Bileez!It’s a name that remained shrouded in mystery for centuries, its etymology onlyrecently confirmed to be of Mayaorigin.And as you begin exploringand making your way around “The Jewel”—as Belizeans call their home–you willquickly realizethat this smallcountryin the heart ofCentral America is,indeed,onebig, colorful collage of origins.
Belize is roots. And Belize is rhythms.
It’s a small place overflowing with ancientcustoms, indigenous tongues,and traditionspassed on from generation to generation.It’s a nation whose people are intent on preserving their ancestry, and fiery in protecting their pristine environment against the vices of the modern world. It’s a haven for diversity—a land that has welcomedsettlers and migrant populations across the centuries,with sevenmajor cultural groups enrichingevery corner of the country.
In Belize, roots are
Thetwo thousand year old Mayatemples you’ll climb
The incomparable living Barrier Reef, where hundreds of crittersawait
Thecaves and crevices where sacrificial relics lie
The idyllic cayes, where fishing and flip-flops are a way of life
The medicinal plants,and the furry kinkajous onyour rainforest walks
The riversideKriol communities, and the mangrovecathedrals hugging your boat
The vast reserves and jungle hikes, where you’ll conquer yourfears
The sizzling tacos, and steamy johnnycakesthat fill your belly on the road
The Mestizo fiestas,and the thatched-roof villageswhere time seems to have stopped
Thatsweet Belizean rum, andthespicy micheladas curing your hangovers.
As you discover more roots on your journey across the Jewel, you’ll fall into a world of vibrant sounds.
In Belize,rhythms are
The drumbeats of the Garifuna, and the swing of their punta
The beat of the steel pan, and the thump of the sambai
The song of scarlet macaws, and the croaks of the keel billed toucan
The melodic sounds of Kriol, Qeq’chi, and Chinese
The ringof the Maya marimba, and the nostalgic blues ofparanda
The chilling roar of howler monkeys, and the gush of 1,000-feet waterfalls
The stealth prowlof jaguars in the night, and the squeal of manatees underwater
The mystical deer dances, and the shamans of yesteryear
The cheer of marching bands, and the joyful spirit of September carnivals
Thestoriesshared over Sunday dinner, and that sweet, slow Caribbean pace.
Wherever you end up in the Jewel, finddi roots, and you’llfeeldirhythms—ours, and yours.
The story of Chaa Creek began in 1977 when two young travelers stumbled upon what would later become their adopted home. In those days most business was conducted around bar room tables in Belize City and it was there that Mick and Lucy Fleming ran into the owner of an overgrown 140 acre farm on the Macal River in the Cayo District.
They soon moved out to the jungle property and within a short while the land was producing home grown vegetables. In those days the farm had no road access so the Flemings transported their produce by dugout canoe to the ready markets of San Ignacio Town, much as the Maya had done 1,000 years before.
The little farm was soon producing milk, yoghurt, cheese and eggs; as well as two baby Flemings. When other travelers heard about the farm they would often trek out to visit, sometimes staying to lend a hand. As more visitors came, the Fleming’s one room farmhouse became smaller and smaller and the idea was launched to build a guest cottage from materials found on the land.
Chaa Creek Cottages, the first jungle lodge in Belize, opened its doors in 1981 and over the next few decades growth has kept pace with the ever increasing number of visitors.
The Chaa Creek road was built by the British Army Corps of Engineers in 1983 and was accompanied by the addition of a dining room to cater to the six existing cottage rooms. Two years later indoor plumbing was installed and a further six cottage rooms, a 6,000 gallon water tower, staff quarters and a gift shop were built.
The year 1987 brought electrification to Chaa Creek which meant that washing machines replaced scrub boards, a deep freezer saw the end of salted blocks of ice and a submersible water pump retired the gasoline engine relay pumping system. A batch of new canoes took guests on excursions down the Macal River.
The luxury of a hot water shower was introduced in 1988 while an ice machine helped make the perfect margarita for guests who relaxed on the deck of the bar. The cottage rooms had grown by four to a total of 16. To round off the year an office was built and outdoor lighting was installed in the gardens.
