Belize And Chaa Creek May Change Your Concept Of A Caribbean Vacation

SAN IGNACIO, Belize, September 3, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Caribbean vacations are undergoing a transformation, with a growing number of travellers seeking experiences that offer more than just warm turquoise waters and sandy beaches, according to Belizean jungle lodge Chaa Creek.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek's managing director, Bryony Fleming Bradley, says many Caribbean vacations now include visiting inland environments and cultures.

And this is especially true in Belize, she said, where the country's western border is less than 70 miles from its Caribbean seacoast yet "feels like a different world."

"Belize is pretty unique in having such a variety of landscapes and cultures packed into a little country only 180 miles (290 km) long by 68 miles (110 km) wide," she explained,

"Visitors can go from the Caribbean seacoast and islands sheltered by the world's second largest barrier reef to mangrove habitats, savannahs, the Maya Mountains, rolling pastureland and vast rainforests filled with wildlife and ancient Maya ruins, all in a few hours.

"There are also unique ecosystems like the Mountain Pine Ridge with its Caribbean Pine forests and the cascading Rio On Pools, and the massive network of limestone caves stretching throughout the country," she said.

Travelling throughout multicultural Belize, visitors are often surprised to hear English, Spanish, Creole, Mayan, Garifuna, East Indian dialects, Chinese and Mennonite German spoken – often all on the same day or in the same village marketplace, Ms Bradley said.

"All of our 160 staff members speak English, which is Belize's official language, but guests who overhear conversations will ask, 'what language is that?' When they learn that it's Mayan or Garifuna or whatever, they become more interested about those different cultures and the various cultural tours and attractions like the Open Hearth cultural cooking classes we offer.

"Suddenly little Belize just got bigger," Ms Bradley said.

Chaa Creek, known in the travel industry as Belize's "Destination Within The Destination" due to its wide range of accommodations, amenities, activities, and tours, is surrounded by its own 400-acre private nature reserve, home to toucans, parrots and scores of tropical and migratory bird species, howler monkeys and other exotic wildlife, and some 70 ancient Maya archaeology sites.

With complementary activities that include morning bird identification walks with a licenced naturalist guide, guided tours of the onsite Belize Natural History Museum and Butterfly Farm, and self-paced walks along the Maya Medicinal Plant Trail to learn about traditional healing, as well as optional activities such as canoeing, horseback riding, jungle and river safaris, guests find plenty to do without leaving Chaa Creek.

An infinity pool, farm- to-table dining at the Mariposa Restaurant and Jungle Lounge, massage and professional care at the Hilltop Spa and other amenities ensure that stays are as comfortable as they are exciting.

Chaa Creek's extensive menu of tours,expeditions and all-inclusive Belize vacation packages also make it a perfect home base for exploring the rest of Belize.

The ancient Maya cities of Caracol and Tikal are close enough for day trips, as are fascinating ceremonial caves like Actun Tunichil Muknal, filled with pottery, altars and artefacts. The pyramid temple and ceremonial centre of Xunantunich, and royal residences of Cahal Pech are nearby. Zip lining through rainforest canopies and other adventures can all be arranged at the front desk.

And, Ms Bradley said, there's still the Caribbean...

With the world's second largest barrier reef, scores of little islands known as cayes, the Isla Bonita of Ambergris Caye and its smaller neighbour Caye Caulker, and a long Caribbean coastline only some 70 miles away, Chaa Creek guests can enjoy Belize's interior and seacoast in one seamless vacation.

"With Chaa Creek's trusted network of partner resorts and Unique Hotels of Belize members, guests can be assured of easy, secure transfers and a similar commitment to quality and Green, sustainable travel wherever they are in Belize," she said.

Ms Bradley pointed out that with 10% of all room revenue at Chaa Creek going directly into environmental and community projects under the Chaa Creek Cares initiative, visitors to Chaa Creek help support the land and people of Belize.

"Caring about the effect their visit is having on the host country is another trend we're seeing in today's travelers. More and more guests are saying that our sustainable travel reputation is one of the reasons they choose Chaa Creek, and that's something we love to hear.

"It's clear that the traditional view of what a Caribbean vacation is definitely changing.

"By adding inland adventures to the usual seacoast activities, and giving something back to the environment and people, vacations are become richer, more satisfying and rewarding," Ms Bradley 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.

SOURCE The Lodge at Chaa Creek