The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same -Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr
It’s Like Déjà vu All Ove Again =Yogi Berra
Not to make light of a serious global situation that has seriously affected all of us, these sayings pretty much sum up our response to the latest reports from the US and the Belize government.
Just when you think things are slowly moving towards normalcy, new cases appear, and that step forward becomes another step backwards. The dramatic ups and downs of this roller coaster of news has us going from caution to excitement and back again, while experiencing every peak and valley in between.
We’re sure many of you feel the same.
These feelings were only intensified with the recent advice from the Belize Prime Minister’s office that the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) would not be opening to international arrivals on August 15, as originally planned.
Which means that The Lodge at Chaa Creek will not be opening to overseas guests, as we originally stated.
It’s been frustrating for all concerned, but, as we said when we first temporarily closed – the health and safety of our guests, staff members and communities have always been our number one priority.
It’s a priority shared by the government, the Ministry of Health, the Belize Tourism Board, and our travel colleagues, all of whom have been working tirelessly to ensure that Belize will be the safest destination on the planet once travel resumes.
The Belize government received worldwide accolades for containing the Coronavirus when it first appeared, and rightly so. Swift and effective action – from controlling the borders and enacting legislation to enforce social distancing, isolation, hygiene and other necessities – worked to keep Belize COVID-free longer than any other country in the Americas.
The Belize Tourism Board launched the rigorous Tourism Gold Standard Recognition Program to ensure the safety of both visitors and locals, and Chaa Creek immediately came on board, becoming one of only thirteen properties to achieve Gold Standard Certification.
Gold Standard Certification also extends to our transport and touring company, Chaa Creek Inland Expeditions, meaning that, from the moment guests are picked up at the PGIA until drop off, they are assured of the absolute highest levels of health and safety during their stay.
Belize pulled together and it looked like we were on our way to reopening.
But, here, as everywhere else on the planet, this relentless virus continues to stymy the world’s best and brightest scientists – for now.
We want you to know that we appreciate how these last few months haven’t been easy for anyone, but we also want you to know that, as soon as possible, we’ll reopen our doors to comforting casual luxury and the sublime wonders of Nature.
We look forward to welcoming you as much as we think you’ll welcome a return to fine dining, swimming, birding, canoeing, nature hikes, horseback riding, and all the other healthy activities that abound within Chaa Creek’s 400-acre private nature reserve.
With a short hop from North America, pick-up in modern hygienic vehicles driven by highly trained guides, contactless check-in to a Tourism Gold Standard Certified resort whose spacious layout makes social distancing seem, well, natural, we’re confident that Chaa Creek will be a welcome change and a safe and secure getaway.
We encourage you to visit the Chaa Creek website for updates, and to learn more about Belize’s Tourism Gold Standard Recognition Program and our ongoing efforts to offer the most carefree, relaxing and healthy way to reconnect with nature, each other, and yourself.
And then feel free to contact your travel agent, or speak with us directly, and we’ll work with you to create the most exciting yet relaxing return to the good life. It’s a reward we think everyone deserves.