The Lodge at Chaa Creek’s Hilltop Spa has been selected as one of the world’s top ten spa values by the internationally respected Gayot’s Guide, according to spa manager Bryony Fleming Bradley, who said the recognition is a first for a Belizean rainforest spa.

Belize is a sanctuary for birds because of its extensive protected forests, varied wetland habitat and strategic location on a major migratory route. Over 587 birds have been recorded in the country, of these approximately 20% are migrants from North America.

Lonely Planet, the largest travel guide book publisher in the world has selected Belize as a top family friendly destination. In an article entitled “5 family-friendly destinations you might not have thought about” written by Robert Reid and published on February 20 on the Lonely Planet website, the writer describes Belize as an affordable Caribbean destination for families.

Belize’s Chaa Creek is kicking off their popular Super Tuesday special discounts for 2013 with an extra kick this week, according to marketing administrator Larry Waight. “Beginning today, January 15, every Tuesday in January will be a Super Tuesday, meaning that vigilant travellers will have three opportunities to secure some pretty amazing discounts this month,” Mr Waight said. “And, as a surprise kick, we’re giving prospective guests until 12 midnight on each following Wednesday to book in and receive the discounts, basically doubling their chances to receive hefty savings off all Chaa Creek accommodation and some select all-inclusive Belize vacation packages,” he added.

Fodor’s Travel has been one of the world’s leading sources for travel information since 1936, and currently covers over 7,500 destinations worldwide through its popular guidebooks, website and articles. The company recently released its second annual list of the world’s top 100 hotels, culled from a list of over 4,000 nominations taking in 41 different countries.

We are not fancy people and are somewhat intimidated by fancy places, but the draw of jungle trails, a rainforest preserve, a Mayan underworld, Mayan medicine and holistic healing (tickling into my career in nursing) is strong. Ceremony is an added bonus. The nature in which the contest is offered is also a positive for me….to know that you, the people who are presenting this opportunity, are enjoying doing so in the spirit of hospitality and giving, and having fun with it!

Anticipation for the December 21 event has been building in popular imagination for the last few years, with the Hollywood blockbuster film “2012” and many articles, documentaries and internet posts giving conflicting and sometimes sensational versions of what to expect. Some people are anticipating a new awakening of human consciousness and outpouring of positive energy, while others predict that the completion of a major cycle of the Maya Long Count calendar, which occurs on December 21, will bring about the end of the world.

As far as Central American countries go, Belize has not always been known as a “must-see” travel destination as compared to its more famous neighbors, Mexico and Guatemala. But over the last 10 years, Belize has built a reputation founded on its determination to protect the rainforests and farms of its land. With the rise in the popularity of ecotourism, Belize has positioned itself as a leader in the field, with the government protecting 40% of the land for conservation purposes.

You want a vacation. We deliver a state of being. Explore a Caribbean gateway where your senses come alive in one of the last unspoiled places on earth. With mystical Maya temples, pristine rainforests and a barrier reef, reward yourself with the soul-stirring charms of Belize.

Belize is a rewarding, authentic destination for travelers in search of unique, intimate experiences in a Caribbean/Central American getaway. A Belize vacation will stir your soul, expand your mind and change your life.

“Life and love begin with mothers, so it’s only right that the Summer of Love starts with a declaration of our love for mothers, and we’re making it easy – and affordable – for people the world over to do something really extra special for their mums this year.”

Even though summer is officially more than six weeks away, The Lodge at Chaa Creek is already preparing for another Summer of Love program after last year’s success, the Belizean eco resort’s marketing administrator Larry Waight said today. “Last year was our first real Summer of Love, and since we enjoyed it almost as much as our guests, we decided to do a repeat. “We chose packages that bring people together. Our Honeymoon package is an obvious choice, but the Family Adventure package and Inland Expedition were…

The success of last week’s Belize tourism expo is one more indication that the growth of the Belizean travel and tourism industry is on the right track, the owner of Belize’s premier eco lodge said today.

The 2012 summer holidays present a rare opportunity to learn about ancient Maya culture and history in the Heartland of the Maya, a noted Belizean anthropologist said. The Lodge at Chaa Creek’s resident Mayanist, anthropologist Joe Awe, said 2012 is an exciting time not only for the Maya people of Belize, but for archaeologists, anthropologists, Maya healers, academics and professionals from around the world, and this created rare opportunities for tourists interested in Maya culture.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek is continuing an innovative approach towards creating greater awareness about its all-inclusive Belize vacation packages with a repeat of limited time surprise Super Tuesday discounts, marketing administrator Larry Waight said today.

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Red Ginger and its scientific name is Alpinia purpurata. The Red Ginger plant, originally from the South Pacific, is a tall, ever-green plant which has bright red floral bracts and inconspicuous white flowers. Read more…

What comes to mind when you think of Belize? For most, this country evokes images of turquoise waters, mist-shrouded mountains, lush tropical rainforests, Mayan ruins, and vibrant colors everywhere.

Our 23 palm thatched cottage rooms ensure a good night’s sleep and delightful mornings accompanied by the sing song of a rainforest waking up, and guests can choose a Complete Garden Suite, an Orchard and Spa Villa, Macal Cottage or Tree Top Suite, all equipped with a Jacuzzi for even extra comfort.

The Gold List is based on data collected from the annual Conde Nast Travel Readers’ Choice Survey and is the ultimate guide to the world’s finest properties. According to the Conde Nast survey, Chaa Creek earned outstanding scores for service, design, rooms and location. The Lodge at Chaa Creek was also selected as one of the world’s best places to stay in the Gold List for 2008.

Chaa Creek’s Cottage Collection is carefully tucked away amidst lush tropical gardens along the verdant banks of the Macal River in the foothills of the ancient Maya Mountains.  Individually designed thatched cottages reflect an atmosphere of elegance where charmingly decorated rooms and suites offer fine fabrics, furnishings and antiques. The spacious accommodations include private sun deck verandahs for viewing wildlife and interacting with nature. Staffed by professional individuals who value your stay as much as you do, and with only …