Belize As Neverland? The Lodge At Chaa Creek Offers A Compelling Story – And A Fun Vacation
SAN IGNACIO, Belize (PRWEB) May 22, 2018 -- Was Belize’s Turneffe Atoll really the inspiration for the Neverland of Peter Pan fame? The Lodge at Chaa Creek is inviting travellers to test the theory themselves with a new Belize family summer vacation package that combines real exploration with the fictional exploits of Peter, Wendy, Tiger Lily and the other Neverland characters.
And while the new all-inclusive Belize vacation package complements a Belize Tourism Board promotion offering people named Peter or Wendy the chance to win a free trip to Turneffe Atoll, it has some striking differences, according to Chaa Creek’s marketing administrator.
Roberto Harrison agreed that the atoll, which sits off the Caribbean coast of Belize, “bears an uncanny resemblance” to settings in Scottish author J.M. Barrie’s children’s classic, and added that the jungles surrounding Chaa Creek also contain features strikingly similar to some of the settings for Peter and the other children’s adventures.
“If you read the books or see the films, and then walk around Chaa Creek you can make all these connections. We thought that using a treasure hunt based on Peter Pan’s adventures would be a fun way to learn about the flora and fauna of the surrounding rainforest and the ancient Maya culture of Belize.” Mr Harrison said.
“We really liked the Belize Tourism Board’s competition, and thought this would be a complimentary way to show other, more inland sides of Belize, with the jungles, the wildlife and the many ancient Maya temples and artefacts that surround us.
“Plus, you don’t need to be named Peter or Wendy to take part in this adventure,” he said.
Chaa Creek’s Neverland Adventure is a five day/four nights all inclusive Belize vacation package that includes eco-luxe accommodations, full breakfasts, lunches and dinners at the onsite Mariposa Restaurant, activities, transfers and access to all amenities within Chaa Creek’s 400-acre private nature reserve.
Activities revolve around a treasure hunt based on the Peter Pan books, movies and plays, Mr Harrison explained, with guests using horseback rides along jungle trails, canoeing the Macal River and guided nature walks to collect clues and arrive at destinations.
“When you look at some of the settings and locations J.M. Barrie used, you’d think he was describing parts of Chaa Creek. The fictional Tiki Forest, for example, is a lot like the rainforest around us, with the parrots, monkeys and other wildlife he describes.
“Pixie Hollow reminds me of Chaa Creek’s tropical gardens, and when you see the Maya Mountains off in the distance, Never Peak Mountain comes to mind.
“And, of course, Crocodile Creek could be Chaa Creek, except we haven’t seen a crocodile here for years. Those that are native to Belize are Morelet’s Crocodiles, and while they’re too small to swallow Captain Hook, they could possibly have an alarm clock in their bellies,” he said.
Mr Harrison that while the Neverland Adventure is based on a fairy tale, the Belize vacation package’s benefits are real.
“In addition to having a great family vacation together, guests will also come away having learned quite a bit about Belize’s natural world and ancient Maya history, and having had fun doing it.
“With swimming and lounging around the infinity pool, delicious meals, and hammocks on the verandas of lovely accommodations, there’s plenty of relaxation to be had in between activities that will really open up the jungle and ancient Maya civilisation that flourished in Belize.
“By the time they’ve finished following the treasure map, every member of the family will have learned something and, we hope, come away richer for the experience. For over thirty-five years the Fleming family have been deeply involved in environmental and cultural projects as part of eco-tourism and sustainable travel. It’s a passion National Geographic has recognised over the years and with a prestigious award last year.
“We believe that fun and environmental and cultural awareness go together, and that tourism should promote understanding and learning about the world around us,” Mr Harrison said.
Bookings are now open for Chaa Creek’s Neverland Summer Vacation Adventure, Mr Harrison said, and he encouraged families to contact their travel agents or Chaa Creek directly to learn more and to make bookings.
“We can promise a great family vacation, and students will look forward to writing their ‘How I spent my summer vacation’ reports when they’re back at school,” Mr Harrison said.
The Lodge at Chaa Creek is a multi-award winning eco resort set within a 400-acre private nature reserve along the banks of the Macal River in Belize. It was recognised by National Geographic with first place honours at the 2017 World Legacy Awards held in Berlin.
Mark Langan, The Lodge at Chaa Creek, http://www.chaacreek.com, +1 +612 6685 3683, [email protected]
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