Treat yourself to summer school in the Jungle!

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One of the things Chaa Creek prides itself on is providing an informal learning experience for our guests by stimulating interest in Belize’s fascinating history, natural environment and culture, and then providing the tools to follow up that interest. For example, guests can wander up to the Belize Natural History Centre (NHC) and get a glimpse into the local ecology, Maya culture, flora and wildlife at their own pace, and then feel free to ask our knowledgeable licenced naturalist guides questions.

Food is an Essential Part of the Adventure in Belize

Food is an Essential Part of the Adventure in Belize

In order to survive in the increasingly competitive tourism industry, even the most remote resorts must pay careful attention to their kitchens as travellers are placing greater emphasis on a quality dining experience, the food and beverage manager of a popular Belizean eco resort advises. Bryony Fleming Bradley, of The Lodge at Chaa Creek in western Belize, said that the days of adventurous travellers being satisfied with food that was simply hot and palatable are over. ”Some years back, our guests would always comment at how happily surprised they were with the quality of the food we served, as it usually exceeded their expectations of what would be found in such a pristine location.

Tips for an Affordable, Extraordinary Summer Holiday

Tips for an Affordable, Extraordinary Summer Holiday

With a bit of comparison shopping, a summer holiday in an exotic Caribbean rainforest setting may cost less than taking a vacation at home, according to a vacation planning expert at Belize’s The Lodge at Chaa Creek. Bryony Fleming Bradley, who is also Chaa Creek’s assistant GM, said that the popular eco resort’s all-inclusive Belize vacation packages can result in big savings by removing any hidden costs from a holiday. “What always blows out vacation budgets is the many surprises and hidden costs people seem to encounter when travelling, whether overseas or in their own country,” she said. “As much as you plan, things always seem to arise that end up costing more than expected.”

Photo of the day: Aerial shot of the Macal River!!

Chaa Creek - March 2013

The Macal River extends approximately 1492 square kilometers and flows from its headwaters in the Maya Mountains to the turquoise Caribbean Sea. On a canoe trip, you can enjoy the spectacular view of various species of birds and plants and even see villagers washing in the riverbanks.

The Prettiest Flowers in Belize’s Forests

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The above photo is of the Cortez tree which is in full bloom by the Chaa Creek Stable. According to Mick Fleming, Co-Founder of The Lodge at Chaa Creek, the Cortez Tree is considered one of the prettiest flowering trees in Belize’s forests. The wood is supposed to be extremely hard but way too beautiful to cut down.

Chaa Creek Fosters “Transformative” Family Adventures

Chaa Creek - March 2013

Lucy Fleming, the cofounder and GM of the Lodge at Chaa Creek, said that she has been seeing a rise in families taking part in activities and all-inclusive Belize vacation packages such as the Family Adventure package Chaa Creek offers.

GMO Awareness Month in Belize Raises Concerns

Why caring for the environment is important

The fear that Belize’s indigenous corn, which was first developed by the ancestors of Belize’s Maya population, will be threatened by the introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops in this tiny Caribbean country was just one of many concerns raised during a recent “GMO Awareness Month”, according to Belizean environmentalists at Chaa Creek.

Tomorrow’s Environmentalists Start Today at Chaa Creek

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Officially known as the Children’s Summer Camp Scholarship Program, the annual event gives 24 young Belizeans a chance to learn about their natural world through a mix of adventure, social interaction, fun and hands-on education aimed at instilling a sense of wonder and responsibility for the environment, according to program sponsors Mick and Lucy Fleming.

Happy Earth Day

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According to the official Earth Day website ( earthday.org), over 1 billion people in 192 countries are participating in earth’s day activities in their communities and helping depict the face of climate change. At Chaa Creek, we have started to organize this year’s Eco Kids Summer Camp Program which is a week long summer camp scholarship program for Belize’s resident school children.

Mail Delivery! The Postman Butterfly

POSTMAN-BUTTERFLY

The Postman Butterfly can be found in open areas, also near waterways such as rivers and streams. Its diet consists mostly of nectar and pollen that it collects and digests, while their much pickier caterpillars feed only on the leaves of passionflowers. These are adults roost in groups, returning to the same location each night hence the name Postman Butterfly.

Chaa Creek Spa One of the World’s Top Ten

belize ornaments at chaacreek's spa

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.

Belizean Folklore: The Legends of Belize

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The Belizean culture is unlike anything else on Earth. It’s a unique blending of many different influences, ranging from the Spanish Mestizos, to the German Mennonites, and the Ancient Maya. Today, aspects of these people live on in the nation of Belize and its folktales. Here are some of the land’s most compelling legends:

Belize’s Green, Family Friendly Adventures Hailed

Chaa Creek - March 2013

The Natural Child World article also highlights other hotels and tour operators in the US, Australia, Mexico and other locations that share a similar commitment to sustainability.

