series and grand celebrations planned for the 2012 Winter Solstice on December 21, 2012.

Write a travel story on why you want to Vacation in Belize and use your creative energy to convince the reader why your unique story should compete for the winning place in the Belize Travel Story Contest.

I’m admittedly a serious fan of holidays in Belize, and once again my friends are asking me what’s so great about it, especially with winter on the way. So once again, I’m giving ten good reasons why I’m returning there with my family this year.