Was an enormous lion howling outside my thatched cottage? It sounded more like a T-Rex. I might have been worried if I hadn’t been told earlier there was a family of howler monkeys nesting in the nearby treetops.

“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 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.

Cayo District, Belize, February 25, 2009 – Chaa Creek has raised the green bar in Belize as the country’s first home-grown lodge to be formally recognized as a member of the elite eco-friendly international community by Conde Nast Johansens Luxury Hotels and Spas Guide.
Recommendations to this elite group are selected for their individual charm, character and superior service, and only properties that meet the exacting requirements are included in the Guide.
Conde Nast Johansens inspects each recommendation annually to ensure that …