Maybe being inundated with so much love so early in the year has left us somewhat dazed and confused, as a certain 70s British rock band famously put it, but it sure seems like little Belize is already making big waves on the 2019 global travel scene.
We’ve recently written about Lonely Planet, National Geographic and Caribbean Journal listing Belize among their top ten destinations for 2019, and this week still more recommendations came across our desk.
Yes, three more travel experts, including the ever-reliable Condé Nast Traveller, came to the same conclusion when they weighed in on the “where to go in 2019?” question.
It seems like it just doesn’t get much better than Belize and The Lodge at Chaa Creek.
The Matador network is one of the earliest digital travel sites, having, in their words, since grown to “a tribe of millions of travellers across the globe with an unquenchable thirst for adventure and exploration.”
So when we saw both Belize and Chaa Creek highlighted in their recent “Best Places To Travel in March” article, we knew we were in good company.
And we were. After extolling the joys of Belize’s Caribbean attractions and our Unique Hotels of Belize partners Victoria House, Matador had this to say:
“Stay at The Lodge at Chaa Creek and you’ll have a whole staff of naturalists at your disposal to educate you on the ecological history of the area — then walk you through the tropical butterfly farm and rainforest medicine trail where you’ll learn about how plants in the jungle can save lives.”
We had just finished enjoying that piece when we opened a newsletter from The Kiwi Collection – those savvy globetrotters with an eye for luxury. Their “10 Best Places To Go In 2019” also highlighted Belize’s Caribbean and inland jungle attractions, and had a sub-list of seven luxury hotels, with guess who sitting at top place?
“For over 30 years, nature lovers and adventurers have trekked to Chaa Creek…
Sustainability is at the very core of The Lodge at Chaa Creek, and 10% of all accommodation revenue funds environmental and social programs in the area. The lush jungle aesthetic was also considered when constructing the 23 palm thatched cottages that form the backbone of the guest experience.”
It seemed like we just finished reading the Kiwi Collection review, the smiles still on our faces, when someone remarked, “You see Condé Nast’s 2019 top travel picks?”
Sure enough, under Condé Nast’s “The Best Places To Go in 2019” was the tagline:“From Bhutan to Belize, with a stop in Egypt along the way”
Followed by this description of Belize:
“Just down the Caribbean coast from the Yucatan with a fraction of the tourism, this Central American country on the world’s second largest living coral reef has been buzzing with new openings that are transforming this one-time backpacker haven into a luxury destination.”
Just ask Mick and Lucy Fleming about the transformation from backpacker haven to luxury destination…
Starting their career in the hospitality industry by catering to the odd adventurous backpacker while working their small farm at Chaa Creek back in the 1970s, Mick and Lucy now have an eco-resort with luxury accommodations fit for a king…well, future king, perhaps, with England’s Prince Harry counted among Chaa Creek’s satisfied guests.
In less than 40 years Belize has gone from a former British Crown Colony no one heard of, to become one of travel’s most sought-after destinations.
And during that same time, Chaa Creek has grown from a small farm putting up backpackers, archaeologists, birders and other adventurous souls to an eco-resort boasting what may be Belize’s widest range of accommodations; running from rustic to butler-serviced luxurious.
There’s also the internationally recognised Hilltop Spa, as well as a fine-dining restaurant featuring genuine farm-to-table cuisine, the onsite Belize Natural History Museum, Butterfly Farm, and other attractions within a 400-acre private nature reserve containing an ancient Maya temple and over 70 Maya archaeological sites.
And while all these travel industry accolades are wonderful, what really makes the Fleming family and their 160 staff members smile is the excellent word of mouth and overwhelmingly positive comments by those who are really in the know and matter the most – Chaa Creek’s guests.
But don’t take our word for it – make a quick visit to TripAdvisor’s website and you’ll see comments such as:
Should have stayed longer
“Beautiful property with spacious accommodations, excellent service by all staff members, delicious food… Our only regret was not having a longer stay in order to fully appreciate all the amenities and activities.”
Fifth time at Chaa Creek
“Once again a great time, people are wonderful, food is great, accommodations were phenomenal, new tree top suites were amazing, already planning next years trip and taking 4 more people with us”
Best Vacation of Our Lives!
“I could write a book about our experience at Chaa Creek! The owners and staff are amazing…”
And so on and so forth.
If, in the words of that 70s rock group, you “come from the land of the ice and snow” and are looking to bask in the warm glow of a great vacation that actually benefits the land and communities of Belize, why not take a tip from the many travel experts and satisfied travellers who recommend The Lodge at Chaa Creek?
It may not be a Stairway to Heaven, but odds are you’ll find it heavenly.