The Cottages at Chaa Creek provide a perfect compromise between comfort and a true wilderness experience. Private bathrooms, hot showers, onsite activities, tours throughout Belize. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Belize/chaacreek/hotel/327/3/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:16:55 EST Chaa Creek Cottages are set in lush tropical gardens along the banks of the Macal River in the foothills of the Maya Mountains of Western Belize. The cottage compound, within the Chaa Creek Nature Reserve, provides a perfect compromise between comfort and a true wilderness experience. Each palm-thatched cottage has Mexican tiled floors, large mahogany beds, original artwork and private bathrooms with hot showers. Spacious sundeck verandahs allow guests to view wildlife and interact with nature. Our cuisine features a mixture of Caribbean, Mexican and Belizean dishes served under an enormous umbrella of thatch in our large, airy restaurant with its own temperature controlled wine cellar. The dining room, bar and cottages are all constructed from local hardwoods and thatched with bay leaf palm. 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 here that Mick and Lucy Fleming ran into the owner of an overgrown 140-acre farm in the Cayo District. They soon moved out to the jungle property and within a short time 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, yogurt, 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 decade growth has kept pace with the 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 electricity to Chaa Creek, and washing machines replaced scrub boards, a deep freezer saw the end of salted blocks of ice, and a submersible water pump allowed for the retirement of a gasoline engine relay pumping system. A batch of new canoes took guests on excursions down the Macal River. The luxury of hot water showers 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 office was established in nearby San Ignacio Town. Trails were cut along the 330-acre Chaa Creek property to accommodate horseback riding tours and trekking. By 1992 there were 26 members of staff in residence at Chaa Creek. Infrastructure was upgraded and new stables were built for the increasing number of horses. Chaa Creek also played host to a team of archaeologists who were invited to investigate the Chaa Creek Maya sites. The Blue Morpho Butterfly Breeding Centre was established at Chaa Creek in 1993. These beautiful iridescent blue butterflies are bred for export to overseas butterfly houses and to delight our guests. The property also accommodates the Chaa Creek Natural History Centre, which records and displays the results of scientific studies conducted in Belize. In 1997 all cottages were refurbished, and two luxury suites were added. Then in 1999, the Macal River Jungle Camp was renovated. The camp now features ten casitas, or small bungalows, each on a raised platform with airy peak-roofs, full screens and containing two comfortable beds with clean linens and towels. Each casita has a private sheltered porch for quiet relaxation and peaceful views into the undisturbed jungle habitat. Renovations in 2000 brought new sundeck verandahs to all of the cottages for guests to enjoy nature and the beauty of Chaa Creek's lush tropical gardens. The decks all have easy chairs and can accommodate hammocks for relaxation after an active day. The Spa at Chaa Creek opened in February 2000 and is set above the Macal River with a panoramic view of the Maya Mountains and lush Caribbean rainforest. Along with our professional staff and state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, the Spa provides a tranquil and extraordinary sensory experience that promotes harmony between the inner and outer self. The Spa can also accommodate guests' requests for massage services in their rooms or on the sun deck verandahs of the cottages. The Conference Centre opened in May 2000. We are pleased to be able to offer this service in such beautiful surroundings and are confident of providing the highest quality venue for a range of meetings, seminars and other functions. The airy design of the Conference Centre lends itself to a variety of uses and provides support for audiovisual displays. Chaa Creek has hosted a number of scientific, educational, professional and entertainment groups, and the new conference centre offers an attractive and efficient destination for workshops, seminars and other events. For those who enjoy interacting more intimately with nature in a remote rainforest setting, there's the newly renovated Macal River Jungle Camp located in a rustic area down river from the main lodge complex. Nestled along the banks of the beautiful Macal River is this tiny "village" of ten casitas, or small bungalows, each on a raised platform with airy peak-roofs, full screens and containing two comfortable beds with clean linens and towels. Each casita has a private sheltered porch for quiet relaxation and peaceful views into the undisturbed jungle habitat. Local cooks provide delicious Belizean meals and knowledgeable staff are on hand to explain the wonders of the forest. The camp is approximately a half mile from the lodge, ensuring privacy without isolation. A large thatched dining and recreation area and hot showers ensure comfort after a day of hiking, canoeing, or just relaxing in the wilderness. The abundant bird and animal life, easy access to the Macal River and miles