All of the cottages were upgraded in 1990 and a new business office was established in nearby San Ignacio Town. In order to accommodate horseback riding and hiking, nature trails were cut through the forested property which had by now expanded to 330 acres. The property was officially designated a private nature reserve.
By 1992 there were 26 members of staff in residence at Chaa Creek. Infrastructure was upgraded and a new horse corral was built for the increasing number of horses. Chaa Creek also played host to a team of archaeologists who were invited to investigate the ancient Maya sites that dotted the property. Their reconnaissance mapped out over 70 ancient sites.
The Chaa Creek Natural History Centre was established in 1995 to become the first one of its kind in Belize. The Centre houses interpretive displays of the local flora, fauna, ecosystems and geology of Belize. Maya archaeology exhibits display ancient artifacts recovered from within the reserve and offer interpretive views of the life and culture of this early civilization. There are also anthropology exhibits depicting the life and culture of the modern Maya. Natural resource conservation and ecology exhibits offer educational information to the hundreds of local and international students that visit the facility.
In 1997 the Macal River Camp was constructed along the banks of the Macal River just downstream from the Lodge. This facility is totally solar powered and consists of ten raised platform screened cabins with its own kitchen and dining area. The camp was built to accommodate student groups and provide an option for the more budget conscious traveler.
Further building and renovations in 1997 resulted in a total of 21 cottages at Chaa Creek including a Luxury Suite and a Jacuzzi Suite. 1998 saw the addition of electric lighting to replace kerosene lamps and fans for added guest comfort.
The Spa at Chaa Creek was constructed in 1999 and offers our guests a complete line of professional and refreshing spa services while enjoying a panoramic view of the majestic Macal River valley and the Maya Mountains beyond. Next in 2000 came the opening of The Conference Centre at Chaa Creek. This beautifully designed structure was put in place to provide a facility for both local and international conferences, meetings and social functions.
Two spectacular Tree Top Jacuzzi Suites overlooking the Macal River were constructed in 2002 to replace two of the older cottages which were taken out of service. 2003 saw the addition of the expansive Orchard Villa and the Sky Room with its enchanting view of the river valley. This expanded the accommodations inventory at Chaa Creek to a total of 23 outstanding cottages, suites and villas.
The construction of a fully equipped carpentry shop was completed in 2003. This provided Chaa Creek with the ability to design and manufacture our own furniture and other items of wood construction that are found throughout the property. Expansion and improvement of the trail system within the now 400-acre Chaa Creek Nature Reserve was completed in 2004. With over 10 miles of well-maintained trails, the Nature Reserve offers our guests exceptional opportunities for naturalist hiking and birding as well as horseback riding.
Next to come was the Chaa Creek Stables which opened in 2005. This functionally designed structure houses our equestrian centre and provides our guests with an enhanced and professional riding experience.
Our cottage accommodations have also benefited from annual renovations, and during 2005 and 2006 a complete remodel took place. All rooms and suites now have large new bathrooms, many with outdoor walled showers, al fresco Jacuzzis, and spacious private sun decks for wildlife viewing.
In January 2009, the guests of Chaa Creek were treated to the cooling luxury of a 56,000 gallon swimming pool. This eco-friendly infinity pool was built with both adults and children in mind. Its bi-level configuration allows for swimming and paddling pools, as well as generous lounging space for dining, sun bathing and relaxation.
2010 added more infrastructural advancements by securing direct electrical lines from the national provider, BEL, as well as upgrading telecommunications internet symmetry with Belize Telecommunications Ltd. The following years continued the evolution with the renovations of several rooms and by adding the purchase and renovation of a San Ignacio townhouse to host the iconic Guava Limb Restaurant & Cafe in 2012. The award-winning café, along with a new bakery facility at Chaa Creek, has produced mouth-watering delicacies for the most discerning of tastes for Belizeans and visitors alike.
The most exciting new entries onto the Chaa Creek landscape are the strikingly beautiful Ix Chel Villas set within their own secluded private gardens with private plunge pools and jacuzzies. The two state-of-the-art Villas are comprised of two suites each that can be booked together for family travellers or independently for honeymooners. A private butler attends to the villa guests activities requests, needs and desires.
Formed on April 26, 1985, as a broad-based tourism umbrella organization, BTIA sought to bring together tourism-related interests to meet the challenges of a dynamic and growing tourism industry in Belize.
In the early 1980s tourism was of relatively little importance in Belize. Nonetheless, it was an evolving industry that was impacting various sectors. A group of individuals foresaw the importance of the industry and anticipated the need for a medium through which tourism concerns could be voiced. This group, led by the late Mrs. Jean Shaw, conceived the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA). The association was incorporated under the laws of Belize in 1989 and has become one of Belize’s largest non-profit organizations, boasting some 600 members from Belize’s six districts. In 2006 the organization became registered under the Revised 2000 NGO Act, Chapter 315 of the Laws of Belize.
Today, the association has representation on almost every government, legislative, advisory, consultative and licensing committee, which in itself is proof of its continued commitment to national development. BTIA also plays an important role in the linkage of the private and public sectors. As a direct consequence of BTIA’s initiatives, in particular, its advocacy efforts, tourism has become the fastest growing industry and has been pushed to the forefront of the government’s priorities.
The BTIA is governed by a President and a Board of Directors, the management of everyday operations is conducted by the Executive Director and the Secretariat.
Vision
As the leading national private sector tourism association, BTIA represents a unified voice which advocates for issues that benefit its members, influences tourism policy, legislation and marketing for the sustainable development of the industry and improved quality of the visitor experience.
Mission
To develop a robust and professional membership association which promotes, advocates and represents the interests of its members for the benefit and sustainable development of the tourism industry.
Goals & Objectives
BTIA is an umbrella organization for the tourism industry’s private sector. BTIA’s main strategic objective is to advocate on behalf of its members for the benefit of the tourism industry by influencing the outcomes of public policy and resource allocation decisions by the government, specifically for tourism. The following is a list of BTIA’s Goals and Objectives;
Identifying Needs and Priorities of our Members
Lobbying and Advocating on Key Tourism Issues
Promoting Sustainable Development
Dissemination of Tourism Related Information
Offering/Facilitating Training for Members
Setting Standards in the Industry
Networking
Assisting/Facilitating the Marketing Needs of Members
Advising the BTB and Ministry of Tourism on Marketing and Product Development matters
Sirenian Bay started with a vision for a dream vacation home. Manatee Villawas built in 2017 to fulfill that dream – a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Belize, while creating memories with family and friends.
This story has been a long time in the making. In fact, it goes all the way back to 2003, when Brian received a life-changing diagnosis.
When you learn you have Stage 4 cancer and are given just six months to live, you begin to reflect on the things that are important to you.
For us it was family and loved ones first and foremost – and the wonderful experiences we could share together. It was during that trying time when the idea of a beachside retreat came to us. Wouldn’t it be splendid to have an idyllic island getaway to share with our loved ones?
But our dream seemed just that – a dream.
Brian was undergoing treatment, and we were fighting with all that we had to hold on to him.
One evening, with the lyrics of the Beach Boys’ Kokomowashing over us, we made a bold decision. We’d fight through this, and when Brian was well enough, we’d pack up our things and begin exploring the beauty of the Caribbean.
That day finally came, and we were off to Jamaica and then Aruba shortly thereafter.
Sitting on those postcard-perfect beaches was a turning point for us. Life was a gift. How could we spend it doing anything other than what we loved, with the people we loved, in the setting we loved?
We had to make our dream a reality, no matter how challenging the path needed to get there.
Years passed, and life intervened, but that dream was always in front of us, guiding us along.
Then one year our travels took us to one of the most charming, relaxing beautiful place we’d ever seen.
The stunning golden beaches of Placencia, Belize.
With its perfect weather, gorgeous setting and wonderful people, Placencia captured our hearts like nowhere else. We knew we’d found the setting for our dream.
