Belize
Luxury Resort Caters to Adventurers
by
Karen SchalerI’m
itching to have scuba gear with me. I can’t believe I’m flying into
Belize and I don’t even have my snorkel, fins or mask. It just feels so wrong
knowing Belize has the second largest coral reef in the world (185 miles) and
some of the most amazing diving sites you’ll ever find. Yet I would never
even see the coast. This trip was set up to explore a part of Belize few people
have ever discovered. So instead of spending my time underwater searching for
tropical fish, I planned to travel through the rainforests of Belize where you
can still find jaguars, crocodiles and manatee.
 | A
beautiful Belize coral reef |
Formerly
known as British Honduras, Belize didn’t even gain it’s independence
until 1981. Bordering Mexico and Guatemala, Belize is on the east coast of Central
America on the Caribbean Sea, covering close to 9,000 square miles. With a population
of approximately 290,000, this country is a melting pot of different cultures
where you’ll find Creoles, Caribs, Maya, Spanish, Lebanese, Chinese, East
Indian, Europeans and even Mennonite all living in harmony. The majority of this
population speaks English. Tourism
plays an important role in Belize, though up until recently the only area truly
marketed to visitors was along the coast. Now more travelers are searching to
discover the true heart of countries like Belize, wanting to learn more about
the culture and eco-adventure options. This has sprouted unique developments that
are now starting to show up in the interior of the country. There
is one new boutique resort that’s a clear standout. Just a little over an
hour from the airport, outside the city of San Ignacio, in the heart of the Cayo
District, is the Ka’ana Boutique Resort & Spa. With 10 jungle-chic villas
and five rooms, this first-class intimate escape is the brainchild of two young
Irish brothers, Colin and Ronan Hannan. The Hannan brothers wanted to create a
luxurious place for travelers to stay while exploring the nearby Mayan ruins,
rivers, rainforests, caves and waterfalls. Situated in the Maya mountains, just
a few miles from the Guatemalan border, Ka’ana is ideally situated for a
number of different eco-adventures, specially tailoring tours to fit its guests'
needs.
 | Ka'ana
resort lobby |
I
wasn’t sure what to expect, but as soon as I spotted Ka’ana tucked away
in a blanket of lush emerald foliage, I knew I had found something special. The
staff, waiting with a welcome drink, couldn’t have been friendlier. It felt
more like coming to visit old friends than checking into a hotel. One of the first
things you notice when you step into the lobby is all the beautiful woodwork and
wooden furniture made by local craftsmen with Belizean hardwood.
There’s
also original art from area artists, including beautiful slate carvings, decorating
the walls. This seamless design is carried throughout the resort in the lounge,
restaurant, spa and each individual room. You’re also told if you don’t
like the art in your room, just ask and someone will change it for you. Ka’ana’s
designer, Brendan O’Donoghue, wanted to create a luxurious but authentic
feel without being too "over-the-top." Each villa has a front and back
patio, flat screen TV, iPod docking station, espresso maker, a generous sized
bathroom with a beautiful tiled shower and scrumptious linens on one of the most
comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in. From almost every villa you can hear
the infinity edge swimming pool spill into a waterfall. Another great feature
is that it's just a 30-second walk to the resort's petite spa and fine-dining
restaurant. That night, award-winning
Chef Manolo Castillo spoiled us with his gourmet cuisine and a small, but impressive
wine list. His beef carpaccio marinated with olive oil, lime juice, capers and
onions was the perfect appetizer. For the main course I had a hard time deciding
between the New York steak with blue cheese sauce and a traditional favorite,
Chicken En Mole’ Verde sauce. I finally settled with another option —
the Tequila Shrimp — couldn’t have been happier. The perfect end to
the evening was the homemade gelato. On the walk back to my villa, underneath
a star-lit sky, listening to a symphony of tree frogs, I felt amazingly safe.
Even though I was in a remote corner of a country I barely knew, Ka’ana felt
like another home, one I knew I’d want to visit again and again.
 | Ka'ana
resort bar and lounge |
The
next morning, after gobbling down a delicious breakfast of chocolate packages
(there are healthier options; I just didn’t choose them), we headed three
miles down the road to one of the most impressive Mayan ruin sites in Central
America. The Cayo Region was the heart of the Mayan Empire until the civilization
disappeared around A.D. 1000-1500. The region is now home to more than 600 documented
Mayan sites. It’s smart to go
early to beat the heat. We chose to explore Xunantunich (Maiden of the Rock),
a huge ceremonial center perched high on the hillside, towering over the region.
To get there you have to take a small, hand-crank ferry across the Mopan River
and then follow a steep road up to the site. What’s so unique about the Mayan
sites in Belize is that you can still walk right up to the ancient temples, or
even climb on them for a bird’s eye view of the area. We
hiked up the largest pyramid, El Castillo, and found its west side covered with
impressive hieroglyph carvings. After leaving that site and crossing back over
the river, don’t miss checking out some of the beautiful slate carvings sold
by local artists along the river. The artists love to bargain and offer some of
the best prices you’ll find. Since
much of the Cayo Region sits on top of limestone deposits, you’ll find miles
of caves to explore, along with winding rivers that are perfect for canoeing and
kayaking. If you’re looking to take your adventure to new heights, a thrilling
way to spend the day is at Jaguar Paw. There, Ariel Trek excursions will have
you screaming through the treetops on eight zip line platforms. The highest rides
can reach 85 feet and 300 feet long. The best days to visit these zip line platforms
is Friday through Monday, allowing you to avoid cruise ship crowds.  | Cave
Tubing |
After playing
Tarzan and taking a quick break for lunch, you can cool off by grabbing an inner-tube
and taking an easy 20-minute hike through the rainforest for some cave tubing.
After feeling hot and sweaty from our zip-lining adventure, the Caves Branch
River felt refreshing as we let a gentle current take us inside a mystical underground
cave system where the only light we had came from our mini-headlamps.
With
a guide leading the way, holding on to each other, we all floated down the river
in a peaceful group. Several times, however, the rapids picked up and the caves
were filled with nervous laughter because we weren’t quite sure where we
were going. At times, slices of sunlight would filter through the cracks and you
could see the walls of the caves glittering with mica minerals. We even caught
a few glances at small bats. We spent about one hour on the river, and the entire
time I was in awe of what I was experiencing. I quickly forgot about not having
my diving gear and snorkel mask because discovering this untouched part of Belize
was well worth the trip. BELIZE
FACTS
Area — 8,867
square feet, 65 percent forested
Population — 290,000
Language —
English
Climate — average 79 degrees, rainy season: June-August
Currency
— Belize Dollar (approx. BZ $2 to U.S. $1)
Entry Requirements — passport
required + U.S. $35 departure tax IF
YOU GO... WHERE
TO STAY
Ka'ana
Boutique Resort & Spa
Mile 69 1/4 Benque Viejo Road
San Ignacio,
Belize
(501) 824-3350
Jaguar
Paw
(888) 790-5264
WHAT
TO PACK
Bug Spray
Benadryl for bites
Sunscreen
Hat/sunglasses
Bathing
suit
Walking/wet shoes
Camera
Small backpack
Resort casual attire
Passport
|