of trails allow guests to create their own experience, at their own pace. Chaa Creek Lodge tours, activities and facilities are also available to guests staying at the camp. The Lodge at Chaa Creek Adventure Centre, Rainforest Reserve and Spa, has pioneered natural history travel to Belize since 1981. As a private 330-acre nature reserve set along the banks of the Macal River in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, we have provided a unique rainforest experience for thousands of people while maintaining an unspoiled ambience. Chaa Creek Inland Expeditions caters to the traveler looking for both physical and intellectual challenges, and our range of programs and activities have been designed to stimulate interest in the environment, culture and archaeology of Belize. We were awarded the 1998 Green Hotel of the Year by American Express and the Caribbean Hotel Association. Our jungle lodge is comprised of 19 comfortable palm-thatched cottage rooms and two luxury suites nestled along the riverside in a setting of unmatched beauty and tranquility. Guests can interact with nature by exploring the river and miles of well-maintained trails, Mayan temple sites, and through activities such as hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, mountain biking and bird watching. Wildlife abounds, and some 250 species of birds have been sighted within the reserve. The Macal River Jungle Camp, located within the nature reserve a half-mile down river from the lodge, features ten fully-screened casitas, each having two comfortable beds with fresh linens and a private sheltered porch for quiet relaxation and peaceful views in the undisturbed jungle habitat. A traditional Mestizo kitchen providing wholesome, traditional Belizean meals, and friendly local staff ensure a unique, comfortable rainforest experience. Guests at Chaa Creek can relax and rejuvenate with the services of a high-quality spa after an active day on the reserve. The Spa at Chaa Creek is set above the Macal River Valley with a panoramic view of the Maya Mountains and lush Caribbean rainforest. Along with our professional staff and state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, the Spa provides a tranquil and extraordinary sensory experience that promotes harmony between the inner and outer self. Chaa Creek also offers a fully equipped Conference Centre in beautiful surroundings. It provides an attractive and efficient destination for meetings, workshops and seminars, and our staff is confident of providing the highest quality venue for a range of weddings, parties and other functions. Students and visitors can get a fascinating overview of Belize's archaeological, cultural and natural wonders at Chaa Creek's Natural History Centre. The Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm at Chaa Creek allows visitors the opportunity to observe the full life cycle of this iridescent tropical queen of the butterfly world. A comprehensive information package highlighting the culture, natural history, archaeology, and the ecosystems of our country is given to guests on their arrival at Chaa Creek, and guided tours, nature walks and river trips are available. Please enjoy our website, email us if you have any questions, and we hope you'll soon pay a visit to this very special part of the world. AMENITIES: The Macal River silently carves a course from the karst limestone of the Maya Mountains through the dense rainforests of the Cayo District as it makes its way down to the Caribbean Sea. Set high on the river's lush banks, close to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tipu and Xunantunich, is the Macal River Jungle Camp. Scattered throughout tropical rainforest are ten casitas, or small bungalows, each on a raised platform with airy peak-roofs, full screens and containing two comfortable beds. Each casita has a private sheltered porch for quiet relaxation and peaceful views into the undisturbed jungle habitat. The Macal River Jungle Camp provides an ideal base from which to explore the nature and culture of western Belize. The Macal River Jungle Camp combines comfort with a genuine jungle experience. With swimming, canoeing, miles of well maintained trails, a Butterfly Farm, Natural History Centre, and scheduled day tours to Xunantunich, Caracol, Tikal, the Mountain Pine Ridge, and the Chumpiate Maya Cave, your stay is guaranteed to be both adventurous and educational. The camp provides hot water showers, and clean, comfortable bathroom facilities. Friendly local staff serve traditional Belizean meals in a spacious central thatch-roof palapa where travelers can relax and swap tales with new friends over an ice cold Belikin beer. The Macal River Jungle Camp has been designed for outdoors people who enjoy rustic accommodations in a remote setting. Comfortable beds with clean linens, pillows, towels and blankets assure a good night's rest after a day bush walking, canoeing, or other rainforest activities. Vehicle traffic into the camp is restricted, and every effort has been taken to minimize the camp's impact on the natural surroundings. Here's what our guests the Lewis and Tomlinson Family had to say about the Macal River Jungle Camp: "Our family enjoyed the variety of wildlife, the peaceful hiking and River, and most of all, the friendly staff and guides! Your River Camp is a treasure, perfect in every way - we loved the tranquility.... Gracias por todo...." Guests at the camp