It was absolutely worth the journey we’d taken to get there, and we think you’ll agree.
After we finished Manatee Villa, the vision grew – and we wanted more people to experience the beauty of the Placencia Peninsula. Sirenian Bay began to take shape from a vision to a reality!
From foundations to furnishings, every aspect of Sirenian Bay has been crafted for spending time with loved ones – for relaxing, connecting and making memories together.
Luxurious, comfortable accommodations, abundant amenities, and access to all the adventures of Belize make Sirenian Bay the ideal center of your Belize vacation.
In 2018, Seahorse Villa and Turtle Villa were renovated and updated, then opened to guests. In 2019, Inky’s Mini Golf and Inky’s 19th Hole Bar & Grill will open at Sirenian Bay. In 2020, we’ll open the seven bungalows, resort pool, and Snooty’s Bar.
It’s Caribbean-luxury at it’s best, a private boutique experience that’s a true home away from home in one of the most relaxing settings the world has to offer.
But this isn’t just about coming in and building another resort. We love the Village of Placencia and her people. The relationships we’ve built with local business owners have turned into lifelong friendships. We sponsor the Placencia Bull Sharks, a men’s soccer team, and love to watch them play. We enjoy being in the Village and getting to know the people who call Placencia home. We’re committed to offering you an un-BELIZE-able vacation experience but doing it in a way that supports the local economy and environment in a positive way.
We’re delighted to have you join our family and become a part of our story.
So take a look around – and make your plans. Because we can’t wait for you to arrive!
– Brian and Brenda Montgomery
p.s. If you’d like to learn more about Brian’s inspiring story, you can pick up a copy of his book The Nice Entrepreneur: How Leading from the Heart Can Make All the Difference.
Una breve visita a nuestras costas es suficiente para convencer a cualquier persona de que nuestro complejo ecosistema de arrecifes, el más largo del hemisferio occidental, es precioso y debe conservarse. Con una superficie de 370 millas cuadradas, abarca siete reservas marinas, 450 cayos y tres atolones, y una gran parte del arrecife se encuentra bajo la designación de Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO. También es hogar de numerosas especies en peligro de extinción, y cuenta con 70 especies de coral duro, 36 especies de coral blando, 500 especies de peces y cientos de especies de invertebrados. Lo mejor de todo es que puedes saltar a estas aguas a lo largo de la costa para ver de cerca.
Pero con tanto que ver, ¿por dónde empezar? Aquí están algunos de mis favoritos. Los Corales, que en realidad son animales diminutos, constituyen uno de los ecosistemas y habitantes marinos más ricos y biológicamente diversos del mundo. Los corales duros constituyen la base del sistema de arrecifes, mientras que los corales blandos agregan color. Los abanicos de mar, que son corales blandos de la familia gorgoniana, vienen en colores brillantes; siempre se puede contar con estos para una gran fotografía. Se encuentran a lo largo de la barrera de arrecifes, atolones y cayos. Las esponjas, aunque no son miembros de la familia de los corales, tienen formas, tamaños y colores sorprendentes. Las poblaciones de tortugas marinas están amenazadas en todo el mundo, pero Belice alberga cinco especies. Lo más probable es que veas abundantes tortugas carey, verdes y tortugas bobas. Búsquelas en el mar, en las áreas de anidación de tortugas: dos grandes lugares son la Reserva Marina Hol Chan, frente a Ambergris Caye, y Silk Cayes, frente a la costa de Placencia. Espere encuentros cercanos con carey grande y tortugas verdes. Los tiburones ballena, el pez más grande del océano, visitan Gladden Spit y la Reserva Marina Silk Cayes, cerca de Placencia, alrededor y después de la luna llena en marzo, abril, mayo y junio. Gladden Spit es un sitio de agregación de desove para cubera, cordero y pargo perro, que produce toneladas de engendros que los tiburones ballena vienen a alimentar. Hay dos métodos para buscar tiburones ballena: buscar el pargo o buscar las aves. Utilice los buscadores de peces para encontrar el pargo, ya que los tiburones ballena se alimentan de la agregación de desove. Los buzos entran al agua por encima del pargo, con ellos, pero muy arriba, y tratan de permanecer en