7 Cool Facts about the Praying Mantis

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Mantidae (also known as praying mantis) is the common name for an insect of the order Mantodea which are mostly tropical or subtropical. The insect is named after the distinctive way they hold their front legs up and together and is in a prayer, and in Greek the word “mantis” means prophet or fortune teller.

Fox News Features on Chaa Creek a Boon for Belize

Chaa Creek - March 2013

Fox News’ recent pick of The Lodge at Chaa Creek as a one of the world’s most outstanding jungle and rainforest retreats marks the third time the Belize eco resort has been featured by the US news agency this year, and is further proof that the tiny Caribbean country is coming into its own as a premier travel destination, marketing administrator Larry Waight said today.

8 Pictures of Belize that makes you want to Vacation here!

Chaa Creek - March 2013

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.

Celebrities Continue to Help Belize’s Conservation Efforts

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Chaa Creek naturalist guide and Natural History Centre assistant manager Brion Young said that several people had recently called his attention to an April 2013 article in Travel + Leisure magazine, and that this highlights the importance of celebrity endorsement of local conservation efforts.

Why You Should Consider Retiring To Belize

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It’s a country of freedom-seekers. The pirates came to ply their pirate trading out of view. The Mennonites came from Germany and the Netherlands so they could be Mennonites without anyone bothering them. The British came to do their banking in private. And the folks from the surrounding countries have made their way across Belize’s borders over the decades in search of safety.

Ambergris Caye Wins Top Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Island Award

Ambergris Caye hovers in a vacation sweet spot: just enough amenities to make it exciting, but not so overdeveloped that you’re tripping over flip-flopped tourists. A mangrove swamp is the eye of this white beach island, the largest in Belize, and golf carts are the main form of transportation along the sandy roads.

Photo of the day: Majestic Maya Temple in Tikal

Misty Tikal

Tikal is one of the largest ancient Maya cities in Mesoamerica and is located in Guatemala about 50 miles northwest of its border with Belize. According to Archaeologists, the Maya began building Tikal around 600 BC and at its peak some 1500 years ago, Tikal was a wealthy metropolis and home to 100,000 Maya as well as a crucial center for religion, science and politics.

The Ulimate Water Adventures in Belize

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With the easterly breeze and the calm waters, conditions on Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye are perfect for wind and kite surfing. There are schools on both islands offering lessons and rentals. For the serious surfers, it is possible to windsurf the 12 miles between Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye and back, although a pit stop is recommended!

Best Hotel Amenities When Traveling with Kids

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With so many hotels around the world, sure, there are lots of choices to decide on. From the simplest hotel to the most luxurious and – the weirdest accommodation, travelers will never find it hard looking for a place to stay.

Belizean Staff Retreats at The Lodge at Chaa Creek

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Belizeans looking for an exotic location combined with rainforest activities, fine dining, an enchanting setting and luxurious accommodations need look no further. Chaa Creek offers the perfect staff retreat option for the discerning professional.

25 Things You Can Do on a Belize Vacation

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If you are looking for a holiday destination that is small and friendly, plan a trip to Belize. This beautiful country is often overlooked by those searching for a Caribbean paradise, but their loss is your gain because if you take a trip to Belize you will soon discover paradise on earth. And there is more than enough to keep you occupied 24 hours a day as you will see from the following list of the 25 things you can do on a Belize vacation.

New Article Highlights Health Benefits of Belize Vacation

belize vacation

Bryony Fleming Bradley, who manages the Hilltop Spa at Belize’s Chaa Creek eco resort, said that the March 16 2013 Huffington Post article confirms that the health benefits of a tranquil vacation are now well documented.

Happy St Patrick’s Day from Belize!

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Yes, in the heady multicultural mix that is Belize, the Irish are well represented. From the early days of the Baymen and buccaneers, many of whom hailed from the Emerald Isles, to present day Belize, Celtic surnames and even the odd lilt of a brogue are common. Irish priests have always been an integral part of Belize’s religious and educational life, and the Royal Irish Rangers were stationed here for years.

US Magazine Picks Western Belize as Retirement Choice

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Ms Fleming and her husband Mick moved to the tiny English speaking country over 30 years ago just as it was making the transition from the former crown colony of British Honduras to the modern, independent nation of Belize.

How to Make Belizean Ceviche

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Yesterday we shared with you one of our favorite Belizean recipes – Coconut Shrimps. Today we will share another recipe which is loved by many people the world over.The recipe is Belizean Ceviche and you can find the recipe below.