are welcome at Chaa Creek Cottages, located a short distance away along the Ruta Maya trail system. The cottages provide a retreat where you can indulge in candle-lit dinners, or simply enjoy the intimate atmosphere and sophistication of the colonial-style bar and open air veranda. Additionally, guests can access the full service conference centre which provides the highest quality venue for a range of weddings, parties and other functions in beautiful surroundings. ACTIVITIES: A range of activities including hiking, swimming, canoeing, horseback riding, bird-watching, guided nature walks and river trips are available, and the Reserve's Natural History Centre and Butterfly Farm are within easy walking distance of the cottages. For relaxation after an active day, guests can visit the Spa at Chaa Creek and select from a wide range of exotic treatments by our highly trained staff. Additionally, our guests can opt to have a massage on their private sundeck verandahs for a truly tranquil and extraordinary sensory experience. Even the most laid back of our visitors will find that an hour or so at the spa puts them in the perfect state of body and mind to enhance their stay at Chaa Creek. Although Chaa Creek is the ideal place to relax in beautiful, tranquil surroundings, guests are encouraged to take part in a wide range of daily activities including walking, mountain biking and horseback riding along miles of private reserve trails. Other on-site activities include bird watching, swimming, canoeing, and guided tours of the Natural History Centre, Butterfly Farm, archaeological sites and the nearby Rainforest Medicinal Trail. Canoeing - You may rent a canoe for exploring the Macal River. Take a trip upstream, paddling up as far as you wish before leisurely drifting back to Chaa Creek. Then there's the downstream option of paddling and floating to San Ignacio for approximately two hours. Tie up near the historic Hawkesworth Bridge where we'll pick you up for the drive back to the lodge. Our concierge will advise you on what to bring, best times to leave and sights along the way. Hiking - Chaa Creek has a picturesque trail network that will take you to many different areas of our 330-acre forest reserve. All of the trails are numbered as shown on our trail map. Birds and wildlife abound, and you can visit some of the reserve's archaeological sites. For your comfort we suggest hiking boots or tennis shoes and sunscreen or a cap. Horseback Riding - Riding is offered in the morning and afternoons. Organized trail rides through the Chaa Creek Reserve can be arranged with our concierge. The ride is approximately two and a half hours long and is accompanied by a guide who will point out the rainforest features, including archaeological sites and a view of the ancient city of Xunantunich. Natural History Centre and Butterfly Farm - An enjoyable walk from the cottages, both centers feature educational tours offered every hour by trained naturalist guides. The Natural History Centre and Butterfly Farm provide a casual, enjoyable learning experience for guests of all ages. Swimming - What better way to cool off than by swimming in the pristine Macal River? With no dangerous animals and plenty of birds, it's a delightful, refreshing experience. Nature Walks - Guided bird watching tours and educational nature walks are offered every morning and evening by our naturalist guides. Mountain Bikes - You may wish to encounter Belize's diverse terrain and colorful cultures on a mountain bike. Chaa Creek has a rental fleet of well-maintained TREK 950 bikes. Venture out on your own or join a guided tour and explore the exotic tropical environment. Maya ruins, rural villages, and jungle trails make your experience educational and fulfilling. Tours - We offer inclusive two to seven day Expedition Packages. They include on-site activities as well as tours of Tikal, Xunantunich and Cahal Pech Maya Temple sites; the Chumpiate Cave on the Vaca Plateau; a full day excursion to the Mountain Pine Ridge waterfalls, swimming holes and Maya ceremonial caves. Tours are also available ala cart for guests not booked on Expedition Packages. Spa Activities - After an active day on the reserve or touring local sites, guests can come back for a world-class spa experience. The Spa at Chaa Creek offers a variety of services including message therapies, facials, body wraps and scrubs, and hydro and aroma therapies. Experience the best of Belize, while enjoying our 330-acre Rainforest Reserve and one of Belize's premier coastal destinations. The all-inclusive packages below include a week of touring Maya sites, the Belize Zoo, and snorkeling or diving the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Squadrons of brilliantly coloured parrots fly overhead, the distinct hoot of a Blue-crowned Mot-mot sounds in the distance and the fragrance of frangipani blossom welcomes you to the award winning Lodge at Chaa Creek. Cradled between the steep forested slopes of the Macal River Valley, Chaa Creek offers a wide range of on-site activities and is the perfect location for adventurous getaways. The relaxed atmosphere and elegant sense of style, stimulates you to unwind slowly to the rhythms of nature. DINING/RESTARUANTS: Type: Vacation Rental Beach Location: Off Beach (Tropical Setting) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Belize/chaacreek/hotel/327/3/ Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:16:55 EST