un grupo apretado para que sus burbujas se concentren. La idea es que el tiburón ballena vea las burbujas, piense que es el engendro y que venga directamente a los buceadores. Tener un pez de 35 pies de largo directamente sobre ti es una verdadera sorpresa. La otra forma de encontrar a los tiburones ballena es observar a las aves que giran en círculos, al igual que se desplazan sobre el mar cuando se alimentan de cebo. Los tiburones ballena también se alimentan de cebo, en la superficie. Cuando vemos los pájaros, nos dirigimos a ese lugar. Los manatíes son otra especie en peligro de extinción que se encuentra a lo largo de la costa de Belice. Gales Point, Placencia y el río Belice son puntos de acceso para avistamientos de manatíes. Estos suaves animales pueden comer 100 libras de pasto marino todos los días, es decir, mucha ensalada, y salen a la superficie cada pocos minutos para respirar. Un adulto puede pesar más de 1500 libras y puede medir hasta 12 pies de largo. El ecosistema del Mar Caribe es gigantesco en términos de biodiversidad. He enumerado algunas especies que lo llevarán a diferentes áreas de Belice, pero encontrará muchas más formas de vida que son hermosas, extrañas e inesperadas. Todo lo que necesitas hacer es mirar. Esté atento a los rayos de águila a lo largo de la barrera de arrecifes cerca de South Water Caye, concheteándose a lo largo de los fondos de arena, arrastre barracudas dentados que cruzan a su lado, gusanos de árboles de Navidad parpadeando cuando se acerca, y busque un caracol flamenco. Si te gusta pescar, intenta atrapar y liberar peces de hueso, permiso y sábalo en un día, una hazaña conocida como el Grand Slam. En 1842, Charles Darwin describió la barrera de coral de Belice como “el arrecife más notable de las Indias Occidentales”. Todavía lo es. Salta a la derecha y velo por ti mismo.
This small (only 8867 square miles) country is packed with endless vacation opportunities that are sure to satisfy the thrill-seeking adventurer, the laid-back beach bum, the culture and history explorer and more.
Belize is a tropical destination that is; Caribbean and Central American, reef and rainforest; ancient and new; adventurous and relaxing, exotic animals and friendly people, and much more.
Caribbean and Central American
Belize is in Central America, bordered by Mexico and Guatemala on the north and the west, with the Caribbean Sea on its east. The dense tropical rainforest on the west side of Belize separates it from most of Central America, Belize’s culture is unique and diversified. Belize is one of the most diverse countries in Central America; it’s Central America with a Caribbean vibe.
Reef and Rainforest
The Belize Barrier Reef is the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, stretching for 185 miles along the coastline of the Caribbean Sea. The Belize reef system, is a world-famous destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The best snorkeling and diving places are located close to the islands of Belize known as the Cayes and are easily accessible by boat. The clear waters of the Caribbean coupled with a mostly white sand ocean floor make for some stunning views of the reef and other marine life.
Nearly half of the mainland of Belize is rainforest. Rainforests are critical to help stabilize the world’s climate and are often referred to as the “lungs” of the earth. Much of the rainforest area in Belize is under government protection in the form of a national park, animal sanctuary or wilderness area. The highly diverse ecosystem of a rainforest is a wonder to explore and is home to an astonishing number of plants, trees, animals and birds. When you explore a rainforest it’s like exploring an entirely new world, the sights, sounds and especially the wild tropical smells will live in your memories forever.
Ancient and New
The Mayan culture of Belize spans thousands of years and is almost mystical and most definitely fascinating. Discover the hidden secrets of ancient Mayan cities, once inhabited by these mysterious and highly complex people. Belize is home to over 600 Mayan sites, many of which are unexplored and partially buried. These sites range from ceremonial caves to small mounds to temples over 100 feet high in ancient Mayan cities. Definite must-see sites on your Belize experience are:
Xunantunich – here you will find Belize’s second tallest ruin, six plazas and remnants of over 25 palaces and temples.
Cahal Pech – there are 34 structures located over two acres to explore at this site.
El Pilar – this 100-acre site is still being excavated, currently 12 pyramids and 25 plazas have been unearthed.
Caracol – this still active dig is one of the largest Mayan cities ever excavated in Belize with a majestic temple that visitors can climb.
Every time you visit Belize you will find something new. New things to do, new areas to explore and discover, new adventures to try, new sites to see and new places to stay.
Adventurous and relaxing
There are endless opportunities for adventure in Belize, for such a small country, it packs a big “adventure” punch. Get your adrenaline pumping on the longest zipline in Belize. Located in Mayflower Bocanina National Park. This course is 2.5 miles long, has 14 platforms and nine different runs with longest being 2,300 feet. For an even bigger adrenaline rush try the nighttime zipline. Zip through the canopy as the rainforest comes alive with the nighttime noises of the jungle. Or rappel down a waterfall after a hike to the top of Antelope Falls. Channel your “Indiana Jones” and go caving in Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave. Swim, climb and walk to the interior of this cave where you will see ancient artifacts and remains of sacrificial victims. Or for a less strenuous caving experience try cave tubing. Climb onto your own inner tube to float down the Caves Branch River, where you will enter miles of passageways that feature artifacts and sacred objects. Cave tubing in these sacred passageways is almost a spiritual experience.
With approximately 380 kilometers of coastline on the Caribbean Sea there is no shortage of beaches to stroll or simply relax on. Or venture to one of the many offshore islands or cayes, some of which are virtually uninhabited and really get away from it all. Go for a leisurely snorkel in the clear, shallow water and then relax on the beach while watching exotic seabirds soar with the ocean breezes. Follow up a day of relaxing on the beach by diving into some delicious local cuisine at a beachside restaurant and enjoy a Belizean sunset.
Exotic animals and friendly people
Home to virtually hundreds of species of exotic mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and marine life, Belize is the perfect place for the wildlife adventurer. From the mighty Jaguar and other wild cats to the colourful toucans and macaws on land, to whale sharks, stingrays and the majestic manatees in the sea; there is a wildlife experience for everyone in Belize. Visit a howler monkey sanctuary, known as baboons in Belize. The howler monkey is the noisiest animal in the Belize jungle and their howl can be heard up to a mile away. A visit to the Belize Zoo will ensure you get to see many of the animals that are native to Belize. The Belize Zoo focuses on educating and bringing visitors closer to the wildlife of Belize; the zoo only houses animals that are native to Belize. The zoo’s residents were either injured animals brought in for care, people’s pets or born at the zoo. None of the animals here were ever captured from the wild.
Belizeans are very proud of their country. They know they have something special in this country and the protection and conservation of their natural and cultural heritage is part of their mantra. They want to share and celebrate their historical, natural and cultural treasures with their warm Belizean hospitality.
And more
The diversity of activities, attractions and cultures that are unique to this small but amazing country will captivate and enchant. And you will always receive a warm welcome to Belize, a very Curious place indeed!
BETEX 2019- ROADSHOW COMING TO PLACENCIA, CAYO, SAN PEDRO
Date: May 8-13, 2019
Place: Belize, Central America
Organized by: Belize Tourism Industry Association
The Belize Tourism Expo 2019 (BETEX 2019) will be hosted in Belize on May 8 – 13, 2019 – it’s a ROADSHOW!
BETEX 2019 will take you on an adventure across Belize to enjoy cultural rhythms and food in each destination visited, visit and experience the country’s natural attractions and activities, network one-on-one with the people, engage in business conversations during 3 sessions of scheduled meetings, participate in site inspections, and much more.
BETEX is open to registered participants only, showcasing Belize travel destinations, hotels, tour operators and other tourism service providers. By attending BETEX, participants gain an immediate competitive advantage for their businesses and stay abreast of the latest developments in Belize.
Contact us at betex@btia.org for more details on how to register.
Destination Belize